VI. Crime Victims Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

Background

The ability to see exists along a wide continuum from sighted to partially sighted to blind. Although it is rare for a person to be completely blind, that is, with no vision, "legal blindness" and visual impairments affect an estimated 15 million people in the United States. Legally blind defines the condition in which a person is unable to see at 20 feet what someone with normal vision can see at 200 feet. Partially sighted people, although often able to get around without much difficulty, need adaptive methods to read and write because of their vision impairment.

Blindness—whether complete or legal—and vision impairments become more common with advancing age. Seventy percent of people with blindness or severe visual impairment are age 65 or older. Thus, it is anticipated that the number of people with this disability will increase substantially over the next 20 or 30 years as baby boomers enter their elderly years. Whatever a crime victim's age, however, first responders can effectively meet the needs of victims who are blind or visually impaired by following these guidelines.

Tips on Responding to Crime Victims Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

• Introduce yourself immediately as a law enforcement officer when you approach victims and have others who are present introduce themselves, including children. These introductions let the victim know who is present and where they are situated, and also help the victim recognize voices during subsequent interviews. In addition, mention if there is a dog, cat, or other pet present to protect victims from tripping over the animals or being startled by them.

• Tell victims your name, badge number, and the telephone number of your dispatcher when responding to victims who are alone, and support them in verifying your identity.

• Do not speak loudly. Most people who are blind or visually impaired hear well.

• Identify the person(s) to whom you are speaking when conversing in a group because it may not be apparent to victims.

• Let victims know when you or someone with you steps away during a conversation.

• Avoid lapses of conversation in your interview without informing victims why you are silent; for example, tell victims that you are writing. Also, express attentiveness, concern, and compassion through your voice and choice of words because victims cannot see your facial expressions or body language to know if you are listening to them and interested.

• Offer to fill out forms and read aloud written information for victims. Explain what printed materials you are providing and make those materials available—as is legally required, with few exceptions, by ADA and Section 504—in alternative format, including large print, audiotape, computer diskette, and Braille, on request.

• Never pet guide dogs without permission. There is a special relationship between people who are blind and their dogs; the dogs are working animals that must not be distracted.

• Offer your arm, instead of holding the arm of victims, if they want you to guide them in moving around. Let victims take your arm from behind, just above the elbow. In this position, they can follow the motion of your body. Walk in a relaxed manner and expect victims to keep a half-step behind you so they can anticipate curbs and steps.

• Orient victims to their surroundings and give cues as to what lies ahead when guiding them. Close partially opened doors to cabinets, rooms, and cars that obstruct their path. Warn victims of hazardous objects around them. And be sure to make your warnings and directions specific, such as "straight in front of you," "two steps going up," and "directly to your left" rather than vague references like "at the front of the room" or "beside you."