[Diabetes-talk] BLIND INC. I stand Corrected...
The Jacobs' Family
bandbjacobs at verizon.net
Fri Mar 6 01:12:13 UTC 2009
Hey Guys:
This is Bern. I was recently corrected by someone this afternoon and I
offered to make this one public as I was the one who should get "Pie in the
face..." I was not aware that the "Diabetic Educator" for BLIND INC. had
passed on due to her own complications of diabetes. I had also thought that
I remembered one of the other agency directors saying that they had had one
also. "I stand corrected..." Maybe somebody could softly, gently nudge one
of our directors to hire a good one? I'm sure the ladies wouldn't object if
they came across a good, reliable, dedicated applicant who also knows
blindness forward and backwards.
Bern
----- Original Message -----
From: <diabetes-talk-request at nfbnet.org>
To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 5:40 PM
Subject: Diabetes-talk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 5
> 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. Re: Blind Inc.... (Chanelle Hill)
> 2. Re: Blind Inc.... (Alan Wheeler)
> 3. Re: pumps (d m gina)
> 4. Re: pumps (d m gina)
> 5. Re: Blind Inc.... (Steve Jacobson)
> 6. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber (Mike Freeman)
> 7. Re: pumps (Mike Freeman)
> 8. Re: Blind Inc.... (K C)
> 9. Re: questions from a fairly new list subscriber (Chanelle Hill)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 12:13:16 -0600
> From: "Chanelle Hill" <chanellemh at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <B4502771BD3944B8988CACF38458C057 at HILLC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> 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
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 14:00:19 -0600
> From: "Alan Wheeler" <awheeler at neb.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <3F1625FC79D9400D888E0D5626227154 at Alan>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> I can promise you, as a former staff member of BLIND, Inc. that you don't
> have to be from the NFB to go there.
>
>
> In Christ,
> Alan
>
>
>
> +-+-+-
>
> He has made clear to you, O man, what is good; and what is desired from
> you by the Lord; only doing what is
> right, and loving mercy, and walking without pride before your God. Micah
> 6:8
> ~~~
> awheeler at neb.rr.com
> IM me at: outlaw-cowboy at live.com
> Skype: redwheel1
>
> ----- 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
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:32:55 -0500
> From: d m gina <dmgina at samobile.net>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] pumps
> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> Message-ID: <20090305203255.12273.50574 at web1.serotek.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format="flowed"
>
> Tell me more about this rapid insulin.
> This is why I brought it up here.
> Does it come in a pin like the humalog does?
> They only one me on it for a short time.
> Not for a long time.
> My a one c this time is 5.6 so my question is,
> I wouldn't want to go down so fast that I would have problems I don't have
> now?
> Way to low things like that?
> this is where my fears are.
> thanks,
>
> --
> --Dar
> every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
>
> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network. Visit
> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:34:45 -0500
> From: d m gina <dmgina at samobile.net>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] pumps
> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> Message-ID: <20090305203445.12275.22867 at web1.serotek.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format="flowed"
>
> Carbs,
> I went to buy a loaf of bread yesterday, where they couldn't find the
> loaf I usually get.
> The lady had no clue how to find or read the carbs on the loaf.
> Just take it was her manner.
> How do you get around this problem in the store.
> I was more than frustrated.
> I do count my carbs and stay close to the forty five carbs I am allowed
> to have at each meal.
>
> --
> --Dar
> every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
>
> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network. Visit
> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:56:40 -0600
> From: "Steve Jacobson" <steve.jacobson at visi.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <auto-000013828497 at mailback1.g2host.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> 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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 14:16:28 -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: <47D43D5F6DC0452087990ED270255DF9 at owner96190708e>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Chanelle:
>
> One of the best nutritional websites is http://www.calorieking.com; it's
> a bit busy but quite accessible. Also, if you're into fast food as I
> admit I am at times, a bit of sluething from Google will yield carb
> counts for the usual temptations. Ultimately, though, a sighted reader
> is extremely useful.
>
> No, the KNFB Reader doesn't handle barcodes. That would require quite a
> database.
>
> National Braile Press has an Atkins diet list of foods that has carb
> counts also and NFB used to sell an ADA exchange list. Hope Warshaw's
> guide to carb counting is available from RFB&D.
>
> HTH!
