The guide then asks the blind person to gently slide their foot forward to locate the edge of the first step. The guide then waits for the client to indicate, by squeezing his guiding arm or verbally indicating, that he is ready to walk. The guide then descends the first step. Again, it is important that the blind person is one step behind the guide. At the bottom of the flight the guide takes a pace beyond the last step and then stops.
More fear is experienced when descending than ascending stairs.
It is best not to say how many steps you will be ascending or descending, as this can lead to loss of concentration by the client of your body movement, as he may be too busy trying to count the steps. Approach the chair centrally and verbally indicate whether the seat is facing your partner or away from him. Place your guiding hand on the back of the chair. Your partner can then slide his hand down your arm to the chair and establish its position. He can then move into it feeling the side of it with his leg and checking the seat with his hand.