[va-richmond-general] Re: Working with the blnd

Kate,



It certainly doesn't seem that you'll have to reinvent the wheel.  A quick 
internet search using "bird watching" and "visually impaired" yielded a entries 
from around the world.  A few calls to Texas might be in order since their were 
several contacts there.  Below is a short tip sheet I found.



eternally grateful for my contact lenses,



Diane Bumpass





Blind Birders' Tip Sheet

 

For the first time ever, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's "Great Texas 
Birding Classic" is open to the blind and visually impaired.   Texas Commission 
for the Blind estimates there are 547,000 blind and visually impaired people 
around Texas who are potential beneficiaries from participating in birding by 
ear.  This Tip Sheet was prepared by the Rio Grande Valley Blind and Visually 
Impaired Birders (contact information below) to aid two groups of people:

 

  1.. Experienced bird watchers, who want to share their sport with blind and 
visually impaired people, and
  2.. Blind and visually impaired people, who want to benefit from this fun and 
educational outdoor activity.
 

For birdwatchers who have never worked with the blind nor know how to connect 
with them:

 

Organizations that can help you locate blind people near you:

 

  a.. The Texas Commission for the Blind has offices throughout Texas.  Search 
the internet for a TCB office near you, or call Austin Headquarters:  
(512-contact person at TCB; who will that be?)
 

  a.. The Lion's Club is a worldwide organization dedicated to helping the 
blind and visually impaired.  Search the internet, phone directory or call 
_____________________ to speak to _____________________ to locate your local 
chapter.
 

Interacting with a blind individual:

 

  a.. Introduce yourself so the blind person will know your presence.
  b.. Never hesitate to offer your help at any time. 
  c.. Don't be ashamed to use the word "blind" or to make references to seeing; 
it's unavoidable and won't hurt anyone's feelings.
  d.. To get a blind person's attention, call the individual by name.
  e.. It is okay to tap them on the shoulder as a hint to get their attention
  f.. Words like "Hey, Hey you" are not polite and have no meaning for blind 
people.
·         It's important to signal a blind individual when you are done with a 
conversation and when you are pulling away.  (such as "Well. now I will go.")  
Otherwise, they are likely to continue talking believing you are standing 
there.  Very embarrassing. 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking with blind people:

 

  a.. To guide a blind individual, offer your elbow to a blind individual and 
they will use a "glass milk" grip to walk by your side and slightly behind.  
This "glass milk" grab lets the blind person judge for him/herself when you are 
stepping up or down.  
 

  a.. NEVER pull an individual to get them to walk.  It's a very insecure 
feeling to be pushed, rather than led. 
 

  a.. While walking, describe the terrain: open areas; objects, ground, path, 
etc. on the way to reach a designated area.  It is helpful to describe the type 
of path you and the blind person will encounter as you approach them: bricks, 
pebbles, bumpy, uneven surfaces, etc.
 

  a.. When approaching a chair or a bench you can tap on the object loud enough 
for them to hear so that the individual can find it and seat themselves.
 

  a.. When encountering limbs or branches, blind individuals should be notified 
so they can protect their face. The same applies when approaching low-hanging 
objects that could potentially trip them.
 

  a.. When calling a blind person to join you, talk to them ("keep coming"), 
until they reach you. Be as specific as possible ("ten feet further", "walk 
straight", "turn left ninety degrees") 
 

  a.. It is not helpful to call out, "come here", "over there", "turn there", 
etc.(these words don't have meaning to any direction)
 

Birding with the Blind

 

  a.. When observing birds orient the group of blind people in single file and 
facing the same direction. 
 

  a.. Use the hours of the clock to identify the position of a bird's call and 
avoid confusion.  (Example:  Did you hear that at 3 o'clock?")
 

  a.. Describe the bird's colors with references for the colors: "blue as the 
sky," "green as the grass", "yellow as the sun."  This is particularly helpful 
for people who have been blind from birth and have no other frame of reference.
 

  a.. Describe other characteristics of the bird, "small as a mouse" or "as big 
as a chicken."
 

  a.. Detailed descriptions will help individuals to create an image in their 
head (especially those with previous vision; Example: "This is a light brownish 
color large bird with white thin stripes running down its back.")
 

  a.. If you have further questions about working with a blind or visually 
impaired person don't hesitate to ask them. They know that's why you're there 
and want you to feel comfortable learning about us.

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