[Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
K C
kcc86 at hotmail.com
Thu Mar 5 22:38:31 UTC 2009
I agree with you, Steve, and I'd also add that as a former, and happy
student of the Colorado center for the blind, I have found both the
philosophy, and the program itself quite stimulating, and fulfilling to my
whole life.
I also understand Chanelle's concern about not being a member of Nfb, since
most of us who go to these programs are members of this organization. As
far as I know all the nfb programs are great, and most realistically train
us to live as totally independent blind people whitch is what it's all about
at the end of the very long day. :) Take care, all,
Kijuana
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Jacobson" <steve.jacobson at visi.com>
To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 3:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
> Chanelle,
>
> Since I live in the Twin Cities and volunteer some at BLIND Incorporated,
> your note caught my attention. I know of cases where information about
> BLIND
> Incorporated was presented in such a way as to push interested students in
> another direction. In some cases, my guess is that those providing the
> information just
> didn't have a good
> working knowledge of BLIND Incorporated. In other cases, I believe that a
> few professionals are simply biased against it. You are really the best
> person to decide
> what will work for you, and I hope you will take a tour and ask questions
> and make your decision based upon the answers you get. If a facility is
> going to truly give
> you something, it has to have methods that it believes have been proven to
> work. Without that, all facilities would be the same. BLIND Incorporated
> has methods
> that it has found to work well for over twenty
> years now, and if too much of their program is not followed, it is
> questionable whether training can have the desired results. Some
> interpret this as being "strict," but
> from what I have seen it doesn't come across that way. I have personally
> seen many instances where there has been flexibility shown to accommodate
> the specific
> needs and strengths of particular students.
>
> I received my training before BLIND Inc. was in existence. And while my
> training wasn't bad, I am always struck when I
> enter Blind Incorporated by the happy atmosphere and the give and take
> that seems to be a part of daily activities there. The aroma that seems
> to constantly come
> out of the kitchen is a big selling point, too. Again, take a tour and
> ask questions, and
> make your decision based upon those questions. Graduates of that program
> tend to be successful, and that says something.
>
> The NFB has a philosophy that is a part of BLIND Incorporated, but
> certainly there are and have been many students who were not NFB members.
> Some have
> joined and some have not. It is our hope that you might consider joining
> at some point, but it needs to be based on the examples we try to set and
> what you
> observe, and not on any absolute requirement. While we always welcome new
> members, we really do want to see blind people graduate from BLIND
> Incorporated
> with the confidence they need to achieve what they want to achieve in
> their lives. As an organization, we can do a lot to help reinforce
> confidence, but to be the
> kind of member we need, it has to be a decision you make and not one that
> you are pressured or required to make, and I think you would find that you
> are given the
> opportunity to make up your own mind about us without being made to feel
> uncomfortable.
>
> I hope we meet you in person down the road.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Steve Jacobson
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>>From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
>>To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 12:13
>>Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
>
>
>>> Dear Bern,
>>> I'm not sure if it is okay to be talking about Blind Inc. on the
>>> diabetes
>>> list, so maybe if we continue this conversation you could write me off
>>> list?
>>> I should not have mentioned it and just stuck to the portion about a
>>> diabetes class at the center.
>>> Blind Inc. seems to be very thorough in training clients. However, I am
>>> a
>>> little worried because the policies seem to be quite strict and I am not
>>> sure how open staff are to someone who is not from the NFB. I am also
>>> curious as to how flexible the staff members are. I hope to arrange a
>>> tour
>>> for sometime late this month or early next month. I live a few hours
>>> from
>>> Minneapolis, so I need to plan a trip with my friends who will be
>>> driving.
>>>
>>> Chanelle
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of The Jacobs'
>>> Family
>>> Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 8:58 AM
>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
>>>
>>> Good Morning Chanelle:
>>>
>>> There was a question here about BLIND Inc. Please rest assured that
>>> BLIND INC. is one of our training centers. Can't get much better than
>>> that
>>> Honey. I've personally known many of the staff there--seems like since
>>> dirt! The standards are impeccably high. Believe me, you won't regret
>>> attending there. And, of course, we now have Diabetes Management/Care
>>> training at all of our Centers. With the growing diabetic population,
>>> obviously comes the growing demand for diabetes management
>>> education/training.
>>>
>>> Welcome back Miss Chanelle!!
