Be aware of slippery floors and ramps, which can cause these devices to easily lose traction and slide on wet surfaces. A service dog assists some mobility-impaired people. These animals have full access to businesses and all public places. They are working animals, not pets. Distractions such as petting, whistling, clicking, and even establishing eye contact are not acceptable.

Blind/visually Impaired

Three (3) basic mobility options are available to blind or visually impaired travelers - sighted guide, white mobility cane, or a dog guide. Combinations of the last two are also commonly used in specific situations.

When walking with someone visually impaired, don't grab his or her arm. Allow them to take yours grasping gently at your elbow. In this manner, they will keep a half step behind you. Your body movement will communicate information about the travel environment. Following along with you in this manner, curbs and steps can be easily negotiated. It is very helpful if you alert your traveling companion to these changes as well as announcing if an Entry/Exit door is being held open. This avoids confusion and embarrassment for all.

The use of a mobility cane is the first major step to travel independence for a blind person. Utilizing all available sensory input (smell, sound, and touch), the traveler has a greater opportunity for proper orientation to their environment. Orientation and Mobility Specialists teach techniques for proper use of a white mobility cane. This occupation requires a Masters degree from a university. Governmental agencies, rehabilitation centers, schools for the blind, and some public school systems offer this training.

For many people a dog guide brings a great sense of independence. Hundreds of people who are blind and visually impaired are trained with well disciplined and dedicated dogs as guides each year. It is important that all people know something about the way a dog guide team works and how to act when encountering one of these guides.

If a person who is using a dog appears to be in need of some assistance, approach him or her on their right side. The dog guide will usually be on the left. Do not touch or take the person by the arm without first asking if you can assist them. Under no circumstances, should a person take hold of the dog guide or the harness, this will confuse the dog and startle the individual. If assistance is accepted, offer your left elbow by brushing it against their arm as explained in the sighted guide technique.

In some instances, the person may choose not to make use of the sighted guide system. Instead, they may instruct the dog to "Follow" you. (Since experience with this command varies, so does the quality of the team?™s performance.) If this is the case, walk ahead of them at a normal speed letting the person know when they are approaching turns, doorways, stairs, and drop-offs. If the person is seeking assistance for a street crossing, walk with them completely across the street and up on the opposite curb. The dog guide will again resume its duties once on the sidewalk.

The most common mistake many people make is touching, calling, clicking, or whistling to a working dog. Absolutely Do Not pet or distract a dog guide when it is in harness or when working. Always interact with the person and not the dog.