It’s a great skill to have even if you don’t use it much. A cane serves more of a purpose than just helping you to navigate, it also educated others around you. So instead of someone being ignorant on an escalator for example because you’re taking a bit longer than usual, they are more likely to either be patient or maybe offer a hand if you’re struggling to locate something.

We briefly started the training with my son but he’s still a bit young so tends to see it as more of a weapon than an aid. Kids and lightsabers 🙄

I’d recommend going for the training.

I live in the Uk too.

From what I remember the person will come to your house.

I’m not sure how long the training takes.

I do think this is a good age to be trained because you will probably use the skills in the future.

I started using a cane when I was 14 and it has been the best choice I’ve made since I started losing sight. At first I only used it at night too (yay night blindness!) but since then my sight has gotten worse so I now use it everywhere I go really. People won’t make fun of you. In my experience people either don’t care or think it’s kind of cool (which it can totally be. It is something unique about you!) you’re never too young or too old for O&M, and tough it can be scary, it’s always actually kind of fun. There isn’t a set amount of hours you train, that depends on how fast you pick it up. I only had one hour of cane training when I first got my cane. Canes are weird, because on the one hand it’s a great mobility aid and on the other hand you’re carrying a very obvious sign of your disability. This can be hard to get used to, but it’s also super important to use if you feel like you need it. If you have any questions or just wanna talk feel free to hit me up!

Use the cane, get the training, etc. Even if you don't 100% need it now, use it and get used to it while you're young. I didn't start using one until my mid 30's and I *really* wish I'd had training with it when I was younger so I could be better equipped to use it now. My vision hasn't even really changed much, it's just that falling down at 41 hurts more and takes longer to heal from than it did at 14.

I understand feeling self-conscious. I was super self-conscious about it when I first started using mine, but in the end, not tripping over curbs and being able to comfortably walk down the street at night was totally worth it. You're using a tool, that's all. If people make fun of it, that's on them.

> Should I get a cane?

If someone is asking this question, the answer is probably yes.

> Where does training take place?

I’m not familiar with the system across the pond, but I’d guess you’ll probably start around the neighborhood or something. Your instructor might ask for your input about where you want to train.

> How long does training take

I got about 20-30 hours of training total. Most of that was just supervised practice.

> What if family/friends make fun of me?

It might be awkward at first, but they’ll get over it. Educate people about what it is and why you need to use it. You don’t have to put up with people calling your cane a “stick” or challenging if you really need it, so correct them when necessary. The hardest part of learning to use a cane for me was getting over my self-consciousness about using it.

> Is this the right age to learn?

No idea. I didn’t get much out of cane training when I was your age, but on the other hand I was a pretty stupid kid. There’s probably no harm in giving it a shot.

Not UK, but my job is basically "office person for O+M instructors", and I imagine it's similar there and in the US.

They'll talk to you about what you need to learn- its not a one-size-fits-all sort of deal, a skilled cane user needing instruction about communiting to work four cities over isn't going to have the same experience as an elderly person needing to get to the corner store, or a teenage first time cane user who wants to get around town at night.

Your instructor will work with you to figure out what you need- like basic cane skills, familiarity with the public transit and walkable intersections between you and where you want to go, and then you'll work on it, they will teach you how to use the cane, basic walking around tips, and familiarize you with the routes you want to take. They can also teach your family/friends human guide if you think that would be helpful. (I mean, 'hey can I hold your hand because I don't feel safe with my low vision here' can be a useful pickup line, so maybe don't teach your crush lol)

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It is never too early or too late to start O+M. You'll probably need it again when/if you go to uni or start working or move house.

and from what you've said in other comments, it sounds like your mom is chill and down with helping you with what you need! And that's what O+M instructors are there for!

Lastly, (and this may not be super appropriate because you are 14 and my language is not nice here AND I know its very very hard to ignore people making fun of you- I have a legally blind 12 year old and she hates any thing that makes her different) fuck anyone who would make fun of you. Beat them with your cane (don't actually beat them with your cane)

Hi! Isay go for the training because if your vision worsens or you go out at night a lot, it could make you feel safer. I know it can be embarrassing to tell people but it'll mean they know what kind of help you need. You should contact your local mobility team - you can do that through your SENCO or QTVI at school who can help. As for telling your mum, I'd say sit her down and say that you think it'll make you feel safer when you go out; it'll show you're being responsible and mature and she'll most likely respond well to that. Good luck! <3

A cane is usually used to check for obstacles that you can't see, and to check for drop offs. So if you are finding that you are bumping into things, or tripping over edges/curbs that you didn't notice, a cane is usually suggested.

I've started basic cane usage for children as young as 5. At that age, they aren't really learning all the skills, but it's good to get used to how the cane basically works.

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Yes, you should use a white cane, get training etc. Most people won't make fun of you (if they do, cut them out).

Talk to your mum and tell her exactly what you told us; your mobility instructor recommended you use a white cane. As your mother, she should be 100% on board with this - for your own safety and comfort.

Edit: typo