>>>
>>> Bern
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: <diabetes-talk-request at nfbnet.org>
>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 1:00 PM
>>> Subject: Diabetes-talk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 3
>>>
>>>
>>>> Send Diabetes-talk mailing list submissions to
>>>> diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>>>> diabetes-talk-request at nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>>>> diabetes-talk-owner at nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>>>> than "Re: Contents of Diabetes-talk digest..."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Today's Topics:
>>>>
>>>> 1. questions from a fairly new list subscriber (Chanelle Hill)
>>>> 2. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>> (Paul & Paula Jordan)
>>>> 3. National Federation of the Blind President to Deliver Keynote
>>>> Address at Notre Dame's Blindness Symposium (Freeh, Jessica)
>>>> 4. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber (Vincent Chaney)
>>>> 5. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber (David Anspach)
>>>> 6. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber (Mike Freeman)
>>>> 7. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber (K C)
>>>> 8. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber (Chanelle Hill)
>>>> 9. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber (Chanelle Hill)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 1
>>>> Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 15:27:03 -0600
>>>> From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Message-ID: <C62DFC3C1B5149B6A1F93EEA1E55263A at HILLC>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>>>
>>>> Dear List Members,
>>>>
>>>> I read an article about insulin pumps that someone from NFB wrote
>>>> several
>>>> years ago, and so I thought I would join this list to see if anyone has
>>>> had
>>>> improved accessibility with the pump and for other diabetes issues. I
>>>> am a
>>>> Type I diabetic, and I have been using the Minimed Paradigm 512 insulin
>>>> pump
>>>> and the Prodigy Voice meter. I know that NFB is heavily involved in
>>>> advocacy, but what has been done to inform insulin pump companies of
>>>> the
>>>> need for more accessible pumps? Is there any way to become involved in
>>>> advocating for better accessibility? It would be wonderful to use the
>>>> new
>>>> Minimed Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, but the meter needed to
>>>> calibrate the pump doesn't talk. It seems like that could easily be
>>>> fixed
>>>> since there are already talking glucometers. I spoke with a rep from
>>>> Minimed
>>>> about upgrading my pump and asked if Minimed was working on a pump that
>>>> would be more accessible. She thought that the company was, but no one
>>>> has
>>>> gotten back to me.
>>>>
>>>> It sounds like someone is having problems with the Prodigy Voice meter
>>>> on
>>>> this list? After calling and waiting a few weeks to get some more
>>>> strips,
>>>> I
>>>> found out that Homecare Solutions is no longer carrying the strips for
>>>> Prodigy Voice and that they are carrying a new meter that is supposedly
>>>> like
>>>> the Prodigy called the Clever Check. Have any of you heard of this new
>>>> meter? Hopefully it has all of the audible features and more accessible
>>>> software (that's almost too much to ask :-) ).
>>>>
>>>> Finally my last question. I am checking out state rehabilitation
>>>> centers
>>>> in
>>>> Minnesota-one of which is Blind Inc. On the CD that SSB sent me
>>>> containing
>>>
>>>> a
>>>> BLIND cyber brochure, a class for diabetes management was mentioned. Do
>>>> you
>>>> know if that is still taught? Apart from that, have any of you had
>>>> experience with the training programs at Blind Inc.?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 2
>>>> Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 17:54:22 -0500
>>>> From: "Paul & Paula Jordan" <paujor at fuse.net>
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Message-ID: <00f101c99c52$fea83e60$fdc8a8c0 at PaulJordan>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>>>
>>>> Well, welcome to the list. I don't have a whole lot of personal
>>>> experience
>>>> with the pump, except that one of my sons is a type 1 diabetic who uses
>>>> a
>>>> pump, and believe me, its very impressive to me.
>>>> My doctor tells me that he thinks I'll go that way someday myself, but
>>>> that's hopefully a long way off. My son's pump and accompanying
>>>> software
>>>> seems to do some amazing things, including allowing him to program his
>>>> food
>>>> choices, and coming back with insulin level adjustments. It amazes me
>>>> how
>>>> much info the thing contains, but, alas, it isn't accessible.
>>>> Keep raising your questions, because I think there's a lot of help and
>>>> interested people here.
>>>>
>>>> Paul
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chanelle Hill
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 4:27 PM
>>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>>
>>>> Dear List Members,
>>>>
>>>> I read an article about insulin pumps that someone from NFB wrote
>>>> several
>>>> years ago, and so I thought I would join this list to see if anyone has
>>>> had
>>>> improved accessibility with the pump and for other diabetes issues. I
>>>> am a
>>>> Type I diabetic, and I have been using the Minimed Paradigm 512 insulin
>>>> pump
>>>> and the Prodigy Voice meter. I know that NFB is heavily involved in
>>>> advocacy, but what has been done to inform insulin pump companies of
>>>> the
>>>> need for more accessible pumps? Is there any way to become involved in
>>>> advocating for better accessibility? It would be wonderful to use the
>>>> new
>>>> Minimed Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, but the meter needed to
>>>> calibrate the pump doesn't talk. It seems like that could easily be
>>>> fixed
>>>> since there are already talking glucometers. I spoke with a rep from
>>>> Minimed
>>>> about upgrading my pump and asked if Minimed was working on a pump that
>>>> would be more accessible. She thought that the company was, but no one
>>>> has
>>>> gotten back to me.
>>>>
>>>> It sounds like someone is having problems with the Prodigy Voice meter
>>>> on
>>>> this list? After calling and waiting a few weeks to get some more
>>>> strips,
>>>> I
>>>> found out that Homecare Solutions is no longer carrying the strips for
>>>> Prodigy Voice and that they are carrying a new meter that is supposedly
>>>> like
>>>> the Prodigy called the Clever Check. Have any of you heard of this new
>>>> meter? Hopefully it has all of the audible features and more accessible
>>>> software (that's almost too much to ask :-) ).
