Socialising

A Guide to help interaction between sighted and unsighted people By Anne Sunman  

Unsighted

"I wish I could get up and go and talk to someone"

"Is it OK for me to join in the conversation on my right, I don't think I know the people?"

"Why doesn't one of my family come and help me out?"

"I would love to go and get myself another cuppa".

Sighted

"Should I talk to that blind person, what would I say?"

"What will they like to talk about?"

I don't suppose they'll know about that best seller"

Summary of some thoughts which went through my mind at a recent family christening, my first real social event since going blind two years ago.I considered on the way home if these feelings were peculiar to me. Surely not! This in fact was confirmed by discussing with a few others with visual impairment, carers and helpers, and my own family and friends.

Socialising is a two way thing and therefore the sighted and unsighted must help each other. It is possible the sighted ones feel unsure how to handle a blind person.

I hope the following suggestions may help some people in future and make all social occasions more enjoyable and less stressful for all.

For The Sighted

•  Greet the VIP with a few words and a touch. Introduce to others where possible including children.

•  Describe and discuss items you know to be of interest.

•  OR find areas of common interest.

•  Don't talk down to the person.

•  Compliment on clothing of VIP and/or their children can lead into chat.

•  Many hobbies and pastimes are followed by blind people. Find out what the VIP is interested in.you may get a surprise!

•  Ask about children or grandchildren, most people love to talk about the youngsters

For the Unsighted

•  Discuss your needs with immediate family and friends before social events. This can perhaps ensure two people can share the liaison with you re food, loo visits, etc.

•  Liaise on seating arrangements where applicable so you are not left sitting at the end of a table feeling out of it or in other areas where you may feel uncomfortable.

•  Ask a sighted person to describe things e.g. décor, cake, gardens or anything that may be of common interest.

•  Compliment person on feel of their outer garment. May be a good start to two ladies discussing clothing and fashion. This could also take in children's clothes.

A blind person cannot judge a situation through eye contact and body language like the sighted person. Please try to have an empathy with this.

The sighted person may have never met a blind person. Please try to help them.

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