>
> Mike
>
> ----- 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 8:01 AM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>
>
> Hello Dave,
> Thank you for explaining your process for using the bolis wizzard. I see
> my
> diabetes educator in a few weeks so I will talk to her about it.
> For the past several years, I have been meaning to use the Paradigm Pal
> Software. Now that I finally got the right cable a few weeks ago, I
> should
> try it. Unfortunately, the people atMinimed didn't know what I meant at
> first. They sent me the meter to work with the Personal Care or whatever
> it
> is called where people upload their pump readings online.
> I have memorized the button pushing sequence for setting a temporary
> basal
> rate, so if anyone needs the steps, please let me know. Of course, go
> through the process with someone sighted first (smile).
> I would definitely be interested in having the Paradigm Pal software
> made
> more accessible with Jaws. I have always wanted to learn Jaws scripting.
> Maybe someday when I get around to it, I can help with the Paradigm Pal
> Software (smile).
> Speaking of carbs, what ways have you or anyone on this list found to be
> effective for reading nutrition labels or getting access to that
> information. I have sighted friends read labels for me, but it is easy
> to
> forget in keeping track of so many things. Since I am getting set up
> with
> Services for the Blind, I am hoping to get a portable scanner or
> something
> similar that would read barcodes. Does the K NFB reader do this? I also
> know
> that there are websites that give nutritional information for certain
> foods,
> but I have forgotten what those are.
> I have been using my pump for five years, but I am feeling more hopeful
> about using it more effectively since I have gotten responses to my
> questions on this list.
>
> Chanelle
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Anspach
> Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 9:36 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>
> Hello Chanelle,
> I have successfully used the bolus wizard on the Paradigm series of
> insulin
> pumps. It was much easier than I expected and requires just a few things
> be
> set up in the pump itself first. Afterwards, it is just a matter of
> pressing
> the button furthest to the left followed by pressing the far right
> button,
> or activate, button. I haven't used this feature of my pump in quite a
> while, but am planning on getting back into the habit once an insulin
> pump
> trainer comes out to my home and helps me adjust my basal rates. From
> what I
> remember, these are the steps:
> 1. Press the button furthest to the left. I think this tells the pump
> you
> are ready to begin entering information into the bolus wizard.
> 2. Using the arrow keys, you enter the value of your blood sugar reading
> that is over your target value. For example, my target value is 100. If
> I
> check my blood sugar and I get a reading of 130, then I would press the
> up
> arrow key 30 times.
> 3. You then press the far right, activate, button on your pump.
> 4. Using the arrow keys again, you enter the value of your carbs you are
> about to eat. So for example, if you are going to eat 30 grams in carbs,
> you
> would enter this value using the arrow keys. In my case, I chose to set
> the
> up arrow to enter 1 gram per arrow press as it was easier and provided
> much
> more control than setting it to 5 grams per press. So, I would press the
> up
> arrow 30 times to enter the carb value.
> 5. Finally, you press the activate button, I think, twice to tell the
> pump
> you are finished. The first press causes the pump to display the number
> of
> units of insulin the pump has calculated you will need based on your
> blood
> sugar reading and the carbs you will be eating. The second press causes
> the
> bolus wizard to begin administering the insulin.
>
> As I stated above, I'm not 100% sure my steps are accurate, but, I think
> they are close. So, don't try this at home <smile>. In any event, you
> will
> need to have someone sighted give you a hand in the initial set up of
> the
> bolus wizard. You will need to set your target blood sugar value, the
> number
> of carbs each press of the up arrow key represents and I think that's
> it.
> The nice thing about using the bolus wizard is that it shows your health
> care provider what your blood sugars have been running and your average
>carb
> intake.
>
> Someone also mentioned the software that you can purchase that allows
> you to
> adjust various settings on your pump, including basal rates. I believe
> this
> software is called something like Paradigm Pal, but I'm not totally
> sure.
> When I first got my pump back in 2004, I took a look at this software.
> Unfortunately, it was written totally in Java and was basically
> inaccessible
> using a screen reader, such as JAWS. I tried working with their software
> developers to get it to be more accessible, but, my efforts didn't pan
> out
> as I had a lot of trouble getting the Java run-time environment and
> access
> bridge set up correctly on my PC. Once I did, I lost their contact info
> and
> sort of gave up. I have a newer copy of this software around somewhere
> that
> I received after getting my new 722 last spring. I have been looking for
> it
> as I want to see if it is any better now than it was nearly 5 years ago.