>>>>
>>>> Finally my last question. I am checking out state rehabilitation
>>>> centers
>>>> in
>>>> Minnesota-one of which is Blind Inc. On the CD that SSB sent me
>>>> containing
>>>
>>>> a
>>>> BLIND cyber brochure, a class for diabetes management was mentioned. Do
>>>> you
>>>> know if that is still taught? Apart from that, have any of you had
>>>> experience with the training programs at Blind Inc.?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/paujor%40fuse
>>>> .net
>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>>> Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.4/1976 - Release Date:
>>>> 03/03/09
>>>> 07:25:00
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 3
>>>> Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:58:49 -0600
>>>> From: "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org> (by way of David Andrews
>>>> <dandrews at visi.com>)
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] National Federation of the Blind President to
>>>> Deliver Keynote Address at Notre Dame's Blindness Symposium
>>>> To: david.andrews at nfbnet.org
>>>> Message-ID: <auto-000088034933 at mailfront1.g2host.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> CONTACT:
>>>>
>>>> Chris Danielsen
>>>>
>>>> Director of Public Relations
>>>>
>>>> National Federation of the Blind
>>>>
>>>> (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
>>>>
>>>> (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
>>>>
>>>> <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> National Federation of the Blind President to
>>>> Deliver Keynote Address at Notre Dame's Blindness Symposium
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Speech will Address Education and Civil Rights for All Americans
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Baltimore, Maryland (March 3, 2009): Dr. Marc Maurer, President of
>>>> the National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest
>>>> organization of blind people in the United States, will give the
>>>> keynote address at the Notre Dame Disability Studies Forum's
>>>> blindness symposium. The symposium will be held at the University of
>>>> Notre Dame on March 6, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The Notre
>>>> Dame Disability Studies Forum is hosting speakers from arts-based and
>>>> technology-based disciplines to discuss the culture and technology
>>>> surrounding blindness and low vision. The symposium will also
>>>> feature a technology fair running concurrently with the conference
>>>> and highlighting products that blind people can use.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "I am honored to give the keynote address at this influential
>>>> symposium conducted by my alma mater. With the increasing use of
>>>> electronic textbooks, Web-based instruction, and other technology in
>>>> the classroom, it is critical that educators consider how all aspects
>>>> of the educational system can be made accessible to all students
>>>> including the blind. Only 10 percent of all blind children are
>>>> currently learning to read and write using Braille. Our educational
>>>> system is failing these students and this issue must be addressed
>>>> immediately. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on these crucial
>>>> subjects to this prestigious gathering."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Attendees of the symposium will get to see firsthand a brand-new,
>>>> highly affordable navigational aid called AdapTap that blind swimmers
>>>> can use to keep their bearings in a swimming pool. The National
>>>> Federation of the Blind awarded the project a 2008 Dr. Jacob Bolotin
>>>> Award for outstanding and innovative achievements in the blindness
>>>> field.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Both the academic conference and the technology fair will be open at
>>>> no charge to the general public. For more information about the
>>>> symposium, please e-mail
>>>> <mailto:BlindnessSymposium at gmail.com>BlindnessSymposium at gmail.com.
>>>> For more information on the National Federation of the Blind, please
>>>> visit <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ###
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> About the National Federation of the Blind
>>>>
>>>> With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind
>>>> is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind
>>>> people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives
>>>> through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs
>>>> encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading
>>>> force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's
>>>> blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the
>>>> Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in
>>>> the United States for the blind led by the blind.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 4
>>>> Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:10:21 -0500
>>>> From: Vincent Chaney <vgc732 at optonline.net>
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Message-ID: <CBFDA2C57213463BACE67FB798C003A9 at Vincent>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle,
>>>>
>>>> Welcome to the list...
>>>>
>>>> I too am a pumper, an insulin pump user. I am using the Medtronic
>>>> Minimed
>>>> 712 but require my wife to fill it due to the inaccessible menu
>>>> options.
>>>> Once it is filled I work with the beeps to deliver the "Normal" or
>>>> "Squared"
>>>> bolis amounts as you probably do.
>>>> Regarding the "Clever Check", I performed a "Google" search on this and
>>>> found no indication it included any accessibility feature. The Blog I
>>>> also
>>>> looked at noted it worked with only one button which could be used with
>>>> a
>>>> talking machine but very unlikely. I would recommend you to contact one
>>>> of
>>>> the many suppliers noted on this list who carry the "Prodigy Voice Test
>>>> Strips". The company I work with is "Advanced Diabetic Solutions" and
>>>> just
>>>> received new strips about 10 days ago. Their Web Site is:
>>>> http://www.advanceddiabeticsolutions.net/
>>>> Their phone number is 1-888-377-6382. Tina Rockwell, Director of
>>>> Patient
>>>> Services, is whom has helped me and the members from the Diabetes
>>>> Division
>>>> of the NFBNJ.
>>>>
>>>> Vince
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
>>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 4:27 PM
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dear List Members,
>>>>
>>>> I read an article about insulin pumps that someone from NFB wrote
>>>> several
>>>> years ago, and so I thought I would join this list to see if anyone has
>>>> had
>>>> improved accessibility with the pump and for other diabetes issues. I
>>>> am a
>>>> Type I diabetic, and I have been using the Minimed Paradigm 512 insulin
>>>> pump
>>>> and the Prodigy Voice meter. I know that NFB is heavily involved in
>>>> advocacy, but what has been done to inform insulin pump companies of
>>>> the
>>>> need for more accessible pumps? Is there any way to become involved in
>>>> advocating for better accessibility? It would be wonderful to use the
>>>> new
>>>> Minimed Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, but the meter needed to
>>>> calibrate the pump doesn't talk. It seems like that could easily be
>>>> fixed
>>>> since there are already talking glucometers. I spoke with a rep from
>>>> Minimed
>>>> about upgrading my pump and asked if Minimed was working on a pump that
>>>> would be more accessible. She thought that the company was, but no one
>>>> has
>>>> gotten back to me.
