The Urgent Need for Accessible Home Medical Devices: A Look into the Challenges Faced by Blind Individuals

In 1967, Katie Keim was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Over time, due to complications from the condition, she lost her vision. This personal narrative emphasizes the struggle of blind individuals like Katie, who encounter significant challenges in managing their diabetes with digital home medical devices. From insulin pumps to glucose monitors, these devices lack accessibility, making it difficult for visually impaired individuals to manage their health conditions independently.

The Issue of Inaccessibility

It's not just about the lack of large, easy-to-read displays or voice outputs. These devices often have complex menus and require precision to operate, making them virtually unusable for people with vision impairments. The National Federation of the Blind has recognized this pressing issue and has been lobbying for regulatory changes that mandate device manufacturers to incorporate accessible features in their products.

A Positive Legislative Step

In response to these concerns, federal lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill. This bill aims to require the FDA to develop rules mandating device makers to build accessible products. The bill includes a broad range of devices, from Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to heart monitors. Though not currently a priority for lawmakers, this legislation addresses a vital need for accessible home medical devices for blind and low-vision individuals.

The Importance of Accessibility

The issue of accessibility goes beyond simply making life easier for blind individuals. It poses serious safety and health risks. Imagine the danger of a misread or a missed alert on a glucose monitor or insulin pump. It's not just about convenience; it's about life and death. Advocates argue that the implementation of accessible features will significantly improve the autonomy and quality of life of blind individuals.

Corporate Accessibility Initiatives

Some companies are already taking steps towards accessibility. ICU Medical, for instance, has committed to making their website accessible to people with disabilities, including blind individuals. They adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA level guidelines and utilize various technologies and AI-based applications to optimize accessibility for blind users. The website meets essential screen reader requirements, provides automatic announcements for screen reader mode, and adjusts the website's HTML and behaviours for keyboard operability.

Governmental Efforts for Accessibility

Government agencies are also working towards making services accessible for blind and visually impaired individuals. The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) provides quality services to assist Virginia's citizens who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind in achieving their desired level of employment, education, and personal independence. They are working towards WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance for website accessibility.

The Future of Accessibility

The fight for accessibility is far from over. It's not just about medical devices or web content; it's about providing equal access to all aspects of life for people with disabilities. The Department of Justice has settled a complaint with Medstar Health to ensure equal access to medical care for people with disabilities, emphasizing this ongoing commitment.

The story of Katie Keim underscores the urgency of this issue. It's time for medical device manufacturers, tech companies, and lawmakers to prioritize accessibility, not just as a compliance requirement, but as a crucial step towards inclusivity and equality. Let's make the world more accessible, one device at a time.