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her partner. And she should be attentive to the path ahead
reacting with adequate time to allow for both herself and the
partner to avoid any problems. As a sighted guide, you can give
verbal information regarding the surroundings and you can give
your partner information through body movement
DEMONSTRATION OF GUIDE AND TRAVELER
POSITIONING
The grip should be somewhat relaxed, but firm with the thumb
on the outside of the arm just above the elbow and fingers
should touch the elbow bone.
WALKING WITH A GUIDE SHOWING THE GRIP
The guide and traveler should travel smoothly as a unit when
moving along even in a crowd. Try to establish a pace that is
easy for you both to maintain. And as a sighted guide, you
should try to demonstrate consistent non-verbal communication
with your arm positions and all other motions. The guide and
traveler should keep arms bent at 90 degrees with upper arm
against the side of body. This will make it easier to maintain
consistency of movement.
NEGOTIATING DOORS
The student positions her free arm in the upper forearm
protective position and reaches forward slowly to assist with
the door. If the door is opening on the opposite side of the
student's free hand, the guide should indicate in advance, to
allow the student to switch sides.
SWITCHING SIDES
It is sometimes necessary to switch sides while walking with a
guide for comfort or safety. The student extends arm of free
hand and moves across the guides lower back to the other arm
and then follows.
ACCEPTING AND RESISTING ASSISTANCE
THE HINES BREAK
Occasionally an inexperienced guide will try to assist a person
by grasping the arm of the visually impaired person and try to
push him/her along, not realizing that she needs to be ahead of
the traveler. The traveler will likely request that you allow her to
grasp your arm instead. This will keep you out in front where
you need to be since you are the sighted guide.
AUDITORIUM
When going into a theater or auditorium the guide stops at a
row of seats and the partner and guide stand side by side
facing the same direction, hopefully toward the stage! The
guide then side steps to enter the row. Stay close to the seat in
front to avoid stepping on or tripping over those who are seated
behind you. The guide should stop next to the seat that is clear
for the partner so that the partner is in front of his/her own
seat. The partner can now release her grip and locate the seat
with back of her knees and clear the seat with her hand before
sitting down. When exiting the row, the guide goes first to lead
partner side stepping out of the row.
NEGOTIATING STAIRS
As the stairs are approached, the guide can inform a partner
verbally of the upcoming step or steps. The guide and partner
maintain the standard position. The guide should pause at the
first and last steps as an indication to the partner. The partner
remains one step behind while traversing the stairs. If the
partner is using a cane, he should maintain the diagonal
technique for descending and a vertical position for ascending
and should not interfere with the guide's movements.
NARROW PASSAGE
The guide should move her arm behind and diagonally across
her lower back toward the opposite thigh. The arm should now
be bent but should be held straight. The traveler should follow
the guide’s arm movement, modifying his arm position by
extending his arm so as not to step on the guide’s heels. Guide
returns her arm to the regular position after area has been
negotiated.
Offering and Accepting Assistance
Occasionally a visually impaired person who is otherwise
independent will need the assistance of a sighted guide such as
when they are in an unfamiliar crowded area or when crossing
an unruly area of traffic. A visually impaired person will
generally try to locate someone to assist her. Often a sighted
individual will offer the assistance to a visually impaired person
gripping the persons arm as though to push them ahead. The
visually impaired person will usually ask you to allow her to grip
your arm so as to allow you to guide her while traveling a step
ahead.
Negotiating Doorways
Be sure to let your traveler know which way the door opens.
reacting with adequate time to allow for both herself and the
partner to avoid any problems. As a sighted guide, you can give
verbal information regarding the surroundings and you can give
your partner information through body movement
DEMONSTRATION OF GUIDE AND TRAVELER
POSITIONING
The grip should be somewhat relaxed, but firm with the thumb
on the outside of the arm just above the elbow and fingers
should touch the elbow bone.
WALKING WITH A GUIDE SHOWING THE GRIP
The guide and traveler should travel smoothly as a unit when
moving along even in a crowd. Try to establish a pace that is
easy for you both to maintain. And as a sighted guide, you
should try to demonstrate consistent non-verbal communication
with your arm positions and all other motions. The guide and
traveler should keep arms bent at 90 degrees with upper arm
against the side of body. This will make it easier to maintain
consistency of movement.
NEGOTIATING DOORS
The student positions her free arm in the upper forearm
protective position and reaches forward slowly to assist with
the door. If the door is opening on the opposite side of the
student's free hand, the guide should indicate in advance, to
allow the student to switch sides.
SWITCHING SIDES
It is sometimes necessary to switch sides while walking with a
guide for comfort or safety. The student extends arm of free
hand and moves across the guides lower back to the other arm
and then follows.
ACCEPTING AND RESISTING ASSISTANCE
THE HINES BREAK
Occasionally an inexperienced guide will try to assist a person
by grasping the arm of the visually impaired person and try to
push him/her along, not realizing that she needs to be ahead of
the traveler. The traveler will likely request that you allow her to
grasp your arm instead. This will keep you out in front where
you need to be since you are the sighted guide.
AUDITORIUM
When going into a theater or auditorium the guide stops at a
row of seats and the partner and guide stand side by side
facing the same direction, hopefully toward the stage! The
guide then side steps to enter the row. Stay close to the seat in
front to avoid stepping on or tripping over those who are seated
behind you. The guide should stop next to the seat that is clear
for the partner so that the partner is in front of his/her own
seat. The partner can now release her grip and locate the seat
with back of her knees and clear the seat with her hand before
sitting down. When exiting the row, the guide goes first to lead
partner side stepping out of the row.
NEGOTIATING STAIRS
As the stairs are approached, the guide can inform a partner
verbally of the upcoming step or steps. The guide and partner
maintain the standard position. The guide should pause at the
first and last steps as an indication to the partner. The partner
remains one step behind while traversing the stairs. If the
partner is using a cane, he should maintain the diagonal
technique for descending and a vertical position for ascending
and should not interfere with the guide's movements.
NARROW PASSAGE
The guide should move her arm behind and diagonally across
her lower back toward the opposite thigh. The arm should now
be bent but should be held straight. The traveler should follow
the guide’s arm movement, modifying his arm position by
extending his arm so as not to step on the guide’s heels. Guide
returns her arm to the regular position after area has been
negotiated.
Offering and Accepting Assistance
Occasionally a visually impaired person who is otherwise
independent will need the assistance of a sighted guide such as
when they are in an unfamiliar crowded area or when crossing
an unruly area of traffic. A visually impaired person will
generally try to locate someone to assist her. Often a sighted
individual will offer the assistance to a visually impaired person
gripping the persons arm as though to push them ahead. The
visually impaired person will usually ask you to allow her to grip
your arm so as to allow you to guide her while traveling a step
ahead.
Negotiating Doorways
Be sure to let your traveler know which way the door opens.
