The Diabetes Action Network, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, is a support and information network for all diabetics, especially those who are blind or losing vision. Many of our members have experienced ramifications of diabetes such as blindness, amputation, nerve damage, heart problems, kidney disease, etc. Others have experienced no chronic complications, but want to utilize our services, learn more about diabetes, and be part of a caring support group. In addition to reaching out to fellow diabetics who may be finding it difficult to cope with problems that accompany diabetes, we provide support and information to interested persons.
Please join our listserv. We have discussions covering all aspects of living with diabetes.
Blind diabetics and those losing vision can continue to be independent.
The blind can and do accurately draw up insulin, monitor blood glucose levels, etc. Limitations are usually self-imposed, and often all that is needed to overcome negative thinking is simply to know where to go for information.
Some equipment (i.e., audio output devices) has been adapted for the blind. By using alternative techniques and products, the blind can control their diabetes as efficiently as their sighted peers.
Benefits and Resources
Members of the Diabetes Action Network enjoy unique benefits such as access to publications, automatic access to committees covering all aspects of diabetes, free counseling concerning all facets of blindness and diabetes, as well as access to diabetics who have experienced complications.
Members of the Diabetes Action Network also automatically become members-at-large of the National Federation of the Blind.
Blindness-related products, which enable blind and low-vision people to perform everyday tasks more independently, can be ordered from the NFB's Independence Market.
Diabetic Living magazines are available through NFB-NEWSLINE®, a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled. It offers access to more than 500 publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more.
Our Mission
The NFB Diabetes Action Network educates, empowers, and inspires people living with diabetes and its complications. We share the Federation's 'can-do' philosophy, through our various publications, volunteer peer support, and advocacy for accessible diabetes technology. Together, we challenge one another to live our best and fullest lives.
More about the NFB Diabetes Action Network
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. That's why the National Federation of the Blind, the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States, established the NFB Diabetes Action Network (NFB DAN) twenty-two years ago. The NFB DAN improves lives through advocacy, education, research, technology development, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.
Originally, the goal of NFB DAN was simple: to educate, empower and inspire blind and visually impaired people with diabetes to manage their condition independently and confidently and to advocate for accessible diabetes products. Thousands of NFB DAN members manage multiple complications, not just vision loss, so our mission has also expanded to include people with all kinds of diabetic complications. NFB DAN volunteers share their experiences and encouragement with those facing similar complications, such as kidney failure, amputation, and neuropathy.
For more information please contact:
President: Debbie Wunder
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 573-268-6989
Mailing List: nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
NFB DAN is a proud partner of the State of Diabetes Complications in America.
