Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lizzy Lawrence
Published on 2024-02-05 09:30:28
Katie Keim was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1967 at the age of eight, a time when insulin pumps and home testing were not readily available. Eventually, her diabetes led to a loss of vision, and by the time she was 36, she was completely blind.
Having led an independent life despite her illness in her younger days, blindness completely transformed every aspect of Keim’s life, especially her ability to manage her diabetes. The absence of tactile buttons on new insulin pumps and glucose monitors made it nearly impossible for blind people to use these crucial devices.
In response to this issue, Katie Keim and other advocates from the National Federation of the Blind have been pursuing a change in regulations to make these medical devices more accessible to the blind community. These efforts have come to fruition in the form of a bipartisan bill introduced by federal lawmakers, requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop rules mandating device makers to create accessible products.
The bill aims to address the accessibility of medical devices such as insulin pumps, glucose monitors, CPAP machines, and heart monitors. While the bill has received bipartisan support, it remains a lower priority compared to issues like drug pricing and shortages. However, the sponsors of the bill are optimistic that it could be incorporated into upcoming healthcare legislation.
This bill is perceived as a “common sense” measure by its sponsors and advocates, as improving accessibility for medical devices is crucial for the safety and health of blind individuals. The National Federation of the Blind, representing the blind community, views the bipartisan support for the bill as a significant step forward.
For people like Keim, who have to rely on others to operate newer devices or resort to older technologies due to inaccessibility, the bill offers hope. The introduction of features such as audio prompts and tactile buttons on medical devices can improve the quality of life for individuals with vision impairments. With the passing of the bill, Keim is hopeful that she would have more device options, enabling her to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming in the oceans of Honolulu, which have therapeutic effects on her remaining senses.
Given that diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, making medical devices more accessible for the blind community is not just a matter of convenience but also a pressing safety issue. The lack of access to critical medical devices poses risks to the safety and health of visually impaired individuals, and the implementation of accessibility features can mitigate these dangers.
In conclusion, the bipartisan bill aiming to improve the accessibility of medical devices for the blind community is a significant development that addresses the pressing need for more inclusive technologies in the healthcare sector. If passed, this legislation has the potential to enhance the quality of life for millions of blind individuals, allowing them to lead more independent and healthy lives.
