Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Accessible Prescriptions - What a Difference a Year Makes


The year 2012 has been a great year when it comes to the spread of pharmacies providing accessible prescriptions for the blind and visually impaired.   Several major chains are now beginning to provide free services like ScripTalk in their nationwide mail order programs.  In addition, many of these same pharmacies are now testing inside local stores.  Even some smaller pharmacies are taking note and adding this value added service to their standard offering.
 
Let’s not kid ourselves though; it’s been a massive struggle to get here.  In the beginning, retail pharmacies just refused to see and acknowledge the importance of this issue.  The response of most major pharmacies was that they were “looking into it.”  In actuality, they were hoping it would somehow just go away.  But days turned into months which turned into years.  What they didn’t understand is that accidents happen every day and that adverse drug-related reactions need to stop now, not later!  For heaven sakes, the Department of Veterans Affairs realized this nearly a decade ago when they mandated ScripTalk for all vets. 

People are now signing up for ScripTalk in record numbers. For the first time, these individuals are getting a chance to experience accessible prescriptions for themselves.  Nothing can compare to the peace of mind that comes along with prescription independence.   

We’re glad pharmacies are finally waking up, but there’s still a long way to go.  Although it’s evident that more and more pharmacies are beginning to see the light, plenty needs to be done to make 2013 the year of accessibility inside pharmacies.  Each one of us needs to do our part to keep the pressure on pharmacies.  We need to be unrelenting when it comes to our goals for equality for all.

2 comments:

  1. This all starts from the rehabilitation centers and the special needs schools forward, no matter what kind of disability population they serve. If these places are getting money from state or federal governments for their programs, then guess what...they should show the scriptalk and other devices to the students and their parents or guardians and even the staff at these schools who have to administer medication to those unable to do it themselves. Why? The staff not only administer medication to special needs students or clients, they also do other tasks too. The scriptalk can even help them in the huge responsibilities in their jobs. schools, WAKE UP!!! Alumni associations of these schools should be encouraging them to get involved and show the students as part of their programs instead of just making assumptions...This is Not the Fernald School... This is the real world... Oh, and did I forget, even the staff at that school with the tasks that they have to do for the remaining clients can also use Scriptalk...

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  2. If your National Disability Insurance Scheme is equipped with pneumatic tires, bring along a small repair kit containing the items necessary to change a flat. Bicycle repair shops have all types of nifty, compact, repair kits you can bring along. Access in Europe and other parts of the globe is not only different than access in your home town - it's also farther away from your local resources. For this reason, make sure your equipment is in top working order before leaving home

    For more info visit: National Disability Insurance Scheme

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