It is helpful for the student to have the opportunity before or during the lab session to feel and visualize how the equipment is set up. The student should be encouraged to be as independent as possible. In some cases, it may be necessary for the assistant to manipulate the equipment. The instructor should confirm that the assistant functions properly. When questions arise the student should take them up directly with the instructor, not through the assistant, and vice versa.
Blind students negotiate best in familiar surroundings.
Even though they may never need to visit remote parts of the laboratory, they should familiarize themselves with the entire setting. A short time with the lab instructor locating sinks, reagent shelves, hoods, safety showers, and the like will orient the student and help to determine the best place to work. The student will find the exits, learn the bench configurations, memorize the positions of the utilities, and so forth. The laboratory becomes familiar and comfortable. This orientation session can also be used to explain the safety rules and outline fire drill and other procedures.