Personal Safety Definitions It’s important to think about personal safety and safety when working with others who are providing you with support. Being prepared can help you to navigate daily challenges, respond effectively in emergencies, and avoid potential hazards. Awareness and preparedness can increase your confidence and ability to live more independently. You can enhance your personal safety at home by organizing your living space to reduce risks, using tactile markers for important items, and by ensuring emergency supplies are easy to access. When working with others, it’s important to communicate your needs clearly and set up appropriate ways for you to get help.
Guiding Questions How might you keep yourself safe when working with another person (maybe an assistant) to complete daily tasks? How might you establish boundaries with a personal assistant who helps you with daily tasks? What are some steps you can take in your home to stay safe? What are some steps you can take to stay safe while out in the community? Resources Safety Basics Series | Hadley (hadleyhelps.org) This resource includes workshops that address safety when working with assistants.
Safety Skills – Perkins School for the Blind This is an activity that directly addresses possible situations to help youth learn what to do in an emergency.
Living alone with low vision: Safety considerations, tips, and more (medicalnewstoday.com) This article provides safety tips for living alone with low vision.
Health and Safety | American Foundation for the Blind (afb.org) AFB's Public Policy Center is dedicated to the health and well-being of people with vision loss of all ages, including the prevention of avoidable injuries.
Strive4you STRIVE4You’s SEED program was developed to endorse and provide safety education and adapted self-defense tactics within the community of individuals with low vision.
