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Practical Sessions With Powerful Takeaways. With Powerful Takeaways. With Powerful Takeaways.

Every Amla Speaks session is designed specifically for police officers, firefighters, and EMS responders. Each training covers the practical tools, communication protocols, and mobility drills needed to guide blind individuals safely during any emergency.

Safety Precautions Upon Arrival at the Scene

  • Turn off lights and sirens near the blind person's location
  • Wear a "sunshine" yellow reflective jacket so the blind person may physically see you
  • Wear "sleigh bell" Velcro wristbands to help the blind person tune in to your signal sounds
  • Never shine bright lights into the eyes of an unconscious blind person
  • Use soft and steady tones — most low-vision individuals are super-sensitive to sound
  • Place orange traffic cones by the emergency vehicle tires to help blind individuals locate it

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Psychological Preparation — LUA & Triple A

  • LUA: Listen, Understand, Assess the immediate wants and needs of the individual who is blind
  • Awareness (A): Be observant and present — a visionary, seeing beyond the physical eyes
  • Attunement (A): Stay alert, using primal instincts
  • Attention (A): Act like an owl — scan the emergency scenario with wisdom and a bird's-eye view

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Five Verbal & Auditory Cues for Responders

  • Identify yourself upon arrival — repeat your name, title, and the blind person's name
  • Open with: "How may I help you?"
  • Use clear, concise communication — provide a verbal play-by-play at every step
  • Never assume the blind person understands what has visually transpired
  • Avoid pointing or saying "over there" — use clock positions or compass directions

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Emergency Responder Protocol

  • Assign a trained responder to de-escalate conflict at the scene
  • Remain two to three steps ahead to safely lead the blind person away from danger
  • Do not physically touch without life-threatening necessity
  • If the blind individual is right-handed, offer your right elbow; lock arms for stability
  • Identify who is speaking if multiple responders are present — prevent disorientation
  • Allow ample time for the blind person to collect their belongings (ID, phone, sunglasses, mobility cane)

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Do's and Don'ts

(Do's):

  • Always state the responder's physical position during the encounter
  • Always ask permission before taking the blind person's arm — never grab or yank
  • Ask when and where it is appropriate to verbally communicate
  • Match the pace of the blind person — be attentive to their real-time needs
  • Use explicit verbal directions on stairs, uneven ground, and curbs

(Don'ts):

  • Do not ignore a blind person who directly asks for help
  • Do not move their wallet, glasses, cane, or phone without permission
  • Do not call the mobility aid a "stick" — the proper term is cane

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Role-Play Mobility Training

  • One responder plays the guide; one plays the trainee (blindfolded)
  • The trainee navigates from Point A (start) to Point B (end) across a room
  • Guides use clear verbal cues; both parties take turns in each role
  • Advanced drill: facilitator adds roadblocks — chairs, rocks, yoga blocks, crowds — to challenge the trainee
  • Use traffic light signals: Red = Stop, Yellow = Caution, Green = Go
  • Use the "Lighthouse" safety word — if the trainee feels danger, repeat "Lighthouse" until the guide responds

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