A remarkable innovation has emerged from the mind of a Vancouver teenager, addressing a critical issue faced by many with visual impairments. The power of accessibility is about to be redefined!
Brett Devoo, now an adult, has navigated life without sight since his teenage years. Every day, he relies on prescribed medications, but finding the right bottle has been a constant challenge. High-tech glasses, designed to assist, often fall short, leaving Brett to devise his own solutions.
"I've always had to adapt and make things work for me. For different pill bottles, I used a unique system, like different types of tape. It's like hockey stick tape, a fabric-based solution," Brett shared with CityNews.
Enter Elvin Nguyen, a fifteen-year-old with a friend facing the same medication dilemma. "I noticed my friend struggled with medication adherence due to his vision impairment. He couldn't read the labels clearly," Elvin explained.
With over 70% of Canadians with vision loss taking prescribed medications weekly, digital identification methods, including phone apps, are available. "These technologies guarantee independence," affirmed Tommy Leung, spokesperson for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
However, pharmacies often lack accessible options. "It's not accessible at all. They just hand you a bag and expect you to know what's what. If you ask, they'll describe the bottles, but they all look the same," Brett added.
In Vancouver, only 20% of pharmacies offer 'Script Talk,' a system with talking labels. While readers are free for those with vision loss, awareness remains low. As of 2020, only 2% of prescription users in Canada utilized 'Script Talk,' indicating a significant gap in accessibility.
Elvin Nguyen, inspired by his friend's challenge, created something revolutionary for the Science Fair Foundations Youth Innovation Showcase: 3D printed labels in Braille. "I've developed a system where I can convert any text into Braille. It's as simple as plugging in words, and the machine does the rest," Elvin described.
Once a bottle is labeled in Braille, no additional devices are needed. "Learning Braille empowers individuals. Do you want to rely on your phone every time you need medication, or would you prefer the independence of feeling the Braille with your fingers?" Elvin questioned.
For Brett, who has always taken charge of his accessibility needs, Elvin's invention offers a new level of freedom. "With Elvin's creation, I can continue to be independent, even when my high-tech glasses fail me," Brett concluded.
And this is the part most people miss: Accessibility is not just about technology; it's about empowering individuals to take control of their lives. Elvin's innovation is a step towards a more inclusive future. But here's where it gets controversial: Should we rely solely on technology, or is there a place for more traditional methods like Braille? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
