A person who is blind with their guide dog has arrived for an appointment
Speak to the person , not the dog. Do not attempt to get the dog’s attention or interact in any way with it.
Initial greeting
Unless you call the person by name, they may not know whether you are speaking to them or to someone else.
If you simply say “Hello” from across the room, you may get no reaction at all.
You might say something like, “Good morning, I will be happy to check you in. I’m behind a desk, so please approach the sound of my voice.”
Degrees of blindness
While some people are totally blind, many who are legally blind may have enough vision to read and/or sign forms, find a seat in the waiting room, and orient themselves to the exam room.
If you are not sure how to proceed, you may wish to ask, “How may I assist you?”
If they are with a Companion
Do not talk to them through their companion. use their name, and speak directly to them, even if they are not able to make eye contact.
Once they are checked in
You may say something like, “Okay, your appointment is in room 305. Would you like some assistance getting up there?”
Guiding a blind person
Never grab a blind person by the arm. Let them take your arm, just above the elbow. That will enable them to safely follow you, as you navigate through the building.
It is helpful to let the person know when you are approaching stairs, and say whether you will be going up or down.
Finding a seat
Say something like, “There is a chair right here. I’ll put your hand on the back of it so you can orient yourself.”
Patient asks to use the restroom
You only need to take them to the restroom door.
You may wish to say, “I will be here when you come out.”
Completing the visit
If needed, arrange for someone to escort them back to the main entrance, once the visit is completed.