Campaigning for all

Many aspects of social media are very visual, with an emphasis on the sharing of images, photographs and videos. Most social media platforms make it possible for users to add alternative text (alt text) to describe their pictures, so a blind or partially sighted person can hear a summary of what is featured in the image. To make your content accessible it is important that photos and videos are given a description.

Find out how to make your posts accessible on popular social media platforms

Sighted guiding is when someone with sight provides support to someone with a vision impairment to move around. The practical advice and information given here will help you feel confident about guiding people with sight loss.

Meeting, greeting and guiding

How do you introduce yourself to someone with sight loss? How do you support someone with sight loss in getting around within buildings and outside?

Each person's experience is different and unique and there are no hard and fast rules on how to assist people with sight loss. If you see somebody who you think may need help, then ask. Let them tell you what kind of help they need. It may be that they need help crossing the road or finding the train station.

If your help is needed, keep these sighted guide techniques in mind:

• Introduce yourself and talk directly to the person you are guiding.
• If you are going to guide them, ask them how they like to be guided.
• Tell them about kerbs and steps as you approach them and say whether they go up or down.
• Mention any potential hazards that lie ahead and say where they are.
• If you are guiding someone into a seat, place their hand on the back of the seat before they sit down, so they can orientate themselves.
• Don't walk away without saying you are leaving.

Download one of our "How to Guide" booklets for more detailed information on how to help blind and partially sighted people:

Watch our videos of Giles and Dolly explaining how they like to be guided. They both give some helpful tips on sighted guide techniques.

In Conversations

Always introduce yourself, and if you’d like to shake hands with someone let them know. For example, you could say: ‘Hello it’s Richard, I am just extending my hand to you’. If there are several people in a meeting make sure you introduce each person and if anyone needs to leave the room, tell the group so no one is left talking to an empty space.

The direction of your voice is important; always face a blind or partially sighted person when speaking. Avoid using visual gestures like nodding or pointing alone, say "yes" or "to the right" as well. Let them know what you’re doing in quiet moments: ‘I am just going to make a few notes, bear with me while I write’. If you’re offering refreshments be clear about where you are placing them, especially drinks.