2 possible versions of this activity:
In the first one, the visually impaired facilitator asks for a sighted volunteer and, one by one, he shows with the help of the sighted person, how this person should guide him in different situations:
1. Making contact and the grip
2. Turning and changing direction
3. narrow places (walking single file)
4. Seating (Single chairs or settees)
5. Aisle seating
6. Stepping up or down a kerb
7. Ascending and Descending Stairs.
In the second version, before showing each situation and how to be guided, the visually impaired facilitator at first asks to the group how they would guide him/her in that situation. He listen to their ideas and, only at the end, he shows the right tecnique.
It is important to emphasize that, despite these Guide Skills, each visually impaired person is different and the best thing to do is always to ask him/her: “How can I guide you?” “How can I help you in this situation?” and to describe the environment around so that the visually impaired person is informed and aware of eventual dangers.
To continue this activity, facilitator can create couples. In each couple a participant is blindfolded. The one who is not blindfolded, guides the blindfolded one using the previously learned Sighted Guide Skills. The emphasis will be put on the experience to walk with a guide while being in the dark, and to try the Guide Skills. The sense of trust in another person, while being accompanied, will be experienced too. |