Article: When you walk into a room where a blind person is waiting, saying something right away will alert them to your presence. Being quiet until you're right next to the person might make them feel as though you just snuck up out of nowhere, which isn't comfortable for anyone. Say your name so they know who you are. If the person offers a hand to shake, go ahead. It might not be intuitive, but you should always say something when you're about to leave. Don't just assume the person will be able to hear you walking out. It's impolite to walk away without saying anything, since you'll leave the person talking to air. This is frustrating and embarrassing. If it seems as though the person could use some assistance, the best thing to do is ask instead of just assuming they require your help. Just politely say, "would you like me to help?" If the answer is yes, ask what they'd like you to do. But if the answer is no, it's impolite to insist. Many blind people are perfectly capable of getting around without help. If they say they'd like assistance, do only what is asked, and no more. It's common for well-meaning sighted people to "take over" and end up hurting more than they've helped. In some situations, there's really no need to even ask. For example, if everyone's sitting around a table and the blind person is already seated, you don't need to walk up and ask if there's anything you can do. Be sensitive to the situation and don't make assumptions. Many people who don't have experience around the blind aren't sure how to address the blind person, so they instead address his or her companion. In a restaurant, for example, it's common for servers to ask the person seated next to a blind person if they would like more water, a menu, and so on. Blind people can hear just fine, and there's absolutely no reason not to address them as you would anyone else. " Your inclination might be to disrupt your normal speech habits and try to find ways around saying words like "look" and "see." It's okay to use these common words when not using them would sound awkward. It could make a blind person more uncomfortable for you to talk to them in a way that's different from how you'd talk to other people. For example, you can say "It's really nice to see you" or "It looks like rain tonight." However, don't use words like "look" and "see" when to do so would be impossible for the person. For example, if the person is about to collide with something, it's more helpful to say "Stop!" instead of "Watch out!" Guide dogs are highly trained animals that enhance the lives and safety of blind people. Blind people rely on their guide dogs to navigate, and that's why you shouldn't call or pet one. If the dog becomes distracted, this could create a dangerous situation. Don't do anything that could take up the dog's attention. If the person invites you to pet the dog, its OK to do so, but don't touch the dog otherwise. Asking a lot of questions or making a big deal about someone being blind is impolite. Blind people have already answered these questions. Every day they encounter situations and places that cater to people who are sighted. You can help a blind person feel more comfortable by being sensitive to this and just talking with them in a normal way. One common myth people often ask blind people about is whether they have a heightened sense of hearing or smell. Blind people have to rely on these senses more than sighted people do, but it's not true that they have super powers when it comes to hearing and smell, and it's rude to assume that. The person may not want to talk about why they are blind. (For example, it could have been due to a scary accident that is very painful to remember.) If they bring it up, it's fine to keep asking more questions and continue the conversation, but don't call attention to it otherwise.

What is a summary?
Greet the person out loud. Tell the person when you leave the room. Ask if the person would like help. Ask the person questions directly. Don't stress over words like "look" and "see. Don't pet a blind person's guide dog without permission. Don't make assumptions about a blind person's life.