[humanser] updates

[Mary Ann Robinson]

Hello list Members,

Forgive me for this long post.  First of all, I want to thank our president 
Merry Schoch,
for her warm encouraging message of support.  Michigan certainly has many 
challenges ahead of us.  The struggles, courage, and support of our national 
division members and federation
philosophy contributed to my desire to start a division in Michigan.

The community mental health that my company contracts with recently
established a patient portal that is supposed to be screen reader friendly
and should grant patients access to information about their vital signs, 
appointments,
medications and diagnosis.  I have not tested it and a request has been made
for a blind person to do so.

At our state convention in October, a resolution regarding electronic health
records was passed and I am including it below.

I will keep the list informed as developments occur.  Please keep Michigan
in your thoughts in the days ahead and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Respectfully,

Mary Ann Robinson President NFBMI Human Services Division


Resolution 2014-01 Inaccessibility of Electronic Health Records in Michigan
WHEREAS, the transition from print-based medical records to electronic
health records (EHRs) offers the opportunity to expand the circle of
participation in the healthcare industry by giving blind providers
mainstream access to systems and material that they need in order to do
their jobs without the need for alternative formats, specialized services,
and customized supports, and by giving blind patients private and equal
access to their health records; and
WHEREAS, most current EHR technology is inaccessible to blind patients and
blind people working in or pursuing work in the healthcare industry,
creating new barriers that may ultimately drive blind people out of the
industry altogether and prevent blind patients from having equal access to
and privately viewing their records; and
WHEREAS, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 have been in effect
since 2008 and are the means by which EHR technology can be made accessible;
and
WHEREAS, blind patients and workers in the health care industry in Michigan
are facing extreme and needless discrimination as a result of inaccessible
EHR technology: Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan in
Convention assembled this 12th day of October, 2014, in the city of Flint,
Michigan that we strongly demand compliance to all laws which insure our
right to information and that the Department of Human Services, hospitals,
outpatient physical health clinics, the Department of Community Health, the
46 community mental health agencies/authorities and any healthcare provider
that deploys HER technology proactively to demand without delay,
accessibility from developers, since all of these entities are stakeholders
in this matter and will never fully realize the benefits of EHR technology
unless that technology is accessible to users with disabilities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that within 30 days this organization shall request
legal consultation with our national office to determine if any declaratory,
injunctive relief, or any other legal remedies would be deemed appropriate.
 ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Merry Schoch via humanser" <humanser at nfbnet.org>
To: "Human Services Mailing List" <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2014 7:31 AM
Subject: [humanser] updates


> Hello to all listserv members:
>
>
>
> I would first like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
>
>
>
> I have not dropped off the planet but have had computer issues and am in
> hopes they are resolved although not convinced as of yet.  I would like to
> share a few items of interests and updates.
>
>
>
> I am very excited to announce that the great state of Michigan is the
> first
> state affiliate to  organize a Human Services division.  Thank you
> Michigan
> and mary Ann Robinson!  After attending their teleconference meeting, I
> realized they have a great deal of work to do in Michigan.  I amin hopes
> that you will all join me in congratulating and supporting their efforts
> to
> begin the march to resolve these many issues.  Go Michigan.we are here to
> encourage,  support, and lend a hand if needed!!
>
>
>
> There has been posting regarding accessibility of practice and licensing
> examinations.  if you have any difficulties with this process  Please
> contact me at merrys at verizon.net or call me at 813 625 1850 (calling is
> preferable).
>
>
>
> Electronic Health Records has become an increasing concern of this
> division
> and of our National office.  We are in a catch 22 situation when facing
> the
> circumstance of electronic health records not being accessible in our
> employment.  It is difficult at times to inquire and work towards the
> accessibility when our livelihood may be at stake or  we may be in fear of
> creating an uncomfortable working environment because of this issue.
>
>
>
> Growing and strengthening the Division is essential to work towards
> resolution of many of these problems we are encountering.  The Board has
> voted on supporting the organization and growth of state affiliate
> divisions
> and has voted and approved that those state human services division
> members
> are automatically members of the Human Services Division on the national
> level and will not pay dues for national membership.   If anyone is
> interested in this endeavor please contact your state affiliate president
> and me so together we can begin to effect change so those in our many
> diverse professions can "Live the Life they want" by choosing the career
> they desire and not be locked out due to inaccessibility!
>
>
>
> As evidenced by the resolutions at our national convention, technology and
> access to it is far reaching for blind individuals.  The items mentioned
> above overwhelmes me knowing the many layers both electronic health
> records
> and accessible practice and licensing examinations encompass.  We cannot
> let
> the idea of resolving these issues suffocate us! Now is the time to create
> a
> strategic plan to resolve these issues.  The Human Services Division needs
> membership involvement !!  A paradigm shift for the division has begun,
> but
> we cannot do it without your help!!  After the holidays, I will call on
> your
> support!
>
>
>
> Wishing you all love, peace, and many blessings during this holiday
> season,
>
> Merry C. Schoch
>
> Human Services Division
>
> President
>
>
>
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