In many cases, the intentions of the sighted are honest and well meaning but lack insight into the blind experience, hence efforts inadvertently may offend. Recent advances in technology have enabled many blind students to attend college, and social exposure to blind students no doubt will increase in future years. Reflections are based on actual comments and complaints from visually impaired students who participated in the Cope Group. One of the most common complaints from group members is that they are treated as if they are stupid. This offends many blind people.
Blind people use the same phrases.
Always let the visually impaired person know when you are walking away. It is very embarrassing to realize that the person you are talking to has walked away and you have been talking to air. Blind individuals learn their home and workspace layouts and perform many duties by rote or habit. If the environment is altered, they may become disoriented. Most dogs are trained to work when they are wearing a harness.