Rules of Engagement

While walking one day you see a man standing at an intersection holding a white cane.  Does he need assistance?  Is he okay?  How does he know where he’s going?

ASK HIM!  Just walk up, tap him on the shoulder and say in your normal tone of voice “Do you need any assistance? Are you okay?”  He may say “No thank you, I’m fine”.  That’s okay, it’s his choice.  He may ask you to let him know when the street is clear to walk.  He may ask if he is aligned to go to a certain location.  Or he may ask you to assist him across the street.

If he does ask you to assist him across the street do not grab him by the arm and start walking!  Instead, put your arm closer to his hand so he can find it and allow him to hold on to you.  He will place his hand above your elbow.  Hold your arm in a natural way – don’t bend it like you are escorting him to prom!  Once you are across the street he may let go and tell you thank you.  Or he could ask you for more assistance such as: what block are you two on, how close are you to a certain location or would you mind guiding him to a certain location.

If the gentleman was deaf-blind (has a hearing loss and vision loss) he could have a communication card asking for assistance.  This card would tell you what assistance he was wanting and how to communicate with him.  Again, don’t just grab him by the arm and start walking, read the card and follow the directions.  He may use written communication or he may point in the direction he needs to go.  Again, place your arm near his and allow him to hold your arm.

If you are in your car and you see someone with a white cane wanting to cross the street, do not honk your horn at him/her.  First off, the person will not know if the horn is attended for him/her, if it means go or if it means get out of the way.

Just remember, treat the person with the respect and dignity and you’ll both go far.