>>>>
>>>> It sounds like someone is having problems with the Prodigy Voice meter
>>>> on
>>>> this list? After calling and waiting a few weeks to get some more
>>>> strips,
>>>> I
>>>> found out that Homecare Solutions is no longer carrying the strips for
>>>> Prodigy Voice and that they are carrying a new meter that is supposedly
>>>> like
>>>> the Prodigy called the Clever Check. Have any of you heard of this new
>>>> meter? Hopefully it has all of the audible features and more accessible
>>>> software (that's almost too much to ask :-) ).
>>>>
>>>> Finally my last question. I am checking out state rehabilitation
>>>> centers
>>>> in
>>>> Minnesota-one of which is Blind Inc. On the CD that SSB sent me
>>>> containing
>>>
>>>> a
>>>> BLIND cyber brochure, a class for diabetes management was mentioned. Do
>>>> you
>>>> know if that is still taught? Apart from that, have any of you had
>>>> experience with the training programs at Blind Inc.?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/vgc732%40opto
>>> nline.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 5
>>>> Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 22:32:31 -0500
>>>> From: "David Anspach" <danspach at tampabay.rr.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Message-ID: <CA74FC1DE42045DDB93B0221DE92B215 at SuperMaddox>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>>>
>>>> Hi Chanelle,
>>>> Welcome to the diabetes talk list. This list is full of great people
>>>> and I
>>>> think you will learn a lot here.
>>>> My name is David anspach and I live in largo Florida with my wife
>>>> Tammy.
>>>> We
>>>> are both diabetics ad have been so for most of our lives, Tammy for
>>>> nearly
>>>> 42 years and I for about 34 years. Tammy has been using a Minimed
>>>> insulin
>>>> pump since 2001. she has used several different models, none of which
>>>> were
>>>> very accessible, of course. She is now using the Paradigm 722 pump with
>>>> pretty good success. I saw how well she was able to control her
>>>> diabetes
>>>> through the use of an insulin pump and started using a Minimed Paradigm
>>>> 712
>>>> pump in 2004. I'm now also using the 722 because my insurance company
>>>> covered the upgrade and I figured why not go for it. I have had
>>>> reasonable
>>>> success using the pump as well.
>>>>
>>>> I have remained very frustrated with the fact that Minimed is yet to
>>>> begin
>>>> working on an accessible insulin pump. Tammy and I both have discussed
>>>> the
>>>> development of an accessible insulin pump with various Minimed people
>>>> over
>>>> the past four or five years. We continue to get the same basic answer
>>>> of
>>>> "it's been suggested many, many times, but Minimed has not started
>>>> looking
>>>> at ways to develop a pump that is accessible to the blind." Basically,
>>>> I
>>>> was
>>>> told just last week that it comes down to a matter of what sells the
>>>> most
>>>> insulin pumps, making them accessible, or, adding other new
>>>> technologies
>>>> to
>>>> help the masses. I fear that it will take a smaller company to actually
>>>> develop an accessible insulin pump. In fact, it is my understanding
>>>> that
>>>> the
>>>> same people who developed the Prodigy Voice meter, DDI, are also
>>>> looking
>>>> into the feasibility of developing an accessible insulin pump. I even
>>>> mentioned this to the Minimed people I met with a few weeks ago and
>>>> they
>>>> seemed to be somewhat interested in learning more.
>>>>
>>>> I think the best thing you can do as a blind pumper is to continue to
>>>> talk
>>>> to Minimed about creating an accessible pump. You just need to be
>>>> persistent
>>>> and ask anyone and everyone you talk to at Minimed who can take your
>>>> request
>>>> and actually submit it to the proper channels. According to the sales
>>>> rep
>>>> I
>>>> spoke with a few weeks ago, they have received quite a lot of requests
>>>> for
>>>> accessible pumps, so, they are at least hearing our requests. In the
>>>> end,
>>>> though, I think it will take a large number of blind diabetics to get
>>>> an
>>>> accessible pump created. The manufacturers are certainly going to put
>>>> their
>>>> research and development dollars into the technology that sells the
>>>> most
>>>> pumps and benefits the largest number of diabetics out there. As the
>>>> population ages, blindness will be on the rise along with the rise in
>>>> the
>>>> number of diabetics encountering some type of visual impairment.
>>>>
>>>> In the end, I think it's sad that money drives the types of changes we
>>>> now
>>>> see in insulin pumps. I know this is just the way it is, but there are
>>>> so
>>>> many blind diabetics out there who either use a pump now, or could
>>>> benefit
>>>> from the increased level you get through the use of a pump. I know the
>>>> pump
>>>> isn't for everyone, but, for those who are interested in the increased
>>>> level
>>>> of control it offers, I think it is a great option.
>>>>
>>>> Have a great week,
>>>>
>>>> Dave
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chanelle Hill
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 4:27 PM
>>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>>
>>>> Dear List Members,
>>>>
>>>> I read an article about insulin pumps that someone from NFB wrote
>>>> several
>>>> years ago, and so I thought I would join this list to see if anyone has
>>>> had
>>>> improved accessibility with the pump and for other diabetes issues. I
>>>> am a
>>>> Type I diabetic, and I have been using the Minimed Paradigm 512 insulin
>>>> pump
>>>> and the Prodigy Voice meter. I know that NFB is heavily involved in
>>>> advocacy, but what has been done to inform insulin pump companies of
>>>> the
>>>> need for more accessible pumps? Is there any way to become involved in
>>>> advocating for better accessibility? It would be wonderful to use the
>>>> new
>>>> Minimed Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, but the meter needed to
>>>> calibrate the pump doesn't talk. It seems like that could easily be
>>>> fixed
>>>> since there are already talking glucometers. I spoke with a rep from
>>>> Minimed
>>>> about upgrading my pump and asked if Minimed was working on a pump that
>>>> would be more accessible. She thought that the company was, but no one
>>>> has
>>>> gotten back to me.
