Glide "Spotter" Tips

Introduction: How to be a fantastic Spotter

A Spotter is someone, sighted or blind, that is not professionally trained in Orientation and Mobility but serves as the safety support to an individual who is blind during travel. By following these tips, you can empower others to develop greater knowledge and confidence when traveling independently without sight.

‍

1. Ask the traveler if they would like you to be their spotter during the route. If yes, continue to step 2. If no, respect their decision and let them go alone.  
‍

• If you have serious safety concerns about them traveling without a spotter, share them in a way that is not patronizing.
• DO tell them, “a new construction project started on Main Street and the south side between 3^rd and 4^th Avenue is closed.”
• DON’T tell them, “it’s not safe for you to walk this route by yourself because of the construction.”

‍

2. Ask the traveler how much information they want from you as a spotter. Here are some examples of information they may find helpful: Ask the traveler how much information they want from you as a spotter. Here are some examples of information they may find helpful:

‍

• If I might hit my head on an overhead obstacle, warn me ahead of time by announcing, “Branches.”  

• Help me set the correct alignment towards a target I’m trying to reach by giving clock face directions ex. “the door is slightly to your right, 1 o’clock” or “your body is pointed too far right towards the parallel street,  adjust to face 10 o’clock .  
• When pedestrians or cyclists are approaching fast, announce them using “Runner UP” meaning runner coming from ahead or “Runner BACK” meaning runner coming from behind. Same for Cyclist, scooter, etc.
• When I’m getting close to my mailbox, let me know by announcing “Mailbox in 3… 2…1” synced with my walking pace.
• Read aloud the names of the stores as we walk past them.

‍

3. Agree that if the traveler is in eminently danger you will say “STOP!” Reserve this tool for serious emergencies such as if they may collide with an obstacle, be struck by a vehicle, or fall off a curb, stairs, or ledge.  

4. Ask the traveler if they are comfortable with you touching their arm or shoulder to get their attention, or if they would prefer not to be touched at all.

‍

5. Avoid saying “that way” and “over there.” Instead reference the traveler’s right and left, or use clock face directions. “The door is to your right, 2:00.”  

‍

6. Avoid giving directions by pointing your finger in air space, this is not accessible to a blind traveler. Instead, ask permission to touch their hand and point together, your hand UNDER theirs.

7. It is NOT helpful to say, “watch out” or “be careful.” If you anticipate the traveler is getting too close to a hazard, give them more information. “You’re very close to the left curb edge” or “stay to your right as we pass some bushes.”

‍

8. Walk 2 steps behind the traveler so you do not interfere with their mobility aid or block their ability to hear the environment.

‍

9. Position yourself slightly to the traveler’s right or left for a better view, whichever side currently has the greater danger. This is usually the side closest to parallel traffic, however you might need to switch sides if a tree branch or staircase is coming up on their other side.

‍

10. Do not chit-chat with them during travel! They need to focus on listening to traffic and other cues, feeling the terrain, remembering directions, and using their mobility aid correctly. Conversations should happen before or after walking the route.

THANK YOU for being a Spotter!

‍

‍

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this please contact us at: gliders@glidance.io.

‍