[NHLakesChapter] a press release for the Senate introduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, S.3621

[danatrahan at comcast.net]

All,

The National Federation of the Blind has issued a press release for the
Senate introduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act,
S.3621. It can be found via the following link:

https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-commends-senat
e-introduction-medical-devices

 

We are excited to now have both a House and Senate bill for the Medical
Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act.

 

Here is the Press Release if you have trouble with the link above:

 

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."

 

All the best,

 

Dana Trahan

 

603-580-5096 (9am-9pm) (Dana's home/landline) 
603-365-5242 (anytime) (Dana's mobile) 
 <mailto:danatrahan at comcast.net> danatrahan at comcast.net

 

 

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