When speaking with a person who is blind or has low vision, be yourself and act naturally. You should also consider the following tips:
- Identify yourself - don't assume the person will recognise you by your voice.
- Speak naturally and clearly. Loss of eyesight does not mean loss of hearing.
- Continue to use body language. This will affect the tone of your voice and give a lot of extra information to the person who is vision impaired.
- Use everyday language. Don't avoid words like "see" or "look" or talking about everyday activities such as watching TV or videos.
- Name the person when introducing yourself or when directing conversation to them in a group situation.
- Never channel conversation through a third person.
- In a group situation, introduce the other people present.
- Never leave a conversation with a person without saying so.
- Use accurate and specific language when giving directions. For example, "the door is on your left", rather than "the door is over there".
- Avoid situations where there is competing noise.
- Always ask first to check if help is needed.
- Relax and be yourself.