Helping a blind person to get around

Visually impaired persons sometimes necessarily need sighted help when moving about.
If you want to help a blind person, and do not know how to help, you can make a mistake that will be very embarrassing to both persons (sighted person and the blind person).
In order to avoid such embarrassing situations it is only necessary to follow a few simple rules.
The most important part of every communication, as well as of helping another person, is making first contact.
When you approach a blind person it is best to ask in calm voice: "Can I help you?", or something similar to that.
If the blind person refuses your help, you must not feel offended. Maybe a blind person will necessarily need your help some other time.
If the blind person accepts offered help, you should stand next to his free arm. The blind person grips the guide's arm just above the elbow. Then, the blind person bends his elbow at a right angle. This way he is half a pace behind the guide. This position enables the blind person to get all the important information about movement through the guide's arm and he will have enough time to interpret the information in time to react.
NEVER hold a blind person by her arm or shoulder and push her in front of yourself.
It is sometimes necessary that the blind person walks behind the guide. In that situation the guide places her arm behind her back and a blind person moves along with the arm in a position behind the guide.
Just before you reach stairs or a kerb or any other significant change in terrain elevation, make a short stop and you can also say what is ahead. When you take the next step, the blind person will feel the change in elevation through your hand and will know how to respond.
Walking through the door can also present a problem. In order to make it easier for the blind person, always open the door with the grip arm (the arm that the blind person is holding). This way she will know which side the hinge is on. If possible, she should close the door behind you with her free hand.
When entering or exiting a public transport vehicle, it is important that the guide always goes first, and does not push the blind person in front of herself. Always walk in a single file. If possible, it is best to use the door by the driver, so that he can see you. Try to enable the blind person to hold on to the handrail with his free hand.
If you are in a situation to help the blind person to sit down, NEVER push him into the chair with his back towards it. Place your guiding hand on the back of the chair. The blind person will find the back by himself and sit down. For assistance, you can touch the table with his hand; this will considerably simplify the orientation regarding the position of the table and the chair.
When taking a seat in a row, for example in the movies or in theatre, you should lead the blind person to the desired row and side step into the row, with your back turned to the seats.