You scanned a Boldly Unseen statement Good. Let’s talk about the stare.
STARING DOESN’T HELP. A HELLO DOES.
A hello makes room for a person. A stare can make them feel on display.
Someone might notice you staring. They might hear you talking about them, feel everyone go quiet, or realise you’re asking the person beside them questions about them.
People’s sight differs. You cannot work out what someone sees just by watching them, or decide that staring doesn’t count because you think they won’t notice.
Curious? Fair enough.
You might have spotted a cane, glasses, a phone held close or a way of moving that is new to you. It’s okay to want to understand. The person you’re looking at still deserves to get on with their day without becoming a public lesson.
Start with the ordinary things: say hello if you would say hello to anyone else. Speak to them, not over them. If you think they might need help, ask before stepping in.
And if you’ve got a question about blindness that a stranger shouldn’t have to answer while buying a sandwich? That’s what this page is for.
The bit to remember
You can be curious without making someone feel on display.
Look closer at the assumption. Give the person some space.
Keep looking closer
- Read: “You don’t look blind”
- Read: How to offer help
- Hear from people who live it: Real Voices
Want to wear the question?
Explore the statements and choose a message that feels right for you.