This world is hard so take every opportunity to make it easier on yourself. Take every opportunity to improve yourself and your situation. Take every accommodation you need, and if it’s not freely offered, ask for it. Set yourself up for success as much as possible, because you are 100% your own best advocate!

This is amazing. I feel like I’m reading my own memoir lol. Mostly everything you just wrote has been something I’ve come to realize as truth over the past year, though I’ve been on this journey for far longer than a day. I’m so happy that you finally got to a place of acceptance. Some day you’re going to say that this is the best thing you ever did for yourself. Be proud!

I think you should get a crane and see if that helps you, the people around you will eventually come around to accept it. You should be trying to make life easier for you if you can. Lots of retroreflective tape and the like on the tape and even at night people should be able to see you from a distance. But I don't recommend going outside at night.

Good for you! Your family member, who cringed, F\*CK THEM! They have NO idea what you are dealing with, obviously. They truly have NO idea..... so toss them into the back of the pile. And don't worry about them, OR their opinions, or concerns.
Because this IS YOUR LIFE!! And you must live it the best way you know how. And if that means using a white can, then goddammit, you do that! And show them! Teach them that not everyone is as privileged as they are. Some of us need some help, assistance, some guidance. So I say it again, F\*CK THEM!

Do your life for you! It's the ONLY life you will have. All of that talk about heaven and hell, and being reborn into something else is all b.s. THIS is your life! LIVE it the way you WANT TO, to make you the happiest person you can be while doing so.

Regarding having a cane and your brothers attitude. I'm talking here as a sighted person who knows a cane user well.

First your sibling, I get it, schoolkids can be ruthless, bullying and very cliquey. But any loss they have from being associated with "the disable kid who needs an old persons white cane" will eventually be compensated for by having a sibling (you) who has succeeded on their own terms.

Second, you often see posts on this sub from people reluctant or worried about starting to use a cane, then coming back to say what a difference it made.

Your thoughts about a cane helping, that fits in with what I see happen. The first time I saw them produce a cane was when I took them to an airport where they were going to catch an international flight. They said just having a cane saved a lot of explaining when asking for assistance. You couldn't tell they are VI by looking at them. The cane is helping at the moment with social distancing and letting other people know they need to move because this person can't see them or see if it is safe to step into the road.

The cane user I know also has a spare compact $1. They keep this one for best, for posh dinners, going to the theatre or dances. The daily cane can get beaten up after a time so it helps having one that you know looks smart and can folded up into a small bag.

That’s right, you can’t change it. And not a problem. If you want to talk feel free to send me a pm. Ask away. I think acceptance is important but it’s also important to overcome and be very proficient and independent. The more you try the more work you do the better. I say it’s my reality and if you don’t like it that’s your problem not mine. I think because I know my reality so well I am so well adjusted it’s not even a problem. I fit in to society well and am well adjusted.

Yes, you should use a cane. No you won’t be judged. Perhaps in school but the thing is who really care. It’s like so what I am blind if you think that’s not good enough for you that’s your problem. It reflects badly on them and not you. I was extremely unpopular in high school I had my own issues I was probably too confident and arrogant I went the other way. Being like r/iamverysmart really helped me or was my coping mechanism. It probably wasn’t healthy nor did it help me. For me it’s like fine you alienated me but look!!!! I am stil r/iamverysmart so yeah. Didn’t help with self image though warped sense of who I am.

As a person who is very well respected and popular at any university I go to and around town no a cane will not stop you from that. I think at first struggling may incur some pity but I think as you practice and get confident it will be good. Stay confident and strong. And you’ll be fine. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Or put up more issues. I am glad you were able to talk to your family more openly. Keep at it.

Persist on.