Basic Sighted Guide
• Purpose: To enable the student to utilize a sighted guide safely and efficiently.
Basic Method
• With the back of his hand the guide contacts the student’s arm.
• The student moves his hand up the guide’s arm into position just above the elbow.
Rationale
• The purpose behind this method is to maintain constant contact with the guide’s arm which avoids unnecessary grouping and helps to locate the proper position above the guide’s elbow.
Observations
• Contact may also be established by the guide supplying a verbal clue in the context of the conversation. Ex. “Sue it’s Mrs. Parker do you want some help?”.
• The position can be modified when there is extreme difference in height between student and guide.
Positioning
• The student’s thumb is positioned just above the elbow on the lateral side of the guide’s arm with the remaining four fingers on the medial side, with a grip that is secure.
• The arm of the student should form and angle of 90% approximately with the forearm pointing forward.
Positioning
• In order to afford optimal informational feedback the thumb and fingers must be in proper position. A secure grip is also important.
• The positional relationship between the student and the guide allows the student reaction time. The student should be about ½ step behind guide.
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