Tool "Disability Awareness: Leading the blind"

Language: English

Project Featuring This Tool: All Together

Themes:Inclusion and Equality

This exercise was used as part of a disability awareness session at the All Togther Training course. It aims to show how difficult and different it is to move through a space without possibility to see, it also aims to help participants to recognize different objects and in the space.

Time 20 minutes
Approximate number of participants Pairs, 2+
Age not relevant
Date published 19 Feb 2010, 08:41

Materials

Blind folds

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Each pair gets one blindfold for covering their eyes. Those without blindfolds are leaders.
  2. The leaders lead “blind” partners around the space (seminar room, hall, etc.). In this first part of the activity, they can build up some kind of relationship based on mutual confidence.
  3. In the second stage, leaders lead blind people to different objects (coat hook, heater, armchair, etc.). They have to recognize, by touch, which object is in front of them.
  4. After few objects, partners change their roles.

Debriefing

How did it feel to put your trust in someone else? Was it easy to recognise objects? How would it feel to be blind in a new space? What could you do to support a blind person in joining your group? What changes would you need to make to activities/ the space?

Tips

It's important to lead someone carefully and choose a good type of connection (finger to finger, hand to hand, hand to shoulder, etc.).