'Guiding People with Little or No Sight' Brochure

What is sighted guide?

Sometimes people who are blind or vision impaired find it useful to be guided by a person with sight. One way to do this safely and efficiently is to use sighted guide techniques. Not all people with little or no sight will use these methods, so it is important to ask what (if any) specific assistance a person may require.

Getting started

Ask if assistance is needed. If it is, touch the back of the person's hand with the back of yours. The person should then hold your arm just above the elbow.

Walking

When you start walking make sure the person is half a step behind you and slightly to the side. Walk at a pace that is comfortable for both of you. Look ahead for obstacles, at foot level, head height and to the side.

Narrow spaces

Tell the person you are guiding that a narrow space is ahead. Move your guiding arm towards the centre of your back to indicate that they need to walk behind you. The person should step in behind you while still holding your arm. When you have passed through the narrow space bring your arm back to its usual position by your side.

Changing sides

If you need to change sides with the person you are guiding it is important they do not lose contact with you. This is easiest to achieve if you remain stationary. Allow the person to hold your guiding arm with both of their hands. They can then move one hand to reach your other arm without losing contact.

Doorways

When passing through a doorway, ensure the person who is blind or vision impaired is on the hinged side of the door. As you get close to the door, explain which way it opens. Open the door and walk through, allowing the person you are guiding to pull it closed using their free hand.

Steps and staircases

Stop at the first step and tell the person you are guiding whether the steps go up or down. Change sides if necessary to ensure they can use the handrail.
Start walking when you are both ready, staying one step ahead of the person you are guiding. Stop when you reach the end of the stairs and tell the person you are at the top or bottom.

Seating

Explain which way the chair is facing and where it is placed in relation to the rest of the room. Then walk up and place your guiding arm on the chair and explain which part of the chair you are touching. The person you are guiding can then move their hand down your arm to locate the chair and seat themselves.

Getting into a car

Tell the person which way the car is facing and which door they will be getting into. Place your guiding arm onto the door handle and ask the person to move their hand down your arm. Allow them to open the door and be seated. If the car is unfamiliar to the person, place your arm on the roof so they can follow it and avoid bumping their head. Once seated, allow the person to close the car door.

Describing surroundings

When describing your surroundings try to be specific. Rather than saying, "there is a spare seat to your right," it might be more helpful to say, "the seat next to you, on your right, is occupied but the next seat along is vacant."

This page last updated: 24 August 2007

Copyright © 2007 Vision Australia.