12 Tips to Relate with Visually Impaired Persons:

1. Except for not being able to see, we are just another human being like you. We work, we play, we study. We share similar interests with you.

2. Feel free to come and interact with us. You will probably have to make the first move as we can't see you. Introduce yourself and take it from there. It is also not necessary to offer us a seat each time you meet us.

3. Speak in a natural, conversational tone. It is not necessary to speak loudly. We may be visually impaired but are not hard of hearing.

4. Address us by name when possible, especially in crowded places so we know you are talking to us.

5. Address us personally and not through someone else.

6. Greet us when we enter the room so that we know you are present.

7. At the end of a conversation, inform us when you are leaving so that we will not be talking to air.

8. Feel free to use words that refer to vision. Such as "see," "look" and "watch". And remember: we are not insulted by the term "blind."

9. If you are serving as our guide, do not leave us in the middle of nowhere or in wide open spaces.

10. Be calm and clear about what to do if you see us encountering a dangerous situation. Use clear phrases like: "Stop, there is a drain," or "Turn right."

11. Ask, if you think we need help. Don't assume that you should. Don't feel rejected either, if we turn down your offer. Rejoice instead that we can make it on our own.

12. When offering assistance, never take us by the arm, pull us by our sleeve or by our white cane. By offering your arm instead, we can follow slightly behind and anticipate changes.