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Tools and Techniques for Visual Impairment

By Kleinbeck, Connie, RN, BSN, CDE; Diabetes Self-Management, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 42-51
Publication Date: January/February 2006

Article features a comprehensive discussion of resources and tools that can allow people with visual disabilities to enjoy a sense of independence. The author contends that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness for American adults between the ages of 20 and 74. A number of tools and techniques for various applications are listed, including: (1) lighting, (2) magnification, (3) computer adaptations, (4) writing aids, (5) home safety, (6) cooking, (7) insulin administration, (8) blood glucose monitoring, (9) foot care, and (10) medicine and supply management. A number of specific products for insulin administration are listed, including Count-a-Dose from Medicool, which is a device designed for filling BD 50-Unit syringes. The device makes a distinct clicking sound that can be heard and felt when each unit of insulin is fully drawn into the syringe. The Safe Shot from Borin-Halbich, Incorporated is another syringe loader than be set once and then used repeatedly to draw the same amount of insulin in the syringe each time. The NeedleAid is a device that is placed on the injection site. The syringe is inserted into the device, which guides the needle during the injection process. The Syringe Magnifier from Ezy-Dose clips onto a syringe to double the size of the markings for people with low vision, while the Tru Hand from Whittier Medical holds the insulin bottle steady and has a magnifying window that doubles the size of the syringe point. For blood glucose monitoring, the Accu-Check Voicemate system has a digital voice that can talk the user through the monitoring process in English or Spanish. The author contends that these devices can help lead to greater independence for people with diabetes and visual disabilities.

Assistive Products Discussed: ACCU-CHEK VOICEMATE SYSTEM
TRUHAND MAGNIFIER
HI-DOSE COUNT-A-DOSE & LOW-DOSE COUNT-A-DOSE
Published by: R.A. Rapaport Publishing, Incorporated   (Website:http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J50302
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