[Diabetes-Talk] What Now?

Mon Aug 24 17:13:11 UTC 2020

First, this list is in no way going to give accurate info about how many blind diabetics use an insulin pump. This list has a small fraction of blind diabetics on it. Second, a work-around is not the same as accessible. Beeps and vibrations are not the same as providing a truly accessible pump. Pump companies need to understand that Universal Design needs to be employed in the creation. Without a fully accessible pump, we will never be able to fully use a pump, nor will many blind diabetics want to use one. For those of us using the Medtronic 530G or 730G, we will soon be faced with the choice to upgrade to current models that have zero work-arounds, and if we don’t have daily, immediate sighted assistance, which most of us don’t, this is not an option, or transition back to insulin pens. Neither will be supported by Medtronic in the near future. We need to push for these companies to consider and implement true accessibility, and as is the case with every other company, it will likely take legal action for a company to move on this. The good news is that in the last 2 years, more and more ADA accessibility suits have been taken against companies failing to make digital platforms and devices accessible, and more plaintiffs are winning these suits. But, this is also not an immediate fix. But something has to give at some point. I’m currently in the process of transitioning to the InPen after some research.

Bridgit

From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Matt Davis via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2020 11:56 AM
To: Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org; alewis at nfb.org
Cc: Matt Davis <mdavisforalternatives at gmail.com>
Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] What Now?

Let me know your thoughts…I, Mary, currently wear a 530  G, Medtronic pump and too, am blind. In my past job position I had been invited to many Diabetic Fairs and demonstrated blindness related tools, alternatives and techniques. 

Because I wore an Acu Chek Spirit pump, I would demonstrate how it worked for me. Demonstrating how the tones and beeps allowed a blind person to navigate most of its functions.

interested participants  and many “representatives” of many companies would also learn about how pumps work, making it possible for blind people to use their equipment. 

Reps of diabetic equipment and companies would ask, “How many blind people would actually use a pump?”

I would repeatedly explain that the number would be skewed because the available pumps do not have the tones or beeps for navigating.

I would further explain to these reps, that if pumps were made with these simple tones or beeps, more blind people could decide if they were interested or not.

Since I am new to this list serve, is it possible to take a count at this time to know how many of us use a 530 Medtronic pump, second, how many would use a pump if tones and beeps were made available,

And Third, years ago, when Disatronic first manufactured a workable pump model then joined with Acu Chek who kept that upgraded models which were designed for a person to use the pump in their pocket, thus allowing blind users access. 

So, when Medtronic bought (or what ever terms Medtronic wants to use) Acu Chek’s pumps, Medtronic not only did away with a usable pump for the blind, they continue to upgrade, to a point that it is now, absolutely impossible for a blind consumer to use. 

What if their goal in continuing to upgrade as they Are, is specifically targeted against blind persons who receive Medicare and/or Medicaid.

And if so, now what?

It is a serious question for some! 

No one wants to sue, but what to do?

Thank you and sincerely, 

Mary

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