2. Communication strategies with visually impaired people

Some visually impaired people can partly use their eyesight at least in interpersonal communication, while blind people can not.

Most visually impaired perons use corrective and compensatory aids (strong glasses, magnifying glasses, etc.); however, depending on the intensity of their impariment, we must take into account that they still are not able to visually capture everything what others can see. Therefore they may no longer register correctly our gestures and facial expressions, as well as all distant subjects which we should describe to them in details.

When meeting people with severe low vision (or a blind), it is appropriate to say hello and touch the person lightly (preferably on his/her forearm), so that the person was sure that we were talking to her/him and he/she was able to locate more accurately our position. We must let him/her know if we are leaving, as well!

During our conversation, the light should fall on our face, so that visually impaired person can better follow our gestures and facial expressions (and not to be dazzled by direct light at the same time).

When writing in communication, it is necessary to use strong contrasts (dark marker with strong footprint on white paper), and it is recommended to write on rather large print.

Communicating effectively 
According to "Vision Australia (https://www.visionaustralia.org/information/family-friends-carers/communicating-effectively)

When speaking with a person who is blind or has low vision, be yourself and act naturally. You should also consider the following tips:
  • Identify yourself - don't assume the person will recognise you by your voice.
  • Speak naturally and clearly. Loss of eyesight does not mean loss of hearing.
  • Continue to use body language. This will affect the tone of your voice and give a lot of extra information to the person who is vision impaired.
  • Use everyday language. Don't avoid words like "see" or "look" or talking about everyday activities such as watching TV or videos.
  • Name the person when introducing yourself or when directing conversation to them in a group situation.
  • Never channel conversation through a third person.
  • In a group situation, introduce the other people present.
  • Never leave a conversation with a person without saying so.
  • Use accurate and specific language when giving directions. For example, "the door is on your left", rather than "the door is over there".
  • Avoid situations where there is competing noise.
  • Always ask first to check if help is needed.
  • Relax and be yourself.