Blind Crossing

What: A series of trust activities suitable for all groups.

Group Size: 2 +

Time: 30 Minutes

Props: One blindfold per person.

Site: a level open space, clear of any obstacles.

Instructions:

1. Ask participants to find a partner for the activity.

2. Ask participants to face their partners so that there are two straight lines, each person facing his/her partner. The lines (and therefore the partners) should be approximately three yards away from each other at the start.

3. On cue, the line you designate will walk towards the other line with blindfolds on. For them to do this safely, they will use the "bumpers up" position.
   • "Bumpers up" means that the person has both arms extended straight forward from the shoulders with elbows slightly bent and the palms turned forward (like you were motioning "stop" with both hands at once). Demonstrate for them the "bumpers up" position and check for understanding.

4. The "stationary" line will meet the walking line with its "bumpers up," that is, if all goes well, each sighted partner will meet their blind counterpart palm-to-palm.
   • Note that I put "stationary" in quotes above and I noted that the sighted partner meets the blindfolded walker. The person with sight must take the responsibility for shifting to either side in order to meet his/her partner. Blindfolded walkers don't necessarily walk in a straight line, hence the responsibility on the sighted partner. This point is CRUCIAL for the safety of this exercise. Make sure your group understands this clearly.

   • Once the first line of walkers completes their blind crossing, they remove their blindfolds and go back to their starting point. Once they are resituated, the lines will switch roles and repeat the exercise. At the end of this step, everyone has made the crossing once.
      
   • Instruct both lines to move backwards until they are 5 yards apart. Repeat steps 1-5.

   • Instruct both lines to move backwards until they are 10 yards apart. Repeat steps 1-5.

Facilitator Notes:

1. Whenever you have blindfolded participants, you as facilitator must be extra conscious of safety. Before doing this exercise, review with the group your use of the "s- word," i.e., STOP. Should the group ever hear you say this, they are to freeze in their tracks - you have seen a potential safety issue (e.g., a participant about to walk into another participant) that you will need to correct and you will tell the group when to begin again.