Guided Walking: Using the Stairs with Someone Guiding You

Adding a few changes to your approach can help you keep going wherever you'd like to, no matter your level of vision. Here a few tips for going up and down stairs with confidence, while someone is guiding you.

Going up a set of stairs can be a bit less stressful, so let's start there. Approach the stairs and place one hand on the handrail, and with the other hand holding onto your guide's arm. After a brief pause your guide should start to go up the stairs one step at a time. You are going to stay one full step behind them. Use your guide's movements and the handrail to determine when you've reached the landing.

The approach is pretty similar for going down the stairs, too. Locate the landing for the stairs, and place one hand on the handrail. Then hold onto your guide's arm with the other hand. After a brief pause your guide should start going down the stairs one step at a time. You are going to stay one full step behind them. Wait for your guide to pause at the bottom of the stairs and use the handrail to determine when you've reached the landing.

As always, contact a learning expert if you have questions, or your own tips to share. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience, and practice, and you'll get there.