How to Navigate Group Conversations with Blind People

Imagine, you are a sighted person walking into a group conversation, where sighted and blind people are chatting. It’s a regular conversation like any other time, but some things make you hesitate and unsure. They’re actually small things that you otherwise haven’t given a second thought to before. Let’s go over some ways to make participating in these conversations smooth so you can become a confident ally!

Announce and introduce yourself

Instead of: silently joining the circle and exchanging eye contact and smiles to “soft-launch” your participation in the conversation.
Try something like: “Can I join in the conversation? My name is Jungyeon.”

Be clear who you’re speaking to

Instead of: looking at someone and saying “I love your shoes!”
Try something like: “Did you say your name was Kristie? I love your shoes!”

Don’t know their name? Ask!

Instead of: not talking to someone because you don’t know how to address them
Try something like: turn towards them (the direction of the voice can help) and ask “The person wearing jeans with a black lab guide dog, can you remind me your name?”

Don’t worry about everyday language that includes vision

Instead of: freaking out or feeling guilty that you said “I see” to say that you understand
Try something like: don’t worry about it! Saying things like “I see“ is totally colloquial, and blind people won’t take offense at all.

If you’re sharing visual aid (like photos or videos), describe them

Instead of: (as you’re holding out your phone with a photo) “Check out this view!”
Try something like: “The view from the top of the hike was so cool! I’m showing the photo I took on my phone right now. The view was so great because you could see the San Francisco skyline and the fog by the Golden Gate Bridge was super pretty.”

Give auditory cues to show active listening

Instead of: silently nodding along to show that you agree or are actively listening.
Try something like: the interspersed non-intrusive “yeah”s and “uh-huh”s.

Avoid using vague location descriptions

Instead of: “The bathroom is over there” (and pointing in the direction)
Try something like: “From the direction you’re facing, the bathroom is behind you. So turn around and go straight, and it’s the first door on your right.”

Announce when you leave

Instead of: silently leaving the circle and doing an Irish goodbye
Try something like: “This is Jungyeon, and it was great talking with you! I have to head out.”

Having said all this, use your best judgment since no two conversations or situations are the same. These are just some general tips. As long as you keep in mind that some participants in your conversation cannot visually notice your gaze, presence, phone screen, or absence, you will be able to navigate the conversation like a pro.