> Since I also work for Freedom Scientific, I may end up taking it into
> our
> development team and asking them to see what might be done on the JAWS
> side
> of things to help access the software. I think that in order to
> actually
> get changes made to JAWS, I will have to show project management that
> there
> is enough need for changes in JAWS. If you or anyone else, for that
> matter
> is interested, then please let me know. The more interest in the use of
> this
> software by blind diabetics who use Minimed pumps, then the better the
> chances we will have in getting changes made. I also have a contact at
> Minimed that I am going to try and use to see if I can get back in touch
> with their software development team. I truly think that if we cannot
> get an
> accessible pump, then having software that is accessible that allows us
> to
> manage our pumps will be just about as good.
>
> Sorry for the long post, but, I am very passionate about making life for
> blind pumpers that much easier.
>
> Have a great Thursday,
>
> Dave
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chanelle Hill
> Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 12:04 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>
> 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 Braille 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
> 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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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/k7uij%40panix.com
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 14:19:56 -0800
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] pumps
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <A47176ECD3A445E6BE05B42225675589 at owner96190708e>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Dar:
>
> Both of the common rapid-acting insulins (Humalog and Novolog) come in
> both pens and syringes. I believe also that both come in both disposable
> pens and pens using a cartridge.
>
> The "rapid-acting" part refers to time of onset, not necessarily to how
> fast your blood sugar is reduced. Whereas regular insulin can take from
> thirty to forty-five minutes to start to work, rapid-acting insuins
> begin to work from fifteen minutes to a half-hour at most, at least most
> of the time.
>
> Mike
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "d m gina" <dmgina at samobile.net>
> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 12:32 PM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] pumps
>
>
> Tell me more about this rapid insulin.
> This is why I brought it up here.
> Does it come in a pin like the humalog does?
> They only one me on it for a short time.
> Not for a long time.
> My a one c this time is 5.6 so my question is,
> I wouldn't want to go down so fast that I would have problems I don't
> have now?
> Way to low things like that?
> this is where my fears are.
> thanks,
>
> --
> --Dar
> every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
>
> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network. Visit
> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 8
> Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 17:38:31 -0500
> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <COL0-DAV5D72684702DBCA58C8079AAA40 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> 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
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 16:40:15 -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: <898A720E2251441C91032A80B44A4FA9 at HILLC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Dear Mike,
> Thanks for the information! I forgot about Calorieking. I will check out
> the
> rest of the resources.
>
> Chanelle
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
> Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 4:16 PM
> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>
> Chanelle:
>
> One of the best nutritional websites is http://www.calorieking.com; it's
> a bit busy but quite accessible. Also, if you're into fast food as I
> admit I am at times, a bit of sluething from Google will yield carb
> counts for the usual temptations. Ultimately, though, a sighted reader
> is extremely useful.
>
> No, the KNFB Reader doesn't handle barcodes. That would require quite a
> database.
>
> National Braile Press has an Atkins diet list of foods that has carb
> counts also and NFB used to sell an ADA exchange list. Hope Warshaw's
> guide to carb counting is available from RFB&D.
>
> HTH!
>
> Mike
>
> ----- 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 8:01 AM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>
>
> Hello Dave,
> Thank you for explaining your process for using the bolis wizzard. I see
> my
> diabetes educator in a few weeks so I will talk to her about it.
> For the past several years, I have been meaning to use the Paradigm Pal
> Software. Now that I finally got the right cable a few weeks ago, I
> should
> try it. Unfortunately, the people atMinimed didn't know what I meant at
> first. They sent me the meter to work with the Personal Care or whatever
> it
> is called where people upload their pump readings online.
> I have memorized the button pushing sequence for setting a temporary
> basal
> rate, so if anyone needs the steps, please let me know. Of course, go
> through the process with someone sighted first (smile).
> I would definitely be interested in having the Paradigm Pal software
> made
> more accessible with Jaws. I have always wanted to learn Jaws scripting.
> Maybe someday when I get around to it, I can help with the Paradigm Pal
> Software (smile).
> Speaking of carbs, what ways have you or anyone on this list found to be
> effective for reading nutrition labels or getting access to that
> information. I have sighted friends read labels for me, but it is easy
> to
> forget in keeping track of so many things. Since I am getting set up
> with
> Services for the Blind, I am hoping to get a portable scanner or
> something
> similar that would read barcodes. Does the K NFB reader do this? I also
> know
> that there are websites that give nutritional information for certain
> foods,
> but I have forgotten what those are.