>>>>
>>>> It sounds like someone is having problems with the Prodigy Voice meter
>>>> on
>>>> this list? After calling and waiting a few weeks to get some more
>>>> strips,
>>>> I
>>>> found out that Homecare Solutions is no longer carrying the strips for
>>>> Prodigy Voice and that they are carrying a new meter that is supposedly
>>>> like
>>>> the Prodigy called the Clever Check. Have any of you heard of this new
>>>> meter? Hopefully it has all of the audible features and more accessible
>>>> software (that's almost too much to ask :-) ).
>>>>
>>>> Finally my last question. I am checking out state rehabilitation
>>>> centers
>>>> in
>>>> Minnesota-one of which is Blind Inc. On the CD that SSB sent me
>>>> containing
>>>
>>>> a
>>>> BLIND cyber brochure, a class for diabetes management was mentioned. Do
>>>> you
>>>> know if that is still taught? Apart from that, have any of you had
>>>> experience with the training programs at Blind Inc.?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/danspach%40ta
>>>> mpabay.rr.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 6
>>>> Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 19:58:23 -0800
>>>> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Message-ID: <FEAB66C6E6C74607A652D32A6DEAB00B at owner96190708e>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle:
>>>>
>>>> With respect to BLIND, Inc., it's a great rehab center. I know some of
>>>> the personnel who teach there and they're great folks and know what
>>>> they're about. If you go to http://www.nfb.org, thence to the
>>>> "Publications" link and thence to "The Braile Monitor", you can read a
>>>> review and description of the BLIND, Inc. program in a recent issue.
>>>> Just do a search for "Blind, INC." and you'll find it or just peruse
>>>> the
>>>> tables of contents for the past few issues.
>>>>
>>>> BLIND, Inc. had someone who specialized in diabetes management but
>>>> don't
>>>> think there's one there now. However, there are a number of persons
>>>> there who have diabetes and who can probably put you in touch with
>>>> blindness-savvy CDEs. Additionally, there's a lot of practical
>>>> expertise
>>>> on this list.
>>>>
>>>> Insofar as pump accessibility is concerned, I and several others from
>>>> the Diabetes Action Network are working on the problem. However, the
>>>> situation isn't much different than that which you described from an
>>>> article several years ago. Although at first blush it would seem that
>>>> it
>>>> would be easy to make an insulin pump talk, it isn't quite as simple as
>>>> one might suppose. One has to determine what must be spoken when and in
>>>> what form (for example, if one is using a pump with a CGMS system,
>>>> often
>>>> the information is graphically displayed, not numerically displayed and
>>>> one must figure out how to convey this verbally). WE have had some
>>>> communication with one pump manufacturer which has showed a bit of
>>>> interest. However, if truth be told, despite what we might think, the
>>>> blind (and yes, I mean the visually impaired also) are a pretty small
>>>> segment of the market so pump manufacturers have to be shown a good
>>>> reason for making the investment in access technology. AS I say, we're
>>>> working on it. I doubt anything is in the immediate offing.
>>>>
>>>> AS to the Clevercheck, I've not seen one but suspect that it is like
>>>> the
>>>> Prodigy Autocode or the Advocate in that it would speak a bg reading --
>>>> once -- but that all other functions would be inaccessible. But I
>>>> emphasize that I'm going on a hunch, not on knowledge.
>>>>
>>>> We'll keep working on the pump problem, though!
>>>>
>>>> Mike Freeman, President
>>>> Diabetes Action Network
>>>> National Federation of the Blind
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
>>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 1:27 PM
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dear List Members,
>>>>
>>>> I read an article about insulin pumps that someone from NFB wrote
>>>> several
>>>> years ago, and so I thought I would join this list to see if anyone has
>>>> had
>>>> improved accessibility with the pump and for other diabetes issues. I
>>>> am
>>>> a
>>>> Type I diabetic, and I have been using the Minimed Paradigm 512 insulin
>>>> pump
>>>> and the Prodigy Voice meter. I know that NFB is heavily involved in
>>>> advocacy, but what has been done to inform insulin pump companies of
>>>> the
>>>> need for more accessible pumps? Is there any way to become involved in
>>>> advocating for better accessibility? It would be wonderful to use the
>>>> new
>>>> Minimed Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, but the meter needed to
>>>> calibrate the pump doesn't talk. It seems like that could easily be
>>>> fixed
>>>> since there are already talking glucometers. I spoke with a rep from
>>>> Minimed
>>>> about upgrading my pump and asked if Minimed was working on a pump that
>>>> would be more accessible. She thought that the company was, but no one
>>>> has
>>>> gotten back to me.
>>>>
>>>> It sounds like someone is having problems with the Prodigy Voice meter
>>>> on
>>>> this list? After calling and waiting a few weeks to get some more
>>>> strips, I
>>>> found out that Homecare Solutions is no longer carrying the strips for
>>>> Prodigy Voice and that they are carrying a new meter that is supposedly
>>>> like
>>>> the Prodigy called the Clever Check. Have any of you heard of this new
>>>> meter? Hopefully it has all of the audible features and more accessible
>>>> software (that's almost too much to ask :-) ).
