BASIC SIGHTED GUIDE POSITION
Step 1: Guide establishes contact by touching back of traveler’s hand with a verbal cue.
Step 2: Traveler slides hand up guide’s arm to grip guide above elbow
Grip Arm Position of Traveler:
Lower arm parallel to floor/ground
Elbow bent at 90 degree angle
Upper arm touching body
Walking Position:
- Guide walks ½ step ahead of traveler
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Traveler’s shoulder is directly behind guide’s opposite shoulder
NARROW SPACES
- Guide moves his/her arm to center of back
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Traveler moves directly behind guide
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Traveler extends arm so he/she does not step on guide’s heels
DOORS
- Guide states direction door moves (push, pull) and slide (left/right)
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Gide reaches doorway first, opens door
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Traveler moves directly behind guide
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Guide pauses for traveler to hold (and close) door
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If door is on opposite side of traveler’s empty hand, tell traveler to switch sides before approaching door.
STAIRS/CURBS
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Guide approaches steps or curbs squarely (from perpendicular angle) to ensure he/she gets to edge first.
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Tell traveler about curb/steps. If necessary, whether steps go up or down.
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Guide stops at edge of first step, gives time for traveler to move up and locate edge with foot.
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Curbs—Guide steps up/down curb, traveler follows.
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Stairs—Guide goes up/down steps on stair step ahead of traveler. Pause at landing. Allow traveler to hold on to railing, if available.