04/15/2026
When people who are sighted say “hello” to someone who is blind or has low vision, a few AWESOME and helpful things happen!
1. When you say “hello,” it’s most helpful if you get our attention first. Many of us with low to no vision don’t always know you’re speaking to us. This is just as helpful for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing — we may not always see or hear you.
2. If you know our name, using it when you greet us is really helpful. Saying “Hi Gina” lets me know for sure you’re talking to me.
3. Introducing yourself by name allows us to make a connection we can’t make visually. For example: “Hello, I’m Shelly, the store manager,” or “Hi, I’m Brian, your server this evening.” This helps us identify who you are.
If you don’t know our name but see us around your community, feel free to introduce yourself. Many of us would love to say “hi”, back.
4. Saying something like “Hi Gina, I’m Cory , we met at the networking event,” gets my attention, confirms you’re talking to me, and lets me know who I’m speaking with. Then we can have a regular conversation.
5. It can be hard to identify someone by voice alone, even if we know you well. Background sounds like traffic, kids playing, conversations, or music can make it difficult to recognize a voice we’d normally know. Also if we meet outside where we expect to see each other, that can also make it difficult for us to recognize your voice.
6. Being quiet around someone who is blind or partially sighted can feel unsettling — even scary — because we can’t visually see your intentions. Think of walking on a foggy day, when you can only see a shadow, but no detail.
Please remember: blindness is a spectrum, and each of us sees and reacts differently. The simplest thing you can do is use your voice and say “hello.” It’s the same as giving a nod, a smile, or any other daily acknowledgment people with sight give each other. When you do that, you’re treating us like everyone else and that’s all we really want.
7. If you want to shake our hand, please say so, since many of us won’t see your gesture. A simple “I’m extending my hand to shake yours” or “May I shake your hand?” works perfect.
8. And please say goodbye, see you later, or let us know you’re leaving, so we’re not left talking to someone who’s already gone.
So next time you notice us, say “hello,” introduce yourself, and learn our name. Then next time we meet, we’ll know who you are and can share a friendly acknowledgment together.
“Losing my sight has not changed who I am. It has changed my interactions with the world.”
— Gina Martin
Diverse Abilities Programs Inc. offers Youth, Seniors, Community, and Workplace training in people skills, inclusion, and accessibility.
Check out all our programs and book your training today:
www.DiverseAbilities.ca
Photo Description:
Gina is sitting on a bench in a park. She is wearing a red top and smiling.
