This video shows how to guide a young person with a visual impairment.
Key points:
- When guiding, say the person's name and say your name.
- The person with the visual impairment should take the guider's arm, rather than the other way round. It also gives them more control – they can let go if they don't feel comfortable or if they feel unsafe.
- When ready to guide, offer your arm and say: "Would you like to take my arm?"
- Put your elbow in next to their arm. The guided person will hold above your elbow with a pincer grip.
- What is the pincer grip? The pincer grip is the same grip you would use to hold a cup.
- For younger children, start off by holding their hands.
- The guider should hold their arm closer to their body, This gives maximum safety to the person being guided.
- When guiding, the person being guided should be half a step behind you. It is important to walk at their pace.
- It is important for the guide to pause before coming to a stop to allow the guided to anticipate the change in place.
Children and young people with a visual impairment can really benefit from sighted guide assistance so they can be safe and take in information about their environment and surroundings.
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