>>>>
>>>> Finally my last question. I am checking out state rehabilitation
>>>> centers
>>>> in
>>>> Minnesota-one of which is Blind Inc. On the CD that SSB sent me
>>>> containing a
>>>> BLIND cyber brochure, a class for diabetes management was mentioned. Do
>>>> you
>>>> know if that is still taught? Apart from that, have any of you had
>>>> experience with the training programs at Blind Inc.?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix
>>> .com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 7
>>>> Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:42:52 -0500
>>>> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Message-ID: <COL0-DAV48DC6774DDB33DC1156E3BAAA70 at phx.gbl>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>>>> reply-type=original
>>>>
>>>> Hello, Chanelle, and everyone. I don't have information on the pump
>>>> accessibility questions but it sounds like calling Home care solutions
>>>> is
>>>> a
>>>> great idea since I have a Prodigy voice meter. smile
>>>> I think I can help you with information about the Nfb centers. Mike
>>>> may
>>>> consider that off topic beyond your Diabetes class question. If you'd
>>>> like
>>>> more general information you're welcome to email me off list and I'll
>>>> try
>>>> to
>>>> help you. I went to the Colorado center for the blind in Denver. Take
>>>> care.
>>>> Kijuana
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Paul & Paula Jordan" <paujor at fuse.net>
>>>> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 5:54 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Well, welcome to the list. I don't have a whole lot of personal
>>>>> experience
>>>>> with the pump, except that one of my sons is a type 1 diabetic who
>>>>> uses a
>>>>> pump, and believe me, its very impressive to me.
>>>>> My doctor tells me that he thinks I'll go that way someday myself, but
>>>>> that's hopefully a long way off. My son's pump and accompanying
>>>>> software
>>>>> seems to do some amazing things, including allowing him to program his
>>>>> food
>>>>> choices, and coming back with insulin level adjustments. It amazes me
>>>>> how
>>>>> much info the thing contains, but, alas, it isn't accessible.
>>>>> Keep raising your questions, because I think there's a lot of help and
>>>>> interested people here.
>>>>>
>>>>> Paul
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chanelle Hill
>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 4:27 PM
>>>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>>>
>>>>> Dear List Members,
>>>>>
>>>>> I read an article about insulin pumps that someone from NFB wrote
>>>>> several
>>>>> years ago, and so I thought I would join this list to see if anyone
>>>>> has
>>>>> had
>>>>> improved accessibility with the pump and for other diabetes issues. I
>>>>> am
>>>>> a
>>>>> Type I diabetic, and I have been using the Minimed Paradigm 512
>>>>> insulin
>>>>> pump
>>>>> and the Prodigy Voice meter. I know that NFB is heavily involved in
>>>>> advocacy, but what has been done to inform insulin pump companies of
>>>>> the
>>>>> need for more accessible pumps? Is there any way to become involved in
>>>>> advocating for better accessibility? It would be wonderful to use the
>>>>> new
>>>>> Minimed Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, but the meter needed to
>>>>> calibrate the pump doesn't talk. It seems like that could easily be
>>>>> fixed
>>>>> since there are already talking glucometers. I spoke with a rep from
>>>>> Minimed
>>>>> about upgrading my pump and asked if Minimed was working on a pump
>>>>> that
>>>>> would be more accessible. She thought that the company was, but no one
>>>>> has
>>>>> gotten back to me.
>>>>>
>>>>> It sounds like someone is having problems with the Prodigy Voice meter
>>>>> on
>>>>> this list? After calling and waiting a few weeks to get some more
>>>>> strips,
>>>>> I
>>>>> found out that Homecare Solutions is no longer carrying the strips for
>>>>> Prodigy Voice and that they are carrying a new meter that is
>>>>> supposedly
>>>>> like
>>>>> the Prodigy called the Clever Check. Have any of you heard of this new
>>>>> meter? Hopefully it has all of the audible features and more
>>>>> accessible
>>>>> software (that's almost too much to ask :-) ).
>>>>>
>>>>> Finally my last question. I am checking out state rehabilitation
>>>>> centers
>>>>> in
>>>>> Minnesota-one of which is Blind Inc. On the CD that SSB sent me
>>>>> containing
>>>>> a
>>>>> BLIND cyber brochure, a class for diabetes management was mentioned.
>>>>> Do
>>>>> you
>>>>> know if that is still taught? Apart from that, have any of you had
>>>>> experience with the training programs at Blind Inc.?
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Chanelle
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/paujor%40fuse
>>>>> .net
>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>>>> Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.4/1976 - Release Date:
>>>>> 03/03/09
>>>>> 07:25:00
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/kcc86%40hotma
>>> il.com
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 8
>>>> Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 10:44:14 -0600
>>>> From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Message-ID: <516E1A12D11A4ABB820E22B0602C84C0 at HILLC>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>>>
>>>> Dear Vince,
>>>> Thanks for replying to my email. I am grateful for the many responses I
>>>> have
>>>> received from the list. I am still using the 512 but would like to
>>>> upgrade
>>>> to the 522. How do you get your pump to deliver a square bolis? I use
>>>> the
>>>> easy bolis feature with the beeps, but I would like to use the other
>>>> bolis
>>>> options--especially since they give a person even more control. Does
>>>> the
>>>> square wave bolis have to do with insulin being delivered over the
>>>> course
>>>> of
>>>> a few hours? I am able to fill my pump on my own. I just have a sighted
>>>> friend double check that there are no bubbles in my reservoirs. I have
>>>> been
>>>> on the pump since 2004, and I went to a diabetes center in 2007 where
>>>> the
>>>> nurses were willing to teach me how to draw up insulin. Before that, I
>>>> thought filling reservoirs was impossible for a blind person.
