Note: Resources mentioned below do not imply endorsement by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
The National Kidney Foundation can assist diabetics
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) publishes a variety of informational materials
about diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The NKF also provides resources and
support for those undergoing dialysis or kidney transplants. The NKF seeks to
prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being
of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability
of all organs for transplantation. For more information, call the NKF at (800)
622-9010, or go to www.kidney.org.
Bilingual
Talking Glucose Meter
The Prodigy Autocode delivers clear, audible readings in both English and Spanish,
is affordable and fits in your pocket. No coding is necessary and you’ll
have results in six seconds. You may be eligible for a free meter! Call toll
free: (866) 540-4815.
Talking microwave
Bravo to Hamilton Beach for their Talking Microwave (Product # 87106 and #87108).
This machine is available at retail stores such as Walmart and Best Buy for
under $100, a remarkable achievement considering that most of its predecessor
talking microwaves averaged well over $300.
Amazing
new reading device that talks
The new Kurzweil–National Federation of the Blind Reader is a portable
hand-held device that talks! Simply position over documents, nutritional labels,
book pages, recipes, etc. and the tool will read the contents aloud. The retail
price of this revolutionary new product is $3,495 but for a limited time the
NFB is offering a $200 discount. A new feature enables the reader to identify
paper money. For more information or to order, call (877) 708-1724 or to go
www.nfb.org.
Accessible Glucose Meter
The new Advocate is compact, it talks, and its display is clear and bright.
The meter uses capillary action, touchable test strips and tests across a 20mg/di
range, with a tiny blood sample. Contact the retailer: Diabetic Support Program,
3381 Fairlane Farms Road, Wellington, FL 33414; telephone: (800) 990-9826 www.prescriptionsplus.com.
A
wealth of information at one site
DiabetesXChange.org is a new online clearinghouse for promising initiatives
in diabetes care, prevention and management in the U.S. Whether it’s a
small community-based initiative, university-sponsored effort, corporate wellness
program or large government project, visit the Web site to learn more.
Help for Diabetic Amputees
The mission of The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is to reach out to people
with limb loss and to empower them through education, support and advocacy.
This includes access to, and delivery of, information, quality care, appropriate
devices, reimbursement, and the services required to lead fulfilling lives.
The ACA publishes InMotion, a magazine that addresses topics of interest
to amputees and their families. The ACA toll-free hotline provides answers and
resources for people who have experienced the loss of a limb. In addition, the
organization develops and distributes booklets, video tapes, and fact sheets
to enhance the knowledge and coping skills of people affected by amputation.
To contact the ACA, call (888) AMP-KNOW (888-267-5669), or check out the Web
site at www.amputee-coalition.org.
Talking health-monitoring devices
You can buy a number of useful medical tools, such as the Lo-Dose Count-A-Dose
tactile insulin syringe-filling tool, a talking blood pressure cuff, a talking
digital thermometer, and a talking prescription bottle reader. Prices are reasonable,
and in some cases the lowest anywhere. Enhance your independence and health!
Contact the NFB’s Independence Market at telephone: (410) 659-9314 (select
option 4 from the voice menu); Web site: www.nfb.org.
Low
Vision Tools
The NFB Independence Market has many useful assistance aids for low vision individuals.
If you need assorted magnifiers, low-vision felt-tip pens or large-print items
such as address books, calendars or check registers, you will find them among
the useful items in the market. Contact the NFB’s Independence Market
at telephone: (410) 659-9314 (select option 4 from the voice menu); Web site:
www.nfb.org.
Full Service Diabetes Supplier
Access Diabetic Supply promises free glucose monitors, delivery, and in-home
training in the use of blood glucose testing devices. Your private insurance
is welcome, and they accept Medicare, too. Check them out online: www.diabeticsupply.com
or call: (800) 285-1430.
Read the Paper by PHONE with NFB-NEWSLINE®
NFB-NEWSLINE® makes daily newspapers and magazines accessible by phone.
Users listen to the news via synthesized voice. No computer is needed and it
is FREE! New feature: national television listings! To subscribe contact: NFB-NEWSLINE®,
1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (866) 504-7300.
Diabetes Supplies
American Diabetic Supply, Inc., will ship your diabetes supplies to your door.
They handle all insurance claims and provide free delivery. Those with Medicare
and/or private insurance (no HMOs) may receive supplies at no further cost.
For information, contact: American Diabetic Supply, Inc., telephone: (800) 453-9033,
ext. 611; Web site: www.americandiabeticsupply.com.
Flying
With Insulin or Supplies?
Terrorist activity has caused the United States Transportation Safety Authority,
the TSA, to limit carry-ons. What about insulin, glucose tablets, and other
diabetic supplies?
Passengers may bring insulin on board as long as the prescription label matches the name of the traveler. For more details go to: www.tsa.gov.
NOTE: www.diabetesandtravel.com also contains useful advice for diabetic travelers,
for example, how to manage time zone changes.
Support for Self-Management—and a Free Meter
Liberty Medical can help Medicare patients with low-cost supplies delivered
to your door. They also offer healthcare professionals on the telephone and
reminders when you may need refills. Call (800) 786-9835 to ask about your free
meter.
Attention Voice Readers!
We will be sending out a survey to randomly-selected Voice readers
soon. If you get one, please fill it out and mail it back. Tell us what you
want to read about! Tell what you think would make Voice of the Diabetic
more useful to you!
Your opinions are vital to our continued success.
Thank you!