Communicating With a Blind Person

Principles and Guidelines

• When meeting blind persons, tell them who you are.
• Be at ease and talk directly to them.
• Blind people can carry on a normal conversation. Use a normal speaking voice.
• It's all right to use the words "look" and "see." Blind people use these words regularly.
• If they look like they need assistance, always ask first. Don't impose your help on them. Many blind people try to live as independently as possible.
• If a blind person has a guide dog, always ask permission before petting it. Don't distract the dog without the owner's knowledge.
• Relax and be comfortable. Blind people want to be comfortable with you. In most cases they are happy to have a visit.
• Don't treat them like children unless they are children.
• Treat mature, intelligent blind adults, as such.

Conversation Tips

   Here are some things that will help spark a lively conversation. Remember the word FORT may be helpful.

• Family: Everyone loves to talk about family. Ask about children and grandchildren. How old are they? Where do they live? Ask about their spouse. Ask about relatives living in the area.
• Occupation: Ask about their jobs, if they are working. If blindness interrupted a career, ask what kind of work they did.
• Recreation: Ask about hobbies. Blind people enjoy hobbies. What do they like to do for fun?
• Testimony: Ask how they became blind. They will tell you their stories and you will make a connection with them. You may ask if they have a church of their own. If not, invite them to yours. Offer to pray with them before you leave.

Making a Visit

   The blind people you will be visiting receive Braille, large print, or cassette books and magazines from Christian Record regularly. Some have attended our summer and winter camps for the blind. Many of them are already familiar with Christian Record. So when you identify yourself as a Christian Record volunteer, it will open the door to conversation.

• The blind person will have received a letter from us informing them that you are a CRS volunteer. They should be expecting your visit.
• Introduce yourself as a volunteer with Christian Record Services. If you are visiting in person, offer to show your ID card. Say you are just coming by to visit and to see how they are enjoying their services (magazines, books, etc). You may even want to call first and make an appointment.
• Ask what kind of services they are receiving from Christian Record and if they enjoy them.
• Ask if they have any prayer requests. If your church has a prayer ministry, let them know your church will pray for their requests and concerns.
• Ask if they have a church to go to. If they don't, invite them to your church. Be willing to provide or arrange for transportation if they accept your invitation.

Download the booklet At Ease with the Blind.