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When vision loss happens to a relative, all family members will have to
relearn how to communicate with one another. Few people who have not
been in this situation realize how much our eyes have to do with how
we communicate, but there are steps you can take to compensate.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
- Holding
back only adds tension. Say what's on your mind as sensitively as
you can.
- Don't
be afraid to have the hard conversations. Talking about difficult
issues means treading delicate emotional ground, but avoiding them
is far worse. Take the time to think about what you want to say and
how before starting the conversation.
- Break
the ice … but stay on topic. Don't overwhelm your loved one
with too many issues at once.
- Confront
tough topics directly but be sensitive, too. Especially now, how
you say something is just as important as what you are saying.
Always strike a supportive tone.
- Give
your relative your complete attention when in conversation.
- Postpone
difficult discussions when tensions are running high or when you may
be otherwise distracted.
- Ask
your relative for help when you need it.
"Hello, My Name is …": Making Casual Conversation
While
most people with vision loss have some vision, you shouldn't assume
that they can make out where you are and or even who you are when
both of you are in the same room. Here are some guidelines for making
conversation easier.
- Identify
yourself by name when you start talking. For example, "Hi,
Jane, it's Sophia."
- Speak
clearly and directly, and look at the person when addressing him or
her.
- Use
natural conversational tone and speed. Unless the person has a
hearing impairment there's no need to raise your voice.
- Address
the person by name, so he or she will immediately know that you're
talking to him or her rather than someone who happens to be nearby.
(If you don't know the person's name, give a light touch on the arm
to let the person know you are addressing him or her.)
- Be
an active listener. Give the person opportunities to talk. Respond
with questions and comments to keep the conversation going.
Remember, a person experiencing vision loss can't necessarily see
the look of interest on your face, so take care to vocalize your
interest ("Yes … I see … I understand,"
etc.).
- Always
answer questions and be specific or descriptive in your responses.
- When you enter a room, announce your presence so the person with vision loss knows you're there. Similarly, if the person enters a room you're already in, let him or her know you're there.
- Say
when you're leaving a room and where you're going, if appropriate. For example, say,
"I'm going to the kitchen to get a drink of water."
- Indicate
the end of a conversation so that the person you've been talking to
is spared the embarrassment of talking to someone who is no longer
there. You could say, "Nice talking to you, Bob. I'll see you later."
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