Washington, DC (October 1, 2025): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the transformative advocacy organization of blind Americans, commends Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) for her reintroduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025 (H.R. 5605) in the United States House of Representatives.

The legislation also has twelve originating co-sponsors from both political parties. They are Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Sean Casten (IL-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), John Rutherford (FL-05), Pete Sessions (TX-17), and Adam Smith (WA-09).

This legislation will ensure that medical devices are designed and manufactured with nonvisual accessibility features, enabling blind and low-vision individuals to use and access these critical devices safely and independently. 

The bipartisan Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act authorizes the Food and Drug Administration to promulgate regulations requiring manufacturers of Class II and Class III medical devices (such as insulin pumps, glucometers, heart monitors, and CPAP machines) to incorporate nonvisual accessibility features like audio output and tactilely distinguishable controls.

These features will enable blind and low-vision people to use medical devices without assistance from a sighted person, allowing blind Americans to maintain their independence and promoting positive healthcare outcomes.  

Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:

"Accessibility is not a matter of mere convenience, but a moral imperative that, with respect to healthcare, can make the difference between good and poor health outcomes and even between life and death. Blind Americans must have nonvisual access to medical technology that is crucial to our well-being. The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act will ensure that future medical devices are designed with nonvisual accessibility features, granting us full independence and control over our own healthcare. We commend Congresswoman Schakowsky for her continued championing of this critical legislation, along with the cosponsors, and urge their colleagues to join them in supporting it."

"I am proud to reintroduce the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, to ensure that medical devices, like insulin pumps and blood pressure monitors, are truly accessible to people who are blind or have low vision," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in a statement from her office.

"Over seven million Americans are living with uncorrectable vision loss and more than one million Americans are blind. In many cases, a blind person's ability to manage their health and livelihood depends upon the ability to use these devices. As Americans, we cannot stand idly by while people who are blind or have low vision are excluded from a full, happy, and independent life due to these inaccessible technologies. This bill will help foster more inclusive and accessible care."