Explainer Video: Blindness and Guide Dog Etiquette

[Narrator]
Meet Kylie; she happens to be blind. That may seem obvious… but you’d be surprised how awkward people can be around her.

[Audio Description]
Kylie waits at a bus stop with her guide dog; a woman looks at her quizzically. Question marks appear over the woman’s head.

[Narrator]
So here are some tips to keep us all moving through the world safely and confidently.

Always speak directly to a person with a visual impairment… not their guide dog. Remember, that dog has a job to do!

[Bus Driver]
Good morning!

[Kylie]
Hello.

[Bus Driver]
Would you like directions to an open seat?

[Kylie]
Sure.

[Bus Driver]
There’s one, two rows back on your left.

[Kylie]
Thanks!

[Audio Description]
Kylie gets on the bus with her guide dog and sits across from a woman and child.

[Child]
Oh, mom, don’t pet that dog – it’s working!

[Audio Description]
Now at the office.

[Narrator]
At her office, Kylie’s colleagues make sure to introduce themselves when they enter the room, and to let her know when they leave.

[Audio Description]
Sarah stands in the doorway of Kylie’s office.

[Sarah]
Hi Kylie, it’s Sarah.

[Kylie]
Hey, Sarah!

[Sarah]
Did you see the latest episode of Bachelorette on Mars?

[Kylie]
I can’t believe Abe got put in the spaceship! I thought for sure it would be Lenny.

[Audio Description]
Thought bubble with a bachelor on a spaceship.

[Sarah]
Same.

[Kylie]
Are we still on for a shopping trip over lunch?

[Sarah]
Yep! I’ll see you then. Bye!

[Narrator]
Speak directly to people with visual impairments, rather than speaking to their friend, their guide dog, or… anyone else.

And be specific when providing directions.

[Audio Description]
A boutique storefront.

[Audio Description]
Sales Associate with Sarah and Kylie.

[Sales Associate]
Hello, how can I help you?

[Sarah]
Actually, it’s my friend Kylie who needs help.

[Sales Associate]
And what is she looking for?

[Kylie]
She is looking for jeans.

[Sales Associate]
Oh. They’re over there. I mean – just ahead of you a few steps. Boyfriend jeans are on the left, and mom jeans are on the right.

[Audio Description]
A restaurant.

[Narrator]
Kylie’s looking forward to a date with her boyfriend, James.

[Audio Description]
Kylie, James, and guide dog wait to be seated.

[Server]
Sorry, no animals allowed in the restaurant.

[Kylie]
Actually, guide dogs are allowed anywhere the general public is allowed.

[Server]
Oh. Right this way, then.

[Audio Description]
Kylie and James sit at a table, with the dog chillin on the floor like a good doggo.

[James]
Kylie, do you want me to read the menu to you?

[Kylie]
Sure, thank you.

[Audio Description]
James and Kylie with their food.

[Kylie]
This smells amazing.

[James]
Should I describe where things are?

[Kylie]
Yes, please.

[James]
There’s spicy chicken curry and rice at the top of your plate, and braised greens at the bottom. Your wine is above the plate to the right.

[Kylie]
Mmmm, so good.

[Audio Description]
Kiley gives a romantic smile to James, spinach in her teeth.

[James]
Um… honey? You have spinach in your teeth.

[Kylie]
Thanks so much for letting me know.

[Narrator]
Let’s let Kylie and James enjoy their dinner.

For more information and helpful tips, visit guidedogs.com.