> I have brain damage from what caused my blindness, so I have a hard time knowing how far apart my hands are.

I used to have something similar.

My VI is caused by a stroke and at first I had no depth perception in my remaining sight and couldn't judge distances at all. Couldn't even fill a glass of water from the tap. Even had trouble walking through doorways because even though I knew there had to be plenty space, my brain just wouldn't accept it and I would have to sidle slowly through the doorway.

Thankfully it only lasted 3 or 4 weeks but that was scary as hell while it lasted.

Yeah I can imagine that being very upsetting. Have you thought of any ways you could address this? Like for example, not knowing how far apart your hands are, could you tie a piece of string to both your hands. So that way you know when to stop moving your hand? Like, have the right amount cut out, then tie each end to each hand.

One of my VI friends got a stencil made for his signature and carries it in his wallet

It might be helpful to know that, in most places, a legal signature is any mark that identifies a person. It doesn't have to be legible writing, just consistent. A stamp would work, but for instances where that is not possible (digital signatures for example), any mark made by a pen by you will do. You can just practice a simplified signature consisting of a few connecting structures instead of letters. For example, your signature could be a loop followed by a bump and then a straight line. Just get a pen and peice of paper and make some motions. Find something that appeals to you, and repeat it. It's kind of hard to keep the pen steady when you aren't used to using it though, but that can be mitigated by writing somewhat fast, inside a signing card (so you don't write too large).

This hit so close to home, it nearly destroyed me

You've got this! Do you have certain methods that help you remember? Or is it something you just have to do until you figure it out?

I'm a little curious, I've seen walking sticks that vibrate when something is close by. Have you looked into it? It's supposed to vibrate when it detects an object or anything at all that's within a certain proximity of the Cane.