A Teen's Vision-Friendly Medication Solution
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, one teenager is making a significant impact on accessibility for those with visual impairments. Brett Devoo, a young man who has been blind since the age of 16, faces a daily challenge: managing his medication. While high-tech glasses are designed to assist him in identifying the right bottles, they often fall short.
Devoo has found creative ways to make medication accessibility work for him. He uses different types of tape to distinguish between various pill bottles, a simple yet effective solution. This led him to connect with Elvin Nguyen, a 15-year-old who shares a similar medication challenge with his friend. Nguyen noticed that his friend struggled with medication adherence due to difficulty reading labels, a common issue for many Canadians with vision loss.
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind reports that over 70% of Canadians with vision loss take prescribed medications weekly. While there are digital methods to identify medications, such as phone apps, these options may not always be available at pharmacies. Devoo highlights the lack of accessibility in pharmacies, where medications are often handed out in bags without clear identification.
To address this issue, Nguyen developed a groundbreaking invention for the Science Fair Foundations Youth Innovation Showcase. He created 3D-printed Braille labels, a unique solution that offers independence and convenience. By printing labels in Braille, users can easily identify medications without relying on high-tech devices or phones. This invention has the potential to revolutionize medication management for those with visual impairments.
Nguyen's invention not only addresses the immediate need for medication accessibility but also promotes independence. He asks an important question: 'Do you want to take your phone every time you want to take a medication, or do you just want to drag your fingers across and take the medication?' This simple yet powerful idea emphasizes the importance of self-reliance in managing daily tasks.
Devoo's journey with medication accessibility has been one of self-reliance and innovation. With Nguyen's invention, he can continue to take control of his medication management, even when his high-tech glasses fail him. This story highlights the power of youth innovation and the potential to create meaningful change in accessibility.
