NEW TALKING MEDICINE IDENTIFIER
by Ed Bryant
Photo #1:� portrait.� Caption:�
Ed Bryant
Photo #2:� equipment.� Caption:�
The ALOUD Model 100 Audio Labeling System
Last September, Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of
the Blind, asked me to attend a meeting at the National Center for the Blind,
in Baltimore, Maryland.� Representatives
from the ASKO Corporation there discussed and demonstrated a prototype of a
device called the ALOUD� Model 100 Audio Labeling System.�
We all have to take medications sometimes; many of us, especially
diabetics, take them on a regular basis.�
Blind individuals, or those with severe visual impairment, can have
difficulty independently measuring medication, because there are no tactile
marks on the prescription container.�
The problem is greatly compounded if the consumer is a blind diabetic
who uses insulin.� All insulins are
packaged in identically-shaped, cylindrical vials.� If the incorrect insulin is injected, the results can be
serious.�
But we have been left to our own ingenuity, for the most part, creating
our own �recognition systems� by attaching home-made Braille labels, rubber
bands, tape, storing medications in specific locations, putting medications in
different shaped containers, etc.� The
effectiveness and reliability of these home-made solutions can be limited.���
Imagine being able to reliably identify each one of your medications, and
also being able to remember the directions for use of each medication--anytime
and anywhere, without having to ask for help.�
A dream?� No longer.�
A new product, the ALOUD� Audio Labeling System, from ASKO, can best be
described as a �talking prescription container.�� This is how it works:
When a pharmacist dispenses your medication, an audio version of the
printed prescription label (called an �Audio Label�) is also produced and
attached to the medication container.�
When the Audio Label is placed into an ALOUD� Replay unit, the Audio
Label information recorded by your pharmacist is replayed.
Each of your medications has its own Audio Label, and you can play the
message over and over, as many times as you like.� It cannot be accidentally erased or altered.� The only person who can change the message
is your pharmacist, who has a special recorder in the pharmacy.� The Audio Label is reusable, so when you
need to have your prescription refilled or changed, the message can be changed
also and attached to your new prescription.
The replay unit is portable.� It
is only 4" high, about 2" in diameter, and weighs less than 8
ounces.� It has a rechargeable battery,
so you can use it anywhere.� The audio
fidelity is very good, and you can also use a small earphone for private
listening.� The construction is
extremely durable, the product is manufactured in the USA, there is absolutely
no maintenance required and the product comes with a one-year warranty.
The ALOUD� system is scheduled to be available later this year, but those
of us attending the NFB national conference in Atlanta had the opportunity of a
preview as ASKO presented the product at our Diabetes Action Network seminar,
and at General Sessions, where more than 3000 delegates attended.
I am extremely impressed with the ALOUD system, which I know will be
beneficial for blind people.� Although I
have not heard a price, indications are it will be reasonable and
affordable.� As soon as the product
becomes available, and a selling price is established, VOICE OF THE DIABETIC
readers will be apprized.
�
Further information about the ALOUD� system can be obtained from:� ASKO Corporation, 2 South Street, Stamford,
NY 12167; telephone, toll-free:�
1-877-732-9227; website:�
http://www.askocorp.com