I have never been a lover of canes. I own an Ambutech Slimline with a glide tip (used with the constant contact technique), which I bought due to its lightness and slim design.
https://ambutech.com/products/slimline-graphite-mobility-cane-standard-handle
In the future, I may try the Glide, as it sounds very promising and helpful.
https://glidance.io/
But for now, what I really enjoy using is my amd or adaptive mobility device.
https://ambutech.com/products/rectangular-amd
From the few conversations I have had on the topic, as well as the decent amount of research I have done online, it seems that most blind people, and even mobility instructors, don't know about them. I discovered them on my own a few years ago, while looking for alternatives to canes. There are different types of amds, but mine is made by ambutech. It looks like four canes put together to form a square frame. On the bottom are wheels and on the top are three handles, one on each side, plus one in the middle. Normally, I stand in the middle, hold onto the side handles and push the amd in front of me. But when walking up or down stairs, or when holding something, I use the middle handle. The reason I prefer an amd over a cane is that there is no swinging, wrist movement, or worrying about the width of an arc or whether it will get caught in a sidewalk. I just push it forward, and it covers my whole body from the waist down. The amd can be folded, but only vertically, so it is still wide and a bit large. I do think that some improvements can be made there, and that a telescoping device with locks, similar to an umbrella or suitcase handle, would make things easier. But even as it is, it is a pleasure to use. Admittedly, I don't go out much and don't walk to places when I do, so perhaps someone else might have a different view. I have read, though, that many enjoy the drop-off detection that they offer, and I find that, while it doesn't prevent me from veering, it does help a bit.
Have any of you used an amd? If so, what was your experience? Do you feel, as I do, that it shouldn't be marketed just as a pre-cane or learning device but as a viable alternative to a traditional cane?
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