Topic 5: Accompaniment Techniques for People with Visual Impairment

Principles and Best Practice

  • Accompaniment is a primary mobility system, supporting both the guide and the person being guided.
  • Key principles: reliability, discretion, empathy, safety, clarity and punctuality.
  • Ask the person which side they prefer; consider residual vision or hearing.
  • For the guide, the side usually doesn’t matter unless obstacles, doors or narrow passages are present.

Identifying the Guide

  • The guide verbally invites the person to approach.
  • The person uses a protective hand gesture to find a neutral point, usually the guide’s lower torso, and locates the arm.