>>>> Thanks for checking on the Clever Check meter. The lady from Homecare
>>>> Solutions with whom I spoke sounded vague about it. Thanks for the
>>>> information about Advanced Diabetic Solutions! I really need that now
>>>> since
>>>> I haven't gotten anywhere with Homecare Solutions. If they have already
>>>> shipped out the Clever Check today as they said they would, I will
>>>> report
>>>> to
>>>> the list as to what it is like.
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Vincent Chaney
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 9:10 PM
>>>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle,
>>>>
>>>> Welcome to the list...
>>>>
>>>> I too am a pumper, an insulin pump user. I am using the Medtronic
>>>> Minimed
>>>> 712 but require my wife to fill it due to the inaccessible menu
>>>> options.
>>>> Once it is filled I work with the beeps to deliver the "Normal" or
>>>> "Squared"
>>>>
>>>> bolis amounts as you probably do.
>>>> Regarding the "Clever Check", I performed a "Google" search on this and
>>>> found no indication it included any accessibility feature. The Blog I
>>>> also
>>>> looked at noted it worked with only one button which could be used with
>>>> a
>>>> talking machine but very unlikely. I would recommend you to contact one
>>>> of
>>>> the many suppliers noted on this list who carry the "Prodigy Voice Test
>>>> Strips". The company I work with is "Advanced Diabetic Solutions" and
>>>> just
>>>> received new strips about 10 days ago. Their Web Site is:
>>>> http://www.advanceddiabeticsolutions.net/
>>>> Their phone number is 1-888-377-6382. Tina Rockwell, Director of
>>>> Patient
>>>> Services, is whom has helped me and the members from the Diabetes
>>>> Division
>>>> of the NFBNJ.
>>>>
>>>> Vince
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
>>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 4:27 PM
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dear List Members,
>>>>
>>>> I read an article about insulin pumps that someone from NFB wrote
>>>> several
>>>> years ago, and so I thought I would join this list to see if anyone has
>>>> had
>>>> improved accessibility with the pump and for other diabetes issues. I
>>>> am a
>>>> Type I diabetic, and I have been using the Minimed Paradigm 512 insulin
>>>> pump
>>>> and the Prodigy Voice meter. I know that NFB is heavily involved in
>>>> advocacy, but what has been done to inform insulin pump companies of
>>>> the
>>>> need for more accessible pumps? Is there any way to become involved in
>>>> advocating for better accessibility? It would be wonderful to use the
>>>> new
>>>> Minimed Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, but the meter needed to
>>>> calibrate the pump doesn't talk. It seems like that could easily be
>>>> fixed
>>>> since there are already talking glucometers. I spoke with a rep from
>>>> Minimed
>>>> about upgrading my pump and asked if Minimed was working on a pump that
>>>> would be more accessible. She thought that the company was, but no one
>>>> has
>>>> gotten back to me.
>>>>
>>>> It sounds like someone is having problems with the Prodigy Voice meter
>>>> on
>>>> this list? After calling and waiting a few weeks to get some more
>>>> strips,
>>>> I
>>>> found out that Homecare Solutions is no longer carrying the strips for
>>>> Prodigy Voice and that they are carrying a new meter that is supposedly
>>>> like
>>>> the Prodigy called the Clever Check. Have any of you heard of this new
>>>> meter? Hopefully it has all of the audible features and more accessible
>>>> software (that's almost too much to ask :-) ).
>>>>
>>>> Finally my last question. I am checking out state rehabilitation
>>>> centers
>>>> in
>>>> Minnesota-one of which is Blind Inc. On the CD that SSB sent me
>>>> containing
>>>
>>>> a
>>>> BLIND cyber brochure, a class for diabetes management was mentioned. Do
>>>> you
>>>> know if that is still taught? Apart from that, have any of you had
>>>> experience with the training programs at Blind Inc.?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/vgc732%40opto
>>>> nline.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/chanellemh%40
>>>> gmail.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 9
>>>> Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 11:03:53 -0600
>>>> From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Message-ID: <881C9EA144354F1BA00C4C14810A70E0 at HILLC>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>>>
>>>> Dear Mike,
>>>> Thanks for replying to my message. I will check out the Braille
>>>> Monitor. I
>>>> subscribed to Voice of the Diabetic about a month ago and haven't
>>>> received
>>>> an issue yet. I opted to receive the publication via email.
>>>> The CD I received from Blind Inc., seems to be a few years old since
>>>> some
>>>> of
>>>> the articles date back to 2004, 2001, and those reprinted from the
>>>> 90's.
>>>> I would like to get connected with diabetes educators who have had
>>>> experience working with the blind.
>>>> That would be great if Prodigy made a talking pump!
