Updated 17 July 2026 by FRST Foundation
Most people want to help when they see a blind or visually impaired person navigating a road, railway station, staircase or crowded public place. The problem is rarely a lack of kindness. It is uncertainty: Should I step in? What should I say? What if I make things worse?
The best answer is simple: notice, introduce yourself, ask first and listen to the person’s response. Respectful help supports independence; it does not replace it.
1. Ask before you help
Approach normally and speak directly to the person. A useful opening is: “Hello, I’m beside you on your left. Would you like any help?” If they say no, accept the answer. A blind person may already know the route, be using a cane or guide dog, or simply prefer to navigate independently.
Do not grab an arm, pull a cane, push from behind or take hold of a guide dog’s harness. Sudden physical contact can be disorienting and unsafe.
2. Let the person tell you what is useful
Help is not one-size-fits-all. One person may want guidance across a road. Another may only need the bus number read aloud. Someone else may ask for directions and continue alone. Ask a specific question—“Would you like help finding the entrance?”—and follow their instructions.
3. If guiding, offer your arm
If physical guidance is requested, offer your elbow or upper arm and allow the person to hold it. Walk half a step ahead at a comfortable pace. Mention changes before they happen: steps up or down, a narrow gap, a low obstacle, an uneven surface or a door opening toward you.
- Pause briefly before a kerb or staircase.
- Say whether steps go up or down and, when useful, how many there are.
- For a seat, guide the person’s hand to the back or arm of the chair.
- In a narrow space, move your guiding arm behind your back so the person can follow in single file.
- Never leave without saying that you are going.
4. Give clear directions
“Over there” and pointing are not useful without visual context. Use clock-face directions, left and right from the person’s perspective, approximate distance and identifiable landmarks. For example: “The counter is about six metres ahead, slightly to your right,” or “Your glass is at two o’clock.”
5. Speak normally and directly
Blindness does not affect a person’s ability to think, decide or participate in a conversation. Speak in your usual voice. Address the person—not only their companion. Words such as “see” and “look” are part of ordinary language and do not need to be avoided awkwardly.
What should you do when you see FRST blue?
FRST Foundation distributes distinctive blue reflective jackets and raincoats to blind and visually impaired people. The gear does not restore or improve vision. It is designed to help sighted members of the public recognise that the wearer may be blind or visually impaired, especially in busy or low-light environments.
When you recognise FRST blue, do not assume the person is helpless. Slow down, give space, introduce yourself and ask whether assistance is wanted. The intended chain is: notice → recognise → understand → ask.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Grabbing or steering someone without permission.
- Moving a cane or distracting a guide dog.
- Raising your voice as though the person cannot hear.
- Speaking only to the sighted companion.
- Assuming every blind or visually impaired person needs the same help.
- Walking away without saying so.
Kindness works best with consent
A respectful question can turn good intention into useful support. You do not need specialist training to make a public place more inclusive; you need awareness, clear communication and the willingness to follow the person’s lead.
Learn more about FRST Foundation’s recognition-first mission, share the recognition signal, or fund free safety gear for blind and visually impaired people.