Amy HayesCourse 518Basic O&MRegion IV

What Is It ?

A systematic method of disengaging unwanted or incorrect sighted guide assistance.

Accepting or Refusing AidOr

Hines Break Technique

The purpose of the Hines Break is for the student to be able to politely accept or refuse assistance from a sighted guide.

Purpose

Importance of Technique

This technique is important because it allows a student to let the guide know that he does not want or need any assistance, but in a mild manner.

This technique allows the student to have an active role instead of being manipulated. It allows them to be and feel more independent.

ProcedureRefusing•The student responds to the guides contact by relaxing the arm that is grabbed and raising it toward his opposite shoulder, all while keeping his feet still.

•With the hand that is free, the student grasps the guides wrist while politely telling the guide that he does not want any help.

•The student will then slightly pull the guide’s wrist forward until the guide lets go.

Accepting•If the student wishes to accept the assistance with his free hand assumes the proper grip.

Reasoning Behind Technique

Relaxing the arm communicates to the guide that their action is not appropriate or wanted.

Moving to the opposite shoulder decreases the guides security on the wrist and positions the guide’s wrist so that it can be grabbed easily.

Keeping feet still allows for balance and direction.

Suggestions•The refusal or acceptance of aid should be quick and smooth.•At times the individual may need to be aggressive in acceptance or refusal because the guide is persistent.•If the student is contacted on other parts of the body such as, shoulder or back, they need to rotate their body away from the guide’s grasp.•The instructor may give the student the chance to practice this skill by grabbing the student’s arm unexpectedly.

Resources“Orientation And Mobility Techniques A Guide For The Practitioner”- AKA “The Blue Book”

Author- Everett Hill and Purvis Ponder

Copy Right- 1976 American Foundation for the Blind