A Teen's Vision-Friendly Medication Solution
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, one teenager is taking it upon himself to make a difference in the lives of those with visual impairments. Brett Devoo, a young man who has been blind since the age of 16, has been struggling with medication accessibility due to the limitations of his high-tech glasses. While these glasses are designed to help him identify the right bottles, they often fall short.
Devoo has found creative ways to make things accessible on his own. When it comes to different pill bottles, he uses various types of tape, similar to the stick tape used in hockey. However, this method is not always reliable, especially when pharmacies provide medications in bags without any distinguishing features.
Elvin Nguyen, another teenager, shares a similar challenge. He noticed that his friend was struggling with medication adherence due to difficulty reading labels. This is a significant issue, as over 70% of Canadians with vision loss take prescribed medications weekly. Fortunately, there are digital solutions, such as phone apps, to help identify medications.
Tommy Leung, a spokesperson at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, emphasizes the importance of such technologies in promoting independence. However, when it comes to pharmacies, options can be limited. Many pharmacies only offer talking labels through a system called 'Script Talk', which is not widely known or accessible to everyone.
Nguyen, inspired by his friend's struggle, developed a unique solution for the Science Fair Foundations Youth Innovation Showcase. He created 3D-printed labels in Braille, which can be easily attached to medication bottles. This invention ensures that anyone, regardless of their access to technology, can identify their medications without the need for additional devices.
Learning Braille, according to Nguyen, promotes independence and empowers individuals to take control of their medication management. He questions whether people would rather rely on their phones or high-tech devices every time they need to take medication, or if they would prefer a more hands-on approach using Braille.
Devoo, who has always been proactive in finding solutions for his own accessibility needs, is excited about the potential impact of Nguyen's invention. With this new technology, he will be able to continue managing his medication independently, even when his high-tech glasses fail him.
