This document provides guidance for interacting with blind individuals. It recommends calling blind people by name, giving clear instructions when offering assistance, and describing surroundings in detail. It also advises not blocking paths, speaking loudly to blind people, or stopping vehicles where blind people cross. When accompanying a blind person, one should walk half a step in front and inform them when arriving at their destination. Offering help to blind children involves holding their hand or elbow and showing where to sit or the end of stairs.

1. PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND
MEETING BLIND PEOPLE
 When you address a person with vision problems call him by his
name. In this way the blind person is surethat you are talking to
him. If he is accompanied, talk to the blind person about matters
that concern him. Do not talk only to his companion!

2.  Do not block the pavements and the public places with objects
that normally should not be there! For example, do not leave your
cars, motorbikes or boxes on the pavements!
 When you meet a blind person walking alone on the street, think
that it is not always necessary thathe is in need. If you judgethat
he is in need, approach him and ask him politely if he needs help!

3.  Do not speak loud when you chat with someonewith vision
problems!The loss of vision does not involve hearing problems!
 When you drive, stop at the traffic lights before the zebra crossing
and not on it!

4.  If you accompany a blind person, let him catch you over your
elbow while you walk half step in frontof him. When you arriveat
the place fromwhere the blind will go on alone, informhim where
exactly he is!
 When you have to help someonewith eyesight problems, make
sureyou give him clear instructions.!
 If you are asked to describe a route that the blind will follow by
himself , you must be specific. For example, you must say: ‘’Go
straightahead and then turn left on third street, into Asklipiou
Street. The bus station you are looking for is ten metres away
fromthe turning.

5. There are cases where children and young people with vision problems
need to be accompanied. You can offer your help if you are close to
them! Here are somepractical instructions about whatyou can do so
that you and the blind person feel both safeand secure together.
 Kids can hold your two fingers or your thumb!
 Children can hold your elbow or your shoulder. In this way you are
always one step in frontof the child you accompany so that he can
copy your movements!
 When you want to show a blind person whereto sit down, puthis
hand on the back of the chair so that he can find the chair by
himself and sit down!

6.  When you reach stairs, tell the blind person if they go upstairs or
downstairs and show himwhere the handrail is. Stop right after
the last step so that you show the stairs are over!

7.  You can offer your help when you meet a person with vision
problems!
 The convoy is cooperation between you and the blind person!
 Your steps depend on the person you accompany!
 You describethe surroundings in detail!
 You walk near the traffic and you must be very careful!