Guided Walking: Basics
No matter how well you get around on your own, there may be times when asking for help just makes sense. Here are some tips to make walking with someone's help more comfortable for both you, and your guide. Once you've learned these tips yourself, go ahead and share them with anyone who may be helping you out.
First off, you'll want to be the one holding onto your guide's arm, not the other way around. That gives you more control, and avoids you being pushed around. Gently grasp the person's arm, just above their elbow. Your arm will be bent, and your guide's relaxed, and comfortable at their side.
If the person guiding you is a lot shorter, it might be more comfortable to hold onto their shoulder. If they're a lot taller, holding onto their wrist might work best.
Whatever the grasp, you want to stay about a half a step behind the guide, so you can feel when they turn, or if the ground changes. Ask the person guiding to alert you to any obstacles, doorways, or changes on the ground ahead.
With a little practice, guided walking can become second nature. And it really comes in handy in crowded, unfamiliar places. When working with an orientation and mobility specialist, this is called using a human guide.
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Handouts
Tips to Share with Your Guide (PDF)
Tips & Takeaways: Guided Walking (PDF)
Here are some tips and takeaways from this workshop. Feel free to share the link!
Tips for Guided Walking Series
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