Diabetes and Visual Impairment: Are Insulin Pumps Accessible?
By Burton, Darren; Swisher, Craig; Uslan, Mark; Access World, Vol. 5, No. 2Publication Date: March 2004
Article investigates the accessibility of insulin pumps for people who are blind or have low vision. Eight insulin pumps were evaluated, all of which were previously approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): (1) the Paradigm 508, (2) the Paradigm 511, (3) the Paradigm 512, all from Medtronic MiniMed; (4) the IR 1000 from Animas Corporation, (5) the DANA Diabecare II from the SOOIL Development Company, (6) the Cozmo from Deltec, and (7) the D-TRONplus and (8) H-TRONplus from Disetronic Medical Systems. While the evaluation was taking place, the Disetronic pumps were taken off the market by the FDA. The authors analyzed the way an insulin pump is used and controlled, and determined which features must be accessible for people who are blind or have low vision to use the device successfully and independently. The accessibility features were evaluated as follows: (1) menu navigation and display information, (2) documentation, (3) tactile identification buttons, (4) filling and replacing the insulin reservoir, (5) infusion setup and insertion, (6) software, and (7) battery replacement. Following a comprehensive review, the authors found that none of the pumps listed can be programmed and operated entirely nonvisually, though the MiniMed 511 and 512 pumps were the more accessible devices on the market. Manufacturers are advised to consider adding more accessibility features when designing the next generation of insulin pumps.
Assistive Products Discussed: MINIMED PARADIGM INSULIN PUMP
DANA DIABECARE II
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
Link to text: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw050203
