Communication with People with Visual Impairment

Effective communication in interacting wit people with visual disability

Session 6

Objectives

• a) Define the term visual disability
• b) Explain the concept of communication in interacting with people with visual disability
• c) Explain challenges of communication in interacting with people with visual disability

d) Communicate with people with visual disability

1. Definition

Visual disability : Refers to a significant impairment in vision that cannot be fully corrected by glasses, lenses, medication, or surgery, and which interferes with normal daily functioning

Types of visual disabilities

• Visual impairment varies from shadowy vision to total blindness.
• Categorized by severity ( low, severe and blindness)
• Low vision/moderate- Reduced vision, person can still see shapes, light or large print
• Severe visual impairment- very limited perception of light /shapes, requiring aids

Total blindness- no light perception

Signs of visual impairment

• Squinting
• Tilting the head to see better
• Sensitivity to light
• Closing one eye to read well
• Frequently eye rubbing when not sleepy
• Holding book too close

Consistently sitting to close to the TV

2. Concept of communication in interacting with people with visual disability

Communicating with visual impairment patients involves using all available senses, emphasizing verbal clarity, touch (when appropriate)and creating a safe and respectful environment.

2. Concept of communication in interacting with people with visual disability…..

• The key concept are:

Communication is more verbal than non-verbal because patient cannot interpret visual cues The provider should announce their presence, introduce themselves, and explain every action The environment should be safe , predictable and well described

2. Concept of communication in interacting with people with visual disability…..

• Tone of voice, pace and clarity are essential

The patient relies heavily on auditory cues and information given orally Encourage patient autonomy(independence) – guide, but do not push or handle them without consent Communication must restore trust and dignity

3. Challenges of communication in interacting with people with visual disability

• Lack of access to non-verbal cues
• Patient cannot observe facial expressions, gestures, or body language
• Misinterpretation of emotional is common
• Fear, anxiety, or loss of confidence
• Visual impairment can cause:
• Fear of unknown
• Reduced trust in unfamiliar environments

Anxiety in navigating new place(e.g., hospital)

3. Challenges of communication in interacting with people with visual disability…..

• Poor environmental orientation
• Difficult locating:
• Seats
• Doors
• Health worker
• Examination rooms

Lack of proper orientation leads to confusion

3. Challenges of communication in interacting with people with visual disability…..

• Overdependence on others
• Patient may rely heavily on others for physical guidance
• Without proper guidance, communication become stressful
• Physical barriers
• Poor signage
• Obstacles in pathway

Lack of tactile(touch) guidance

3. Challenges of communication in interacting with people with visual disability…..

• Provider- related challenges
• Use of unclear instructions
• Forget to introduce themselves
• Move objective or the patient without explaining
• Stigma and discrimination

Some people may assume visually impaired patient cannot understand or make decisions

4. TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNICATION IN INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE WITH VISUAL DISABILITY

• Preparing the environment
• Ensure the setting is safe, calm, and free of obstacles
• Do not move the patient belonging without permission

If you guide the patient, ask first and allow them to hold your arm

4. TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNICATION IN INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE WITH VISUAL DISABILITY…..

• B. Start with clear introductions
• Approach the patient calmly

Never touch the patient without without verbal warning

4. TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNICATION IN INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE WITH VISUAL DISABILITY…..

• C. Use clear and descriptive verbal communication
• Speak on the normal tone- not too loud unless requested
• Describe what is happening
• D. Encourage active participation
• Ask open ended questions

Allow the patient to explain their needs

4. TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNICATION IN INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE WITH VISUAL DISABILITY…..

• E. Use touch appropriately
• Touch should be gentle and professional, only after permission
• Inform the patient before any physical contact
• F. Maintain respect and dignity
• Speak direct to the patient not to the caregiver
• Do not assume they cannot understand medical information

Give full informed consent explanations, using simple language

4. TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNICATION IN INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE WITH VISUAL DISABILITY…..

• G. Provide orientation and mobility assistance
• Describe the environment
• Allow the patient to move on their own pace
• H. Check for understanding
• Ask if they understood on what you explained

I. Closing

• Summarize the key points

Inform the patient when your about to leave