The start of a new year is full of good intentions, but in public spaces, those intentions can sometimes come out clumsily. Many blind and partially sighted people have stories about being grabbed, steered, or “helped” in ways that feel more stressful than supportive. Knowing this, we’ve put together some tips for how to help a blind or partially sighted person in a way that is actually useful.
The good news is that most awkwardness disappears with one simple shift: ask first, and listen to the answer.
Start with a normal human introduction
If you think someone might need a hand, begin with your voice, not your hands. A quick “Hi, I’m here if you’d like any help,” gives the other person control over what happens next. RNIB’s guidance is clear: ask, rather than assuming, and don’t disappear without saying you’re leaving.
Don’t grab, steer, or take over
This is the big one. Even well-meaning guidance can feel alarming when it comes out of nowhere. If someone says yes to help, ask what would be useful: directions, finding a door, locating a seat, or walking together for a short stretch.
If someone wants guiding, offer your arm
The standard “sighted guide” approach is not you holding them. It’s them holding you. RNIB recommends allowing the person to take your arm, and walking at a pace that suits them. If you’re guiding someone to a seat, place their hand on the back of the chair so they can orient themselves.
If this is something you want to do confidently in everyday life, Guide Dogs also offers sighted guide training so people can learn good technique without guesswork.
Say what you’re doing, as you do it
A small running commentary can be genuinely helpful: “We’re coming up to a curb,” “The door opens towards us,” “There’s a step down.” It is not about over-explaining. It is about preventing surprises.
The most respectful help is specific
Try swapping vague offers (“Are you alright?”) for specific ones (“Would you like me to read the platform number?” or “Do you want me to point you towards the ticket office?”). Specific offers make it easier to accept help without feeling like a burden.
A final thought
Helping well isn’t about doing the most. It’s about doing the right amount and leaving the person in control. The best support feels calm, ordinary, and respectful, because it treats the other person as the expert in their own life.