> I have been using my pump for five years, but I am feeling more hopeful
> about using it more effectively since I have gotten responses to my
> questions on this list.
>
> Chanelle
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Anspach
> Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 9:36 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>
> Hello Chanelle,
> I have successfully used the bolus wizard on the Paradigm series of
> insulin
> pumps. It was much easier than I expected and requires just a few things
> be
> set up in the pump itself first. Afterwards, it is just a matter of
> pressing
> the button furthest to the left followed by pressing the far right
> button,
> or activate, button. I haven't used this feature of my pump in quite a
> while, but am planning on getting back into the habit once an insulin
> pump
> trainer comes out to my home and helps me adjust my basal rates. From
> what I
> remember, these are the steps:
> 1. Press the button furthest to the left. I think this tells the pump
> you
> are ready to begin entering information into the bolus wizard.
> 2. Using the arrow keys, you enter the value of your blood sugar reading
> that is over your target value. For example, my target value is 100. If
> I
> check my blood sugar and I get a reading of 130, then I would press the
> up
> arrow key 30 times.
> 3. You then press the far right, activate, button on your pump.
> 4. Using the arrow keys again, you enter the value of your carbs you are
> about to eat. So for example, if you are going to eat 30 grams in carbs,
> you
> would enter this value using the arrow keys. In my case, I chose to set
> the
> up arrow to enter 1 gram per arrow press as it was easier and provided
> much
> more control than setting it to 5 grams per press. So, I would press the
> up
> arrow 30 times to enter the carb value.
> 5. Finally, you press the activate button, I think, twice to tell the
> pump
> you are finished. The first press causes the pump to display the number
> of
> units of insulin the pump has calculated you will need based on your
> blood
> sugar reading and the carbs you will be eating. The second press causes
> the
> bolus wizard to begin administering the insulin.
>
> As I stated above, I'm not 100% sure my steps are accurate, but, I think
> they are close. So, don't try this at home <smile>. In any event, you
> will
> need to have someone sighted give you a hand in the initial set up of
> the
> bolus wizard. You will need to set your target blood sugar value, the
> number
> of carbs each press of the up arrow key represents and I think that's
> it.
> The nice thing about using the bolus wizard is that it shows your health
> care provider what your blood sugars have been running and your average
> carb
> intake.
>
> Someone also mentioned the software that you can purchase that allows
> you to
> adjust various settings on your pump, including basal rates. I believe
> this
> software is called something like Paradigm Pal, but I'm not totally
> sure.
> When I first got my pump back in 2004, I took a look at this software.
> Unfortunately, it was written totally in Java and was basically
> inaccessible
> using a screen reader, such as JAWS. I tried working with their software
> developers to get it to be more accessible, but, my efforts didn't pan
> out
> as I had a lot of trouble getting the Java run-time environment and
> access
> bridge set up correctly on my PC. Once I did, I lost their contact info
> and
> sort of gave up. I have a newer copy of this software around somewhere
> that
> I received after getting my new 722 last spring. I have been looking for
> it
> as I want to see if it is any better now than it was nearly 5 years ago.
> Since I also work for Freedom Scientific, I may end up taking it into
> our
> development team and asking them to see what might be done on the JAWS
> side
> of things to help access the software. I think that in order to
> actually
> get changes made to JAWS, I will have to show project management that
> there
> is enough need for changes in JAWS. If you or anyone else, for that
> matter
> is interested, then please let me know. The more interest in the use of
> this
> software by blind diabetics who use Minimed pumps, then the better the
> chances we will have in getting changes made. I also have a contact at
> Minimed that I am going to try and use to see if I can get back in touch
> with their software development team. I truly think that if we cannot
> get an
> accessible pump, then having software that is accessible that allows us
> to
> manage our pumps will be just about as good.
>
> Sorry for the long post, but, I am very passionate about making life for
> blind pumpers that much easier.
>
> Have a great Thursday,
>
> Dave
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chanelle Hill
> Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 12:04 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] questions from a fairly new list subscriber
>
> 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 Braille 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
> 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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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/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 5
> ********************************************
More information about the Diabetes-Talk
mailing list