[NFBOH-Cleveland] National Federation of the Blind Commends Senate Introduction of Medical Devices Nonvisual Accessibility Act

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National Federation of the Blind Commends Senate Introduction of Medical
Devices Nonvisual Accessibility Act


Washington, D.C. (January 18, 2024): The National Federation of the Blind
(NFB), the transformative advocacy organization of blind Americans, commends
Senators Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Mike Braun of Indiana for their
introduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (S. 3621) in
the United States Senate. This legislation will ensure that medical devices
are designed and manufactured with nonvisual accessibility features,
enabling blind and low-vision individuals to use and access these critical
devices safely and independently.

The bipartisan Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act authorizes the
Food and Drug Administration to promulgate regulations requiring
manufacturers of Class II and Class III medical devices - such as insulin
pumps, glucometers, heart monitors, and CPAP machines - to incorporate
nonvisual accessibility features like audio output and tactilely
distinguishable controls. These features will enable blind and low-vision
people to use medical devices without assistance from a sighted person,
allowing blind Americans to maintain their independence and promoting
positive healthcare outcomes. Companion legislation (H.R. 1328) has been
introduced in the House of Representatives.

Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"Accessibility is not a matter of mere convenience, but a moral imperative
that, with respect to healthcare, can make the difference between good and
poor health outcomes and even between life and death. Blind Americans must
have nonvisual access to medical technology that is crucial to our
well-being. The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act will ensure that
future medical devices are designed with nonvisual accessibility features,
granting us full independence and control over our own healthcare. We
commend Senator Hassan and  Senator Braun for their bipartisan work on this
critical legislation and urge their colleagues to join them in supporting
it."

###

About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind, headquartered in Baltimore, defends
the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support
to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and
more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy
organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in
the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes
and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality.
Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at <https://nfb.org/>
nfb.org.

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 

 

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