‘YOU DON’T LOOK BLIND.’

THERE ISN’T A LOOK.

Many blind and partially sighted people have some vision. Some use a cane, some don’t. Some have visible eye differences, many don’t. The way someone dresses, walks, reads or looks at you cannot tell you the full story of their sight.

WHY IT CAN LAND BADLY

You might mean surprise, not harm. But the comment can make a person feel they have to prove their disability before you’ll believe them. Imagine having to explain your eyes to a stranger because you checked a text message.

TRY THIS INSTEAD

If someone tells you they’re blind or partially sighted, take their word for it. If help is relevant, ask: ‘Would you like me to describe it?’ or ‘Would you like a hand?’ Let them tell you what works.

NO POP QUIZ REQUIRED.

Curiosity is welcome. Testing somebody’s vision in public is not. Read more, listen to real people, and keep the conversation respectful.