How to be a Sighted Guide
For starters, do not push, pull, or grab a visually impaired person, except in the case of an emergency. Always ask the person if they would like sighted guide support.
To begin the guiding process, the person with vision loss bends their elbow and gently grasps the back of their guide’s arm just above the elbow.
As the guide, keep your arm relaxed at your side.
Walking together at a normal pace, stay half a step ahead and describe landmarks and things of interest along the route.
Always alert the person you’re guiding about potential obstacles in the path: stationary objects, narrow passages, doors, steps, and irregularities in the pavement or floor.
Approach stairs and curbs squarely, never at an angle, and be sure to announce whether the steps go up or down.
On steps, it is important to pause and give the visually impaired person time to take hold of a handrail, if available, and locate the edge of the first step with their foot.
Stay one step ahead on stairs and steps.
You may want to mention when there is one step left.
Once you have reached your destination and described the surroundings, put the person in touch with an object such as a piece of furniture or a wall. Then you are free to break contact.