Bay Area Disability Network

Archived Chronic Disease Reviews and Recommendations

(also see Chronic Disease Advice)

Source for gardening tools

Signing (and sighing) with Arthritis

I am blind and have diabetes. Where can I get a device to test my blood sugar level that talks? I can't read the displays, even the ones with the largest numbers.

I am blind and have diabetes. Where can I get a device to test my blood sugar level that talks? I can't read the displays, even the ones with the largest numbers.

• That National Federation of the Blind (NFB) sells several of them, and I got mine from them. Its pretty good. You can call them at 410-659-9314 (they are located in Maryland)

• I use the Touch N Talk I. It connects to the One Touch Meter, and it works well. I got it from the Lighthouse for the Blind (415 431-1581). You can get it to work in English, Spanish, French and Swedish (I just use the English version).

I'm having a lot of trouble with my arthritis, particularly when I sign. Does anyone know an acupuncturistor other alternate medicine person who is familiar with ASL? Traditional medicines haven't worked for me.

• My acupuncturist, Brian Barlay, is very good, but I don't think he signs.
  I'd recommend him, though. (510) 654-7040

• I'm pretty sure that she can't sign but Lynne Segura is a great acupuncturist
  510 843 5000. She's up on Ashby near Alta Bates Hospital.
  

Source for gardening tools

I’m now on my third hip and gardening is getting more and more ‘interesting’. Does anyone have any suggestions for companies or places that sell gardening tools for those of us who don’t bend too easily?

• You might want to check with Diablo Valley College horticulture department. They have a program that helps people with disabilities garden. I do not have the number but the campus is in Pleasant Hill. Michai Freeman

• Lee Valley has quite a few gardening tools that are designed for people with limited mobility. They don't have disability section so you'll have to browse a bit. They have an online site http://www.leevalley.com/ but their catalogues are better (you can request one for free)

• Gardenweb.com has a forum devoted to accessible gardening – there are a lot of good recommendations for tools, and methods of work. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/accessible/
  

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