If is always appropriate to offer your help; just do not be surprised it the individual would "rather do it himself/herself."

If you are helping and are not sure what to do, ask the person.

A gentle touch on the elbow will indicate to a person with a visual disability that you are speaking to him/her.

If you are walking with a person who is blind do not take that persons arm; rather let that person take your arm.

Blind is not a hearing disability. Do not shout. Blind is not a speech disability. If you have a question for the person with a visual disability, ask him/her -not the companion.

Never pet a guide dog, except during "off duty" hours. Even then you should ask the dog's master first.

Do not worry about substituting words for "see", "look", or even "blind." Do not avoid them where these words fit. You can talk about blindness itself, when you both feel comfortable about it.

When you meet a person with a visual disability you know, mention your name. It is difficult to recognize voices unless you happen to have a very distinctive one.