Visual

A visual disability is a disability that affects a person’s ability to see.

THINGS TO KNOW
Persons with a visual disability

  • may have some vision i.e., shadows, light, etc.
  • often appreciates questions in regard to offering assistance and/or gaining information.


THINGS TO DO
When ministering to a person with a visual disability,

  • identify yourself when you approach the person.
  • introduce new people as they approach the person.
  • touch the person’s arm lightly when you speak so that he or she knows you are speaking to him or her.
  • face the person and speak directly to him or her.
  • use a normal tone of voice
  • don’t leave without saying you are leaving.
  • give specific direction and point out obstacles in the path of travel.
  • use clock cues i.e., the door is at 12 o’clock.
  • alert the person regarding posted information.


THINGS NOT TO DO
When ministering to a person with a visual disability,

  • do not pet or otherwise distract a guide dog unless the owner has given you permission.
  • do not speak loud to the blind person unless you know there is a hearing disability.
  • do not insist on helping if your offer is declined.
  • do not tap the person on one shoulder (left) and then switch your position and speak to them from another position (right).


THINGS NOT TO SAY
The following terms are negative or inappropriate:

  • blind as a bat
  • four-eyes
  • sightless