EVERYDAY QUESTIONS. STRAIGHT ANSWERS.
Short, honest answers to the questions people actually ask about blindness and sight loss, from guide dogs and white canes to TV, gifts and what to say.
What do blind people see?
There is no single answer. Sight loss differs from person to person, and a glimpse of someone’s day cannot tell you what they see.
Can you pet a guide dog?
A working guide dog needs to concentrate. Petting, calling or feeding can distract it, respect the person and the dog.
Can blind people watch TV?
Yes. Audio description, remaining vision and the soundtrack itself all play a part, preferences are individual.
Why a cane only sometimes?
Different situations call for different tools. Occasional cane use isn’t a sight test, respect the tool and the person.
Can you say “see you later”?
Yes, “see you later” and other everyday phrases are generally fine. Speak naturally and take your lead from the person.
Supporting someone with sight loss
Good support starts with asking what somebody wants, practical ideas that help without taking over.
Asking about someone’s sight loss
A practical question can help; curiosity about a stranger’s medical history can stay unasked. When and how to ask, and when not to.
An awareness T-shirt as a gift
A statement T-shirt says something in public, choose it with the wearer, not for them.
How do blind people read?
Braille, screen readers, audiobooks, large print and tactile graphics, the main ways blind and partially sighted people read.
How do blind people get around?
Different people travel in different ways, canes, guide dogs, training, technology and familiar routes.
START WITH THE BASICS
New here? The Understand guides cover the bigger picture, how sight varies, why appearance tells you little and how to offer help well.