I hope that I didn’t complain too much in my post of last
week. In point of fact, I encounter many people who do know how to approach
someone who is blind or visually impaired. This past week, I met several of them.
On Saturday, Lyle and I flew to Winnipeg to visit our family
there. My first encounter with someone who knew how to do the right thing was
at the Winnipeg Airport. We had come down a set of escalators almost beside the
baggage carousel. Lyle told me to walk
forward a few steps out of the way and wait while he retrieved our suitcase. I
stood as he directed and was a little surprised when I felt a little touch on
my upper arm and a kind gentleman asked if I needed any assistance. He had seen
my white cane and I was obviously standing alone. I appreciated the offer even
though I knew that Lyle would return very soon. On our return on Tuesday, I had
a similar experience when the Air Canada flight attendant touched my shoulder
to ask if I knew the location of the emergency exits. This light touch is very
helpful in figuring out if I am the one being spoken to. Of course, if you know
me, addressing me by name is an even better clue!
If I have identified myself either by the use of my white
cane or sometimes with a badge that I wear indicating that I am someone with
low vision, I am always grateful for
offers of assistance. Most times I am able to decline the offer (hopefully graciously)
and continue on my way. However, there are other times when I am only too glad
to accept the offer of assistance. It is after all one of the reasons I am
using the cane in the first place.
Then today, while I was out walking, I heard a noise in
front of me. Then I heard a female voice calling out a friendly hello. The
voice also said that she was coming towards me and passing me on my right.
(Actually, she first said on my left but then corrected herself.) This was
really helpful. Just minutes before, someone else had passed me by, coming from
the same direction. This person didn’t indicate his/her approach and he/she was
beside me before I knew there was anyone there. I nearly fell off the sidewalk
in surprise. Whoops! I have just remembered that I am trying to tell you about
people who do it right, but perhaps you get the idea.
These are all small
matters to be sure but doing things right can make a difference in the small
matters of daily living for someone who is blind or partially sighted. If you know
someone who has a vision impairment and you aren’t sure what is the right thing
for you to do, the simplest thing to do is to ask.
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