>>>> Minimed pumps have software that allows one to make changes to basal
>>>> rates,
>>>> the increment for easy bolis, time and date, and other items that are
>>>> set
>>>> through the pump menus. It would be nice if one could also use the
>>>> software
>>>> to program a bolis that would be delivered as soon as the pump was
>>>> disconnected from the computer. For example, I think that the pump has
>>>> bolis
>>>> wizzard--a feature to calculate insulin needed for carbs eaten and high
>>>> blood sugars. These calculations can easily be made manually, but I
>>>> think
>>>> the pump also keeps track of active insulin.
>>>> I will figure out who I could speak to at Minimed about this or pump
>>>> accessibility. I appreciate your efforts to advocate accessibility with
>>>> the
>>>> insulin pump companies.
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 9:58 PM
>>>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list
>>>> subscriber
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle:
>>>>
>>>> With respect to BLIND, Inc., it's a great rehab center. I know some of
>>>> the personnel who teach there and they're great folks and know what
>>>> they're about. If you go to http://www.nfb.org, thence to the
>>>> "Publications" link and thence to "The Braile Monitor", you can read a
>>>> review and description of the BLIND, Inc. program in a recent issue.
>>>> Just do a search for "Blind, INC." and you'll find it or just peruse
>>>> the
>>>> tables of contents for the past few issues.
>>>>
>>>> BLIND, Inc. had someone who specialized in diabetes management but
>>>> don't
>>>> think there's one there now. However, there are a number of persons
>>>> there who have diabetes and who can probably put you in touch with
>>>> blindness-savvy CDEs. Additionally, there's a lot of practical
>>>> expertise
>>>> on this list.
>>>>
>>>> Insofar as pump accessibility is concerned, I and several others from
>>>> the Diabetes Action Network are working on the problem. However, the
>>>> situation isn't much different than that which you described from an
>>>> article several years ago. Although at first blush it would seem that
>>>> it
>>>> would be easy to make an insulin pump talk, it isn't quite as simple as
>>>> one might suppose. One has to determine what must be spoken when and in
>>>> what form (for example, if one is using a pump with a CGMS system,
>>>> often
>>>> the information is graphically displayed, not numerically displayed and
>>>> one must figure out how to convey this verbally). WE have had some
>>>> communication with one pump manufacturer which has showed a bit of
>>>> interest. However, if truth be told, despite what we might think, the
>>>> blind (and yes, I mean the visually impaired also) are a pretty small
>>>> segment of the market so pump manufacturers have to be shown a good
>>>> reason for making the investment in access technology. AS I say, we're
>>>> working on it. I doubt anything is in the immediate offing.
>>>>
>>>> AS to the Clevercheck, I've not seen one but suspect that it is like
>>>> the
>>>> Prodigy Autocode or the Advocate in that it would speak a bg reading --
>>>> once -- but that all other functions would be inaccessible. But I
>>>> emphasize that I'm going on a hunch, not on knowledge.
>>>>
>>>> We'll keep working on the pump problem, though!
>>>>
>>>> Mike Freeman, President
>>>> Diabetes Action Network
>>>> National Federation of the Blind
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
>>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 1:27 PM
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dear List Members,
>>>>
>>>> I read an article about insulin pumps that someone from NFB wrote
>>>> several
>>>> years ago, and so I thought I would join this list to see if anyone has
>>>> had
>>>> improved accessibility with the pump and for other diabetes issues. I
>>>> am
>>>> a
>>>> Type I diabetic, and I have been using the Minimed Paradigm 512 insulin
>>>> pump
>>>> and the Prodigy Voice meter. I know that NFB is heavily involved in
>>>> advocacy, but what has been done to inform insulin pump companies of
>>>> the
>>>> need for more accessible pumps? Is there any way to become involved in
>>>> advocating for better accessibility? It would be wonderful to use the
>>>> new
>>>> Minimed Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, but the meter needed to
>>>> calibrate the pump doesn't talk. It seems like that could easily be
>>>> fixed
>>>> since there are already talking glucometers. I spoke with a rep from
>>>> Minimed
>>>> about upgrading my pump and asked if Minimed was working on a pump that
>>>> would be more accessible. She thought that the company was, but no one
>>>> has
>>>> gotten back to me.
>>>>
>>>> It sounds like someone is having problems with the Prodigy Voice meter
>>>> on
>>>> this list? After calling and waiting a few weeks to get some more
>>>> strips, I
>>>> found out that Homecare Solutions is no longer carrying the strips for
>>>> Prodigy Voice and that they are carrying a new meter that is supposedly
>>>> like
>>>> the Prodigy called the Clever Check. Have any of you heard of this new
>>>> meter? Hopefully it has all of the audible features and more accessible
>>>> software (that's almost too much to ask :-) ).
>>>>
>>>> Finally my last question. I am checking out state rehabilitation
>>>> centers
>>>> in
>>>> Minnesota-one of which is Blind Inc. On the CD that SSB sent me
>>>> containing a
>>>> BLIND cyber brochure, a class for diabetes management was mentioned. Do
>>>> you
>>>> know if that is still taught? Apart from that, have any of you had
>>>> experience with the training programs at Blind Inc.?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Chanelle
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix
>>>> .com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/chanellemh%40
>>>> gmail.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> End of Diabetes-talk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 3
>>>> ********************************************
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/chanellemh%40
>>> gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/awheeler%40neb.rr.com
>
>
>>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>>No virus found in this incoming message.
>>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1985 - Release Date: 03/05/09
>>07:54:00
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Diabetes-talk mailing list
> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Diabetes-talk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/kcc86%40hotmail.com
>
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