[Diabetes-talk] Blind Inc....
Steve Jacobson
steve.jacobson at visi.com
Fri Mar 6 02:28:37 UTC 2009
Chanelle,
I will reply to you directly since we are straying off topic for this list.
Best regards,
Steve Jacobson
On Thu, 5 Mar 2009 16:52:09 -0600, Chanelle Hill wrote:
>Dear Steve,
>It would be great to meet you when I tour Blind Inc. or when and if I become
>a student there. I am totally blind, so hopefully I wouldn't need to wear
>sleep shades. I am fairly proficient in reading and writing Braille--except
>with the slate and stylus. Would I be required to learn slate and stylus? I
>would love to learn Braille music if that instruction is available at Blind
>Inc. It would be good to learn some general techniques of home repair, but I
>am not interested in learning enough to remodel (that is one of the items on
>a document on the Blind Inc. CD about expectations of graduates). Do the
>staff help students initially learn the routes to their apartments? My
>mobility skills are not the greatest.
>I am glad that there is no pressure to join NFB. I want to be as independent
>as possible within reason, and I do enjoy challenges. I might want to take
>this immersion into total independence somewhat slowly (smile). From what I
>have read, it seems as if Blind Inc. is great at boosting the confidence of
>students--something which I need. I am going to check out the Braille
>Monitor article now before I forget.
>Chanelle
>-----Original Message-----
>From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>[mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Steve Jacobson
>Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 2:57 PM
>To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
>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%40ne
>b.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/chanellemh%40
>gmail.com
>_______________________________________________
>Diabetes-talk mailing list
>Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
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