Breaking Barriers: A Teen's Visionary Innovation for Medication Accessibility
In a world where technology often falls short of meeting everyone's needs, a Vancouver teen has stepped up to bridge the gap for those with visual impairments. Brett Devoo, a young man who lost his sight at 16, faces a daily challenge that many of us take for granted: accessing his prescribed medications.
High-tech solutions, like glasses designed to assist with medication identification, are not always reliable. Brett shares his frustration, "I've had to find my own ways to make things accessible. I use different types of tape-like stick tape for hockey - to differentiate between pill bottles."
Enter Elvin Nguyen, a 15-year-old with a friend facing the same challenge. Nguyen noticed his friend's struggle with medication adherence due to vision loss. "He couldn't see the labels clearly, so I wanted to help," Nguyen explains.
The Stats Speak Volumes
More than 70% of Canadians with vision loss take prescribed medications weekly. Despite the availability of digital solutions, including phone apps, accessibility remains a significant issue. Tommy Leung, spokesperson for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, emphasizes, "These technologies are crucial for guaranteeing independence."
However, pharmacies often fall short. Brett shares his experience, "They just hand you a bag and expect you to know what's what. If you ask, they'll describe the bottles, but they're often shaped the same."
'Script Talk': A Limited Solution
20% of Vancouver pharmacies offer 'Script Talk', a system with talking labels. While the readers are free for those with vision loss, awareness of this resource is low. As of 2020, only 2% of prescription-taking individuals in Canada use 'Script Talk', and many are unaware of its existence.
A Game-Changing Innovation
Enter Nguyen's invention: 3D-printed labels in Braille. This simple yet effective solution eliminates the need for additional devices. "You can plug in any text, and it converts it into Braille. Once a bottle is labeled, anyone can access it, regardless of their access to phones or high-tech devices," Nguyen explains.
The Power of Braille
Learning Braille promotes independence, as Nguyen points out, "Do you want to rely on your phone every time you need medication, or would you rather just feel the Braille and take your medication?"
A Personalized Approach
Brett, who has always found his own solutions for accessibility, is excited about Nguyen's invention. "With this, I can continue to be independent, even when my high-tech glasses fail me."
The Controversy
While Nguyen's invention is a step forward, it raises questions about the responsibility of healthcare providers and pharmacies. Should individuals with visual impairments be expected to find their own solutions, or is it the responsibility of healthcare systems to ensure equal access?
Your Thoughts?
What do you think about the current state of medication accessibility for those with visual impairments? Do you agree that more should be done to ensure equal access, or is it a matter of personal responsibility? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
