When my wife was no longer able to walk un aided I decided we should try a tandem
I found a group (EXsight) and tried it out .
The first ride was as a stoker so I could find out what the captain did and how comunication was transmitted.
I then borrowed a older tandem and rode a number of rides solo to get the feel for the bike.
The second EXsight ride was with a powerful small stoker who gave me the feel for a tandem team
The third ride was with wife along for a 20km ride and we both felt we should get our own tandem.
Unfortunately quality tandems are scarce in Aus and we finaly found a medium frame Cannondale and have never looked back
I do all the ballance as captain and tell her 'star on the pedals' and try to give clear indications of stopping and starting and it is her job for indications for turns.
We have been riding now for 5 years and happy.
So is EXsight as i ride as captain for a variety of visual impaired stokers most weeks often 2 rides and we all have a good ride
Hope this helps
Joe