About Rehabilitation Officers and Sighted Guides
Beverly Donn and Eleni Kaltsiki work closely with Vocal Breakthrough assisting the Visually Impaired children that attend their weekly group. |
A Rehabilitation Officer is a qualified professional who assists Visually Impaired people in developing their independence. Visually Impaired children often need to systematically explore the world and learn skills that sighted children acquire by imitation and observation. Such skills may includes: walking in a straight line, using a bus or train, making a hot drink, checking change once some chocolate has been bought and even finding the chocolate in a shop to begin with!
A Rehabilitation Officer can therefore assist Visually Impaired children and young people in independent mobility and living skills. Additionally a Rehabilitation Officer's role is to enable children to develop their remaining vision and to use their other senses (smell, touch and hearing) effectively. A Rehabilitation Officer also advises on the use of assistive equipment such as canes, lighting, cooking aids and magnifiers.
Sighted guide is an effective method that enables Visually Impaired people to use a human guide safely. Although most Visually Impaired people mainly use other methods (canes, guide dogs, residual vision) to mobilise, there are times when a human guide is essential - especially in unfamiliar areas!
Although correct sighted guide requires both training and practice the basic principles are as follows:
- Introduce yourself to the Visually Impaired Person and ask them if you can help;
- Allow them to take your arm just above the elbow and let them stand one step behind you;
- Give them information about where you are going, warning them of narrow spaces, changes in direction/speed, stairs or steps and doors;
- Allow your Visually Impaired Person to set the pace;
- When saying goodbye, tell the Visually Impaired Person where they are and who/what is next to them;
- Leave the Visually Impaired Person touching a fixed point (chair, wall, table, etc.) that can help them orient themselves in space;
- Always say goodbye and tell them you are going!
- More information on the role of the Rehabilitation Officer, Visually Impaired People's rights, Rehabilitation training and Sighted Guide are available from:
Beverly Donn / Eleni Kaltsiki
Newham Service for the Visually Impaired
New Tunmarsh Centre
Tunmarsh Lane
E13 9NB
Tel: 020 8430 4816/17
Email: bev.donn@newham.gov.uk or eleni.kaltsiki@newham.gov.uk
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