Hi there. I am an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. I teach people how to use a can and to navigate when they have a visual impairment.

The way I would decide if someone should use a can is by observing how they travel in familiar places and unfamiliar places. If they miss obstacles, are slow and cautious, or are a hazard to other people, then a cane is a good choice. If they have a visual impairment but don’t really need it to help them avoid obstacles, then an identification can may be a good fit. Their motivation and receptiveness to a cane also plays a role in the decision process.

Basically, if you feel that you can benefit from a cane, then get one. In general, if you plan to use it for obstacles, get it about arm pit height. If you walk faster, get it taller; slower, get it shorter. There are plenty of places to order a cane. The NFB will give out a free cane every 6 months to people in the US, but it doesn’t fold. Maxiaids, LS&S, Advantage Revolution Canes, Ambutech, the WCIB, and other websites are available to order canes from.

A lot of people who slowly lose vision end up pushing off getting a cane too long.

Is your tripping from your amount of vision? If so, that should be more than enough reason for you to get a cane.

If not, then you might want to wait until you can get proper training, which will require you to be a bit more independent to be honest. Your mom shouldn't be even involved, never mind able to make decisions for you.

That said, I know so many people with slow progressing vision loss who chose to push off getting a cane because they didn't trip, then they didn't trip that much, then they didn't hurt themselves too much when they tripped, until they did and then, suddenly, their vision is bad and learning to use the cane is harder because they can't use vision as a secondary checker in situations where they're not sure what their cane's feeling.

I had a friend that twisted his ankle regularly, even breaking something, but he didn't want the stigma of being blind because he can see fine during the day and girls don't flock to guys with canes. It took him wearing a cast, then a boot, for him to stop being so against the cane.

Another friend is a teacher at a local school, and didn't want to have her ability called into question. It took breaking her arm and getting accused of being drunk in public for her to come out, as it were, as blind.

I have quite a bit of usable vision, and hated using a cane as a kid.
It wasn’t until I was in my teens that I realized sometimes it is more for the benefit of those around me, especially in public places.
If you’re using a cane and trip, or accidentally bump into someone, people won’t automatically assume you’re drunk or otherwise messed up.
Only you can decide if it is right for you. Doesn’t matter what your parents or anyone else thinks.

I'm not an expert, but you should at least consider getting a cane to notify others of your visual impairment.

I've been against using my cane for a long time, because I was afraid of being treated in another way, but when I finally started using it, I've noticed that people want to help you more when you need it, if they see the reason for helping you out.

For me my vision is low but stable. The big reason i got a cane was for depth perc5eptuon. That said some pieces i have seen as a side effect are a general understanding by the public if you do misstep or bump into one. As well people tend to be more willing to help. Another example is construction sites. So many times I have had staff or a police officer see me and offer to help me navigate the odd and dangerous terrain. As well if using something like a handicapped seat on a bus it helps communicate why you need it same goes for sitting closer at an event etc.

How old are you and why your mother is calling the shots here when it is **you** who is pondering about the cane. It is you, who is having vision problems, not your mother.

I guess it might be a cultural thing and related to your background, but health and especially vision is something your mother (or anyone else for that matter) cannot and should not manage for you. She does not see the world with your eyes. Only you can do that.

The fact that the therapist recommended cane for you might be a reason enough to at least give the cane a try and see if it really helps you or not.

Also, IMHO the gender of the therapist should not be the reason to discredit an opinion of *a professional*. To me this sounds just absurd.

As for me, my situation is that I have basically lost my peripheral vision, but my forward vision is still quite good. This means that I can basically live like a normal sighted person, but I do have to be more careful in crowded areas. I do know and admit that the cane would be useful and benefical for me, because that would signal to other people that I am a visually impaired person. Thus far I have managed to live without the cane quite nicely and I've decided I'm not bothering myself with it as of yet. That might change in the future though if/when my RP progresses.

Yeah, I don’t think the gage is how much you fall. That is not why a cane is needed just getting around obstacles is another aspect of it. I hardly fall too if I don’t use a cane sometimes. I have broken my cane and slowly walked home using my feet. I know some areas and don’t use a cane. I could probably use my hand or feet to track. I am totally blind. But I have one and I use it. I would say that if the therapist recommended one you should probably get it. Professional advice is always good. There is no harm to getting a cane. Okay a financial one, you have 40 to 50 less dollars at most and an extra object at home, but otherwise no harm at all. I see getting a dog as a bigger consideration. A umbrella isn’t a cane and could be more difficult yes. Also using a cane is a skill so it takes patience and practice. It’s not now I have a cane, yay yay! I know how to use it. You also can’t just read it’s manual and have the know how. Cane training is an extensive process with lots of practice. It may be difficult and take more time, but you’ll get use to it.

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If you feel that you need one, get one. If you're unsure, consult an o&m professional. This vision loss is something *YOU* have to live with though, not your mother. I'm sure she means well but you have to be making these decisions, not her. This is your life, and you have to live with the choices you make. Now is the time to learn to advocate for yourself.