What is proper etiquette when meeting a blind person?

Answer 1

Blind people use all of their other senses (smell, taste, audio and touch.) When approaching a blind person treat them as you would anyone else. Most blind people get around quite well and now crosswalks on most city streets have a sound to let a pedestrian know they can cross the road. If you wish to help the person navigate ask first! Sometimes blind people prefer to be totally independent while others may welcome the help. You can also say 'watch your step ... it's a big one!' If eating at a restaurant ask them if you could help them select their order. If the have a Seeing Eye Dog then ask their permission to pet the dog. Some blind people prefer people don't pet the dog because they are highly trained not to be distracted. Blind people's hearing, smell, taste and touch are much keener than a person that can see because they rely on their other four senses to take over. Example: A blind person may recognize a male by their cologne or a woman by her perfume. Some blind people may ask if they can trace your face with their fingers (get an idea of what you look like) but this action is generally only used if the blind person has made a new friend or is going out with the opposite sex.