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Everything we do involves communication. It is essential to our survival. We start communicating before we are even born through our movements or 'kicks'.
Everything we do involves communication. It is essential to our survival. We start communicating before we are even born through our movements or 'kicks'.
From birth onwards we develop our communications skills through making noises such as crying, and laughing, talking, touch, movement, visual methods such as images, film and art.
Having less access to any one of our communications methods will influence how we give and receive information.
In its most basic terms communication aims to give another person a message accurately in a format that they understand. It may be direct and clear such as through words, a look, touch, or sound for example. It may also be subtle and indirect such as through our behaviour, our body language, gestures etc. How we chose to communicate is powerful. We process the information, impact, tone, and intention at a conscious and unconscious level. It can influence how others perceive us and how we act and react in a situation.
What about the words we are using? Do they match that of the individual we are communicating with? How do they refer to themselves? Is it a person with sight loss, or some other descriptor.
Communication is also not a one-off event - its significance and meaning can depend on the context of other, related communications. If you constantly hear you cannot do it, you are more likely to believe that message.
Top Tips
Top Tips
So what things can help when communicating with someone who has sight loss?
Below are things to look at:
Say hello and the person's name as you approach
Introduce yourself and anyone else who is with you. Ask if the person wants a brief description of what you look like
Ask. Never assume that someone needs your help or that you know what they want
Ask if they want you to stand in a particular place. For example some people with peripheral vision prefer not to look directly at you.
Try to avoid using mainly non verbal communications, such as pointing, gesturing or nodding your head. They may not be able to see what you are doing.
Look at the person when talking to them, not their guide dog or someone who is with them
Be more descriptive rather than just pointing and saying 'if you see here' or 'if you compare this to that' etc
Do not worry about using phrases like 'did you see the film last night' or 'will you be watching the game' - be relaxed around language
Do not be afraid to ask questions. There are NO SILLY QUESTIONS
Assistive technology for people with sight loss can include software such as screen readers and screen magnifiers.
It can even include smartphone apps. Platforms such as Google and Microsoft have accessibility features built into them.
Assistive technology for people with sight loss can include software such as screen readers and screen magnifiers.
It can even include smartphone apps. Platforms such as Google and Microsoft have accessibility features built into them.
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