Guiding
Guiding techniques are designed to enable a person who has low vision to move through the environment safely and efficiently with the assistance of a guide.
Good communication is the key to being a good guide. A responsible guide will let the person know what is happening around them by using precise language, avoiding potential hazards and walking at a comfortable pace.
Initial contact and grid
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If guiding is required, the guide can make contact with the person by touching the back of the person’s hand with the back of their own hand. The person will hold the guide’s arm just above the elbow. |
Position
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The guide should hold their arm relaxed at their side. The person being guided should not stand beside the guide. They should stay one step behind the guide, keeping their own arm close to their side. |
Narrow spaces
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Be sure to tell the person being guided if you are approaching a narrow space. The person being guided will step behind in single file. In this case it may be easier for the person to grip the guide’s wrist. |
Changing sides
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Sometimes it is necessary to change sides. After informing the person of the need to change sides, it may be safest to stop. The person being guided will place their free hand on the guide’s back, releasing their original grip. The person being guided then trails their hand across the guide’s back until reaching the guide’s other arm. |
Doors
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Let the person being guided know when you are approaching a closed door and explain which way it opens. Where possible, it will be easier to place the person on the same side as the door hinges. The guide opens the door with their free hand. Walking forward, the guide grips the door handle. The person slides their free hand down the guide’s arm to locate the handle and closes the door. |
Stairs and kerbs
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Inform the person when you reach the kerb or stairs and also whether they go up or down. If there is a handrail and the person wishes to use it, you may need to change sides. The guide stops at the edge. The person moves forward to find the edge of the first step. When both are ready, the guide goes one step ahead. The guide walks at the pace most comfortable for the person they are guiding. The guide lets the person know when they have reached the landing, the top or the bottom of the stairs. |
Getting into a car
Ask the person if they need help with getting into the car. Explain which way the car is facing and find out where they would like to sit. If help is needed, the guide places their hand on the door handle and the person runs their hand down the guide’s arm to locate the handle. The person opens the door and may use their free hand to touch the edge of the car roof. This may help the person avoid bumping his or her head. Alternatively, the guide may open the door and show the person the top of the door frame and the car roof.
Getting into a chair
Start by letting the person know about the chair, the position and the type of chair and its relation to the surroundings such as a table. Tell them which part of the chair they will contact first. The guide places their guiding hand on the chair. The person slides their grip hand down the guide’s arm on the chair. With their other hand, the person can feel the chair and seat themselves.
Giving directions
Use accurate directions such as right or left. Use the clock face positioning such as “your drink is at 10 o’clock” or the direction “in front of” or “behind”.