[NFBMO] More work for the Resolutions Committee and the Convention

[Gary Wunder]

Debbie Wunder has submitted these resolutions for our consideration.

 

A Resolution regarding Continuous Glucose Monitors and Their Use by Blind
People

 

WHEREAS, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are crucial for the effective
management of diabetes, significantly reducing the need for fingerstick
blood tests, which are particularly invasive for blind people who rely on
their tactile sense for reading Braille and performing other tasks; and

 

WHEREAS, the majority of CGMs come with reader devices that are not
accessible to blind people, as these devices provide output solely in a
visual format, thereby excluding blind people from independently monitoring
their blood glucose levels; and

 

WHEREAS, Medicare mandates the purchase of a reader device before approving
sensor coverage, placing a financial burden on blind people who cannot use
these readers, forcing them to seek alternative, often less accessible means
to access their CGM data; and

 

WHEREAS, Medicare's policy of allowing the replacement or upgrade of CGM
devices only once every five years limits access to technological
advancements that could offer significant health management improvements for
people with diabetes, particularly affecting those who are blind; and

 

WHEREAS, the reliance on smartphone technology for accessing CGM data, while
beneficial for some, excludes those who cannot afford such technology or
lack the skills to use it, further limiting the independence of blind people
in managing their diabetes; and

 

WHEREAS, the resolution of these issues requires the attention and action of
several entities, including CGM manufacturers, Medicare, private insurance
companies, and regulatory bodies; Now, therefore:

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri, in
Convention assembled this thirteenth day of April, 2024, in the City of
Kansas City, Missouri, urges manufacturers of CGM devices to prioritize the
development of reader devices accessible to blind and low-vision people,
ensuring these essential health management tools are usable by all who need
them; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
calls upon Medicare to reevaluate its policies regarding the upgrade and
replacement of medical devices such as CGMs, to ensure that technological
advancements are accessible to beneficiaries, particularly those with vision
loss, based on functional improvements rather than arbitrary time
constraints; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be forwarded to relevant
authorities, including Medicare, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to advocate for policy changes that
reflect the needs of blind people; and

 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be sent to our national
Resolutions Committee for consideration at our 2024 National Convention.

 

 

 

A Resolution on Enhancing Self-Checkout Accessibility for Blind People

 

WHEREAS, self-checkout technology is proliferating across major retailers
like Walmart, Target, and Kroger, offering speed and convenience to
shoppers; and

 

WHEREAS, the current design of many self-checkout systems, relying on visual
interfaces and touchscreens without audible instructions or tactile
feedback, poses significant accessibility barriers to blind people; and

 

WHEREAS, the reliance on barcode scanning exacerbates these challenges,
further impeding the ability of blind people to use these systems
independently; and

 

WHEREAS, the reduction of human cashier options in favor of self-checkout
systems limits the accessibility of shopping environments for blind people,
compromising their independence and right to equal service; and

 

WHEREAS, adherence to the principles of inclusivity, equality, and the legal
obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act necessitates that
retail services be accessible to all customers, including those who are
blind: NOW, Therefore  

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri,
convening in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 13, 2024, demands that Walmart,
Target, Kroger, and similar retailers Implement self-checkout options that
are accessible to blind people, including but not limited to voice-guided
instructions, tactile buttons, and interfaces designed for ease of use; and 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these retailers Ensure the availability of human
cashiers in sufficient numbers to meet the needs of all customers, including
those unable to use self-checkout stations due to blindness; and 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these entities collaborate with the National
Federation of the Blind to understand the needs of the blind and work on
developing accessible solutions; and

 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that all retailers provide staff with ongoing
training focused on the accessibility needs of blind customers, including
assistance at self-checkout stations and throughout the store.

 

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