How much assistance does a blind person need? The Disability Dilemma!

Helping blind or disabled people can be a wonderful way to support them daily and encourage them to explore their independence. However, no matter how well-intentioned our assistance is, there may be a risk of doing too much. It is imperative for special people to keep practicing their skills daily to retain them and be as independent for as long as possible.. Therefore, it's essential to strike a balance between aiding and enabling independence. 


Blind School Children in India walking



Here are some tips for doing just that:


  1. Ask for their preference: Start by asking the person how they would like to be helped and what kind of assistance they need. This will give them control over the situation and make them feel respected. Try to provide them with some time to attempt the task on their own before jumping in with help.
  2. Offer support, not control: Offer support, but let the person make their own decisions. For example, guide a blind person to a door, but let them open it themselves. If the said door is one they frequent, then give them verbal instructions and let them find their own way. Soon they will have memorized the steps and will no longer need you to take them to the door physically.
  3. Encourage self-reliance: Encourage the person to do as much as they can on their own and provide assistance only when needed. This will help them build confidence and independence.
  4. Be patient: People with disabilities may need more time to complete tasks. Be patient and understanding and allow them to work at their own pace like everyone else they will make mistakes. This is the time to help them clean up and encourage them patiently not to give up. Remember, disabled people are susceptible to tone of voice and deminer so any show of frustration through body language or tone of voice can discourage them on their journey of independence.
  5. Avoid talking down to them: Treat the person with dignity and respect and avoid talking down to them or making assumptions about their abilities.
  6. Provide accessible resources: Ensure that any resources you provide, such as information or tools, are accessible to the person. For example, provide audio descriptions or Braille labels for blind individuals.

old blind woman being helped to sign a document


By following these guidelines, you can help blind or disabled individuals explore their independence while still providing them with the support they need. You can help them lead fulfilling and meaningful life by empowering them to be self-sufficient.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top Apps for the Visually Impaired/Blind: Navigating the World with Technology

Image
For those who are visually impaired, navigating the world around them can be a daunting task. Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, there are now several apps that can help people who are blind, have low vision, or are visually impaired to navigate their surroundings with ease.  These apps provide assistance with daily tasks such as identifying objects, reading labels, or getting directions. In this article, we will explore the top apps available on both iOS and Android that can assist people with visual impairment. From live video calls to artificial intelligence, these apps offer a range of features to help people with visual impairment lead a more independent and fulfilling life.  Here are some of the top apps available on both iOS and Android that can assist people with visual impairment: Be My Eyes (iOS, Android) - Be My Eyes connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers who can provide visual assistance through live video calls. This app is an excelle
Read more

Making Mathematics Accessible for the Visually Impaired

Image
Mathematics is a fundamental subject that provides a framework for problem-solving and critical thinking. For blind people, mathematics can be especially helpful in understanding the world around them and making informed decisions.  Here are some of the important areas where mathematics is essential for blind people: Science:  Mathematics is a fundamental subject in science, and blind people can benefit from understanding concepts such as measurements, equations, and formulas. In a study by the National Science Foundation, visually impaired students who received training in math and science were more likely to pursue higher education and employment opportunities in STEM fields. Understanding science provides one with the tools necessary for developing critical thinking skills. Being able to manipulate numbers influences the ability to navigate the world and can result in better decision-making. For example, visually impaired individuals can use mathematical concepts to understand meas
Read more

Unlocking Potential: Solutions for Visually Impaired Children's Social Emotional Needs

Image
Introduction Visual impairment can profoundly impact a child's social and emotional wellbeing, as it affects their ability to participate in activities, form relationships, and interact with the world around them. This article will explore the challenges visually impaired children face and provide practical solutions to support their social and emotional wellbeing. Challenges faced by visually impaired children Isolation and Loneliness: One of the biggest challenges faced by visually impaired children is isolation and loneliness, as they may struggle to form meaningful relationships with their peers. They may feel left out in social situations and find it difficult to join in with group activities. Imagine navigating a party or going to a restaurant without being able to understand your surroundings. Young people can easily get overwhelmed and may opt for a more solitary life in order to avoid stress. Over time This can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Access to in
Read more