Schakowsky Introduces Legislation to Guarantee Home-Use Medical Devices are Accessible to Blind and Low Vision Americans

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) reintroduced the bipartisan Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025 to require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create and enforce nonvisual accessibility standards for home-use medical devices, so that devices are fully accessible to blind or low-vision persons.

"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. "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."

The bill also requires the FDA to consult with the disability community and manufacturers throughout the process.

"Blind Americans must have nonvisual access to medical technology that is crucial to our well-being. With respect to healthcare, it can make the difference between good and poor health outcomes and even between life and death. We commend Representative Schakowsky for the introduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act into the House of Representatives. We urge lawmakers to act swiftly so blind people can have the dignity of being able to manage our own care," said Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind.

In addition to Rep. Schakowsky, this bill is cosponsored by 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).

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