Sometimes dealing with patients that have disabilities can be uncomfortable. We aren't used to interacting with them because we don't usually meet people with disabilities on an everyday basis. But once in a while, MRTs will encounter patients that are blind. Here are some tips:
- When entering a room with a blind patient, address them by name if you know it, and identify yourself by name and title (ex. Hi, my name is __________ and I am an MRT here at the hospital).
- Avoid talking to family members that are with the patient about the patient, as if they weren't there or could not understand you (Does he want something to eat?). They can understand you fine, and want to be addressed personally.
- Try not to move while you're speaking, it's difficult for blind people to concentrate on facing a speaker who moves around a lot.
- When you are finished visiting a patient (ex. on a mobile), it is appropriate to say good-bye with a tap on the person's arm or a handshake. A blind person doesn't have the advantage of seeing your smile or wave or other affirmative body language that you might use.
- When you enter a room, always speak to the patient telling him or her what you plan to do. The patient cannot guess what you will do according to your actions. It is important to explain the procedures completely and guide the patient through the steps.
- When assisting a visually impaired patient around a room, always offer your elbow. You can help them walk around by giving instructions on where things are positioned in the room.
- Relax. Patients that are visually impaired are used to being blind (apart from recent traumas that may have caused the blindness). They are used to people being awkward around them and the best way to get cooperation from your patient is to follow his or her cues.
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