Meeting visually impaired people - important do's and don'ts

1. If someone looks as if they need assistance, offer it, but wait for them to accept before you help.
   
2. If you think a visually impaired visitor is on unfamiliar ground and may need assistance, you could say, “Can I offer you an arm?” This will enable you to guide rather than propel or lead the person. Let him/her hold your arm at the most comfortable location for them, usually just above the elbow for a person equal in height to you
   
3. When you first meet a blind person remember to identify yourself, and always talk directly to the person - not through a companion.
   
4. If you are offering a handshake it may not be sufficient to simply hold your hand out in the air. You could say something like: “Shall we shake hands?” so the visually impaired person is aware of the gesture.
   
5. When an offer of a seat has been accepted, you could place the person’s hand on the back or arm of the chair, so they know where it is.
   
6. Avoid touching or moving the person or the person's belongings without warning and/or necessity. Respect each individual's personal space, belongings and independence.
   
7. If you must leave the person alone momentarily, leave him/her within contact of a wall, chair or some other stationary object.
   
8. Leave doors either fully opened or closed, as a door or drawer left partially opened can be dangerous and/or confusing, even for a person with partial sight.
   
9. When you are talking with a person who is visually impaired, don't worry about using words like "see", "look", "watch" and "blind" or phrases like “see you later”- most people who are blind are not offended by these words and use them in their own speech.
   
10. When talking, look directly at the person - if your gaze wanders, your voice follows.
    
11. Use a normal tone of voice - most people who are blind have perfectly normal hearing, so there is no need to raise your voice.
    
12. If talking in a group, remember to say the name of the person you are talking to so the visually impaired person can follow the conversation more easily.
    
13. Remember that a guide dog is a working dog, not a pet, and should be always treated as such. Do not touch, pet, feed or otherwise distract a guide dog without the master's permission, as the person's safety depends upon the attention of the dog.
    
14. Do not leave someone talking to an empty space. Say if you wish to end a conversation or move away.
    
15. Always remember that disabled people are individuals like everyone else. Don’t treat them differently, and don't make assumptions about their abilities or needs.

Braille menus served up in more restaurants

More and more restaurants are producing Braille menus, so that their visually impaired customers can dine out in comfort, with full access to the choices on offer. Imagine eating out, and not being able to browse the menu, and you will immediately start to see the benefits! And don’t forget the wine list…

A2i continues to offer a menu translation service, helping restaurants and pubs to meet their requirements under the DDA. As part of the service, restaurants are added to A2i’s online directory, so that visually impaired people can easily find and browse those venues providing Braille or Large Print menus.

Frankie and Benny’s are the latest restaurant chain to join the popular listing - with Braille menus in all of their outlets around the UK. Why not see if they have any restaurants near you by visiting A2i’s directory.

The directory gives details of loads of restaurants across the UK, and is continually growing as more restaurants realise the importance of serving their visually impaired customers. The North West and East Midlands areas are currently leading the way, with over 35 venues listed in each area.

Susie Fisher from A2i said, “It’s great to see that so many restaurants are making it possible for their visually impaired customers to dine out easily and in comfort. We hope that it will soon become ‘normal’ for restaurants to store at least one Braille and one Large Print menu.”

Many visually impaired people are now enjoying dining out more than ever. As Eddie Davie from Guildford says, “Braille and Large Print menus give you total independence in ordering your meal, so that you are not dependent on others constantly reminding you of items on the menu, and does a tremendous amount for your confidence and self-esteem.”

If you are a restaurant owner interested in providing Braille and Large print menus for your customers visit our website for more information, or call us on 0117 9 70 70 90.

If you would like to see one of your favourite restaurants supplying a Braille or Large print menu nominate them through our website, and we will contact them to discuss their menus on your behalf.

A2i Sponsors Charity Concert near Sheffield

A2i is sponsoring a charity concert organised by the talented flautist, Lois Putt, featuring performances by herself and her pupils. The concert will comprise a whistle-stop tour of classical jazz & folk music, and is in aid of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. To find out more about Lois Putt, go to www.loisflute.com or for tickets call Lois on 0790 663 6643

Tickets 4 (2 conc) inc refreshments
Sat 5th May 6.30pm at Dronfield Civic Hall
For tickets call Lois on 0790 663 6643
www.loisflute.com