First, let me say that "...like the swish swish kind..." may be the most adorable thing I've read all week.

ok... that said:

When I was learning to drive, my dad told me that if you learn to drive a stick-shift (manual transmission) then you can drive anything! In that spirit, I recommend you speak to an O&M trainer and mention you specifically want night training.

Functionally, either a mobility cane or a walking stick will work well for the situation you describe. I have four white canes and a non-white walking stick. I use them all depending on the situation.

I like the cane at night for the white reflective surface that lets people know I'm there -- but some people don't like drawing attention to themselves, particularly at night, especially if they are alone, so opinions vary.

Edit: Grammar

[deleted]

A number of my clients have night vision issues, so I do train them specifically for night travel. In a situation where they can see well in the daytime, but they only have difficulties at night, we actually sometimes use blindfolds to simulate that for training.

If you are tripping on things, or walking into things, along came can be helpful for you. You should contact you local rehabilitation agency to arrange for an O&M instructor to meet with you to do an assessment, figure out the right length of cane, and help provide training. Depending on where you are from, some places will help provide funding for a cane as well.

I wanted to point out firstly too I am quite entertained by the entire “swish swish cane” thing too. I think it beats out someone calling my cane a pole. Hahaha! :D a swish swish cane is quite amusing and entertaining, and I am lacking a bit of sleep and a little stressed so yeah. Thanks for the nights entertainment. I enjoyed your creativity.


I do think a cane will be beneficial I do think the “swish swish type of cane” will be best, aka a white cane. :D I think once you get yourself oriented and understand your surroundings and can get your barings your falling will be less and you’ll be able to navigate and work better with night blindness.


I agree with the rest mobility training will be very important. Getting a cane is not enough learning to use it and to use it properly will be very paramount. Also learn some ils skills so you can work with things during night blindness as well. ILS stands for independent living skills. Learning to adapt things for blindness.

I think a good quality cane is good but what brand is up to you. I like the slim line ambutechs I am also a fan of straight canes like dcane and iowa canes.

I also lack depth perception and horrible night vision. I keep a slimline cane with me, because I don't need it all the time and it's super compact. But it's not as durable and only meant for identification and light-duty work. It's very handy for finding the edges of curbs and going down stairs (up isn't so much a struggle for me).

I'm also a pretty clumsy person in general, but I do find that I'm a lot less clumsy when using the cane, be it to swish swish or just to pokey pokey.

I definitely recommend getting some O&M instruction - it should be free through your state's vocational rehab/office for the blind, if you're in the US.

“Swish swish” is my new favourite way to describe cane use, I love it!

So, I have night vision issues myself, and use a cane at night. I also have a reduced visual field so will also use it in crowds and unfamiliar places, as my depth perception is not the best, day or night. A good instructor will work with you on the specific things you have trouble with, so definitely reach out.

[removed]