the heights Peakhurst South Public School Strive to Excel in an inclusive and caring learning environment T T F F

Transcription

1 the heights [1.4 School address] Pindari Road Pin Pioad Peakhurst Smithville Heights NSW NSW Peakhurst South Public School T T F F Strive to Excel in an inclusive and caring learning environment E peakhursts-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au E smithville@det.nsw.edu.au W

2 Natasha Eaton

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4 Etiquette in the company of a person using a Guide Dog When a Guide Dog is in harness, it is working with the person who is blind or vision impaired so that they can move safely and independently. Whether it is walking, sitting or sleeping, it should not be: patted fed distracted These may all cause the Guide Dog to lose concentration, and put the person relying on its guidance at risk. Please talk to the person, not the dog. Keeping pet dogs on leads in public places also helps Guide Dogs to maintain their concentration. People and their Guide Dogs are legally allowed to enter public places including: Shops and supermarkets Cafes and restaurants Pubs and clubs Hotels & motels Hospitals All types of public transport, including taxis. For more information, refer to the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the NSW Companion Animal Act (1998). The Guide Dog User has been trained in the most appropriate techniques for working or correcting the Guide Dog. Please only provide assistance if requested by the Guide Dog User. For more information, please contact (02) or Thomas Street, Chatswood NSW 2067 PO Box 1965, North Sydney NSW 2059 ABN Telephone: (02) Facsimile: (02)

5 Good communication when speaking to a person with vision impairment IMPORTANT: Remember to treat all people with a disability as a person first and then consider their impairment! Let the person who is vision impaired know that you have entered the room or joined the group, and if appropriate, who else is there. Identify yourself. Do not play guessing games such as do you know who I am? Always make it clear to whom you are talking, by using the person s name wherever possible. Always address the person with vision impairment directly and never through a third person. Never assume that a person with vision impairment will need or want your help as many people are quite capable and independent. A good way of finding out is to ask Do you need help? If they do need help, find out exactly how they want to be helped by asking, How may I help you? Let the person who is vision impaired know when you are leaving the room or gathering so that he or she does not end up talking to you once you have left. It is not necessary to raise your voice or slow your speech simply because someone has a vision impairment. Speak as you would normally. Feel comfortable in using the language that you usually would, including the words such as look and see. Be cautious in the use of sarcastic humour and when making inappropriate gestures. You never know from the start whether a person with vision impairment has enough functional vision to see your body language and facial expressions, or not. Non-verbal gestures that would usually help to indicate that you mean the opposite of what you say, might not be appropriate.

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