[nfbmi-talk] FYI: [announce] ACB Reaches Settlement Agreement with CVS.COM for "Talking" Prescription Labels

Tue Mar 18 21:03:32 UTC 2014

It's nice to know that a related organization, while not in complete
agreement with us on some matters, has made progress here.  This ought
to help seniors, especially.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rita Kersh <hoosierrita at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:06:37 -0400
Subject: [indiana-l] FW: [announce] ACB Reaches Settlement Agreement
with CVS.COM for "Talking" Prescription Labels
To: ACB of Indiana Discussion list <indiana-l at acb.org>

CVS/pharmacy Now Offers "Talking" Prescription Labels for Individuals with
Vision Impairments Through its Online Pharmacy

New service on CVS.com is the result of a collaboration with state and
national organizations for the blind

Woonsocket, Rhode Island (March 18, 2014) - CVS/pharmacy announced today
that it now provides ScripTalk talking prescription labels for prescriptions
ordered for home delivery through its online pharmacy, CVS.com. The
ScripTalk labels provide a safe and convenient way to access information on
prescription labels for individuals who cannot read standard print.  The
ScripTalk labels are free to CVS.com pharmacy customers who are blind or
visually impaired. Customers can also obtain a free ScripTalk reader from
Envision America that will enable them to listen to the information on the
ScripTalk label.

"We are pleased to offer the ScripTalk service to our online pharmacy
customers who are visually impaired," said Josh Flum, Senior Vice President
of Retail Pharmacy at CVS Caremark. "Enhancing access to important
information about prescriptions is in keeping with our purpose of helping
people on their path to better health."

Today's announcement is the result of collaboration between CVS/pharmacy,
the American Foundation for the Blind, American Council of the Blind and
California Council of the Blind. These groups applauded CVS/pharmacy's
actions.

"The lack of accessible labels on prescription drug containers puts people
with vision loss at serious risk of medication mishaps," said Paul
Schroeder, Vice President of Programs & Policy at the American Foundation
for the Blind. "We applaud CVS/pharmacy for taking steps to provide speech
access to label information for customers with vision loss along with its
willingness to evaluate methods to improve large print labels."

"This agreement is a positive step that allows for a greater level of
privacy, safety, and independence for blind and visually impaired Americans
of all ages who take prescription medications," said Kim Charlson, president
of the American Council of the Blind.

 "The California Council of the Blind applauds CVS's willingness to offer
access to the information on prescription medication labels.  As a result of
this initiative, persons who are blind or visually impaired who use CVS mail
order to fill their prescription needs will have the same direct, and
independent access to label information as do sighted customers," stated
Donna Pomerantz, President, California Council of the Blind.

To request the labels with a prescription ordered through cvs.com, the
number to call at cvs.com is 888-227-3403.  Questions about the ScripTalk
system should be directed to Envision America at 800-890-1180. It is
recommended that you call cvs.com first.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS),
is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy and
Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is reinventing pharmacy to help people on
their path to better health by providing the most accessible and
personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General
information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at
http://info.cvscaremark.com.

About American Council of the Blind (ACB) and California Council of the
Blind (CCB)

American Council of the Blind is a national consumer-based advocacy
organization working on behalf of blind and visually impaired Americans
throughout the country with members organized through seventy state and
special interest affiliates. California Council of the Blind is the
California affiliate of the ACB and is a statewide membership organization
with 40 local chapters and statewide special interest associations. ACB and
CCB are dedicated to improving the quality of life, equality of opportunity
and independence of all people who have visual impairments. Their members
and affiliated organizations have a long history of commitment to the
advancement of policies and programs which will enhance independence for
people who are blind and visually impaired. More information about ACB and
CCB can be found by visiting www.acb.org and http://www.ccbnet.org.

About American Foundation for the Blind

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that
expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include
broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and
tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting
independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them
and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to
house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the over forty years that Helen
Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit AFB online at
www.afb.org.

Media Contacts:

Mike DeAngelis

CVS/pharmacy

michael.deangelis at cvscaremark.com

401-770-2645

Kim Charlson

President, American Council of the Blind

617-501-5853

kimcharlson at acb.org

Adrianna Montague-Devaud
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
212-502-7615
amontague at afb.net
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