At Guide Dogs our aim is to increase the number of people who are trained in sighted guiding across the UK, to help create a more inclusive society for people with vision impairment.
Our sighted guiding training teaches you how to guide a person with sight loss, with confidence, skill and empathy.
Much like learning how to perform first aid, sighted guiding is a useful life skill. It will give you the confidence to know how to act when you meet someone who is blind or partially sighted, and the guiding techniques to help them if they need it.
We offer two training programmes. Our ‘Introduction to Sighted Guiding Training’ is for anyone wanting to learn the basic skills. While our ‘Friends and Family Sighted Guiding Training’ is for those who want to help a loved one with a vision impairment, and meet people with similar experiences.
There are currently two million people in the UK living with sight loss, with this number predicted to double by 2050.
Our training is ideal for all members of staff who work or volunteer with members of the public.
Much like learning how to perform first aid, sighted guiding is a useful life skill. It will give your staff confidence when they meet people who are blind or partially sighted, and the guiding techniques to help them if they need it.
And they’ll be helping us to transform public spaces in the UK, so that they are welcoming for people with vision impairments.
Over the course of an hour the training will cover:
• How to start a conversation when you meet someone who is blind or partially sighted.
• The confidence to ask someone if they need assistance.
• Basic guiding techniques for crossing roads, getting around obstacles, and getting in and out of cars.
• An introduction to common eye conditions and their impact.
• Awareness of access rights and barriers to independence.
By learning some simple sighted guiding techniques, your staff and volunteers be well on their way to providing help confidently and safely whenever needed.
Take a step towards making your workplace more inclusive and learn an essential life skill in just one hour, for free. Go to www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/sighted-guiding-training/
You can sign-up for our e-news at the following link: www.guidedogs.org.uk/contact-us/email-updates/
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
0800 781 1444
