The Courtesy Rules Of Blindness

          When you meet me don't be ill at ease. It will help both of us if you remember these simple points of courtesy:

1. I'm an ordinary person, just blind. You don't need to raise your voice or address me as if I were a child. Don't ask my spouse whether  I want--"Cream in
the coffee?"--ask me.

2. I may use a long white cane or a guide dog to walk independently; or I may ask to take your arm. Let me decide, and please don't grab my arm; let me
take yours. I'll keep a half-step behind to anticipate curbs and steps.

3. I want to know who's in the room with me. Speak when you enter. Introduce me to the others including children, and tell me if there's a cat or dog.

4. The door to a room or cabinet or to a car that is left partially open is a hazard to me.

5. At dinner I will not have trouble with ordinary table skills.

6. Don't avoid words like "see." I use them too. I'm always glad to see you.

7. I don't want pity, but don't talk about the "wonderful compensations" of blindness. My sense of smell, taste, touch or hearing did not improve when I
became blind, I rely on them more and, therefore, may get more information through those senses than you do--that's all.

8. If I'm your houseguest, show me the bathroom, closet, dresser, window--the light switch too. I like to know whether the lights are on or off.

9. I'll discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but it's an old story to me. I have as many other interests as you do.

10. Don't think of me as just a blind person. I'm just a person who happens to be blind.

11. You don't need to remember some "politically correct" term, "visually impaired", "sight challenged" etc. Keep it simple and honest, just say blind.