Imagine not being able to see the labels on your medication bottles. For many, it's a daily struggle that directly impacts their health and independence. But a Vancouver teen is stepping up to solve this critical problem, and his innovative solution could revolutionize medication accessibility for the visually impaired.
Posted November 4, 2025, this story highlights the ingenuity of a young inventor tackling a real-world problem.
Brett Devoo, who lost his sight at 16, relies on daily medication. He's tried using high-tech glasses to identify his pills, but these devices aren't always reliable. "I’m kind of always finding that I have found my own way of making things accessible," Brett explains. He's even resorted to using different types of tape to differentiate his medication bottles, a workaround that highlights the lack of accessible solutions currently available. Think about the frustration and potential danger of mixing up medications – it's a serious concern!
Fifteen-year-old Elvin Nguyen witnessed this challenge firsthand through a friend. "I saw one of the things he was struggling with most was medication adherence following his like disorder, so he wasn’t able to really see the labels well," Nguyen observed. This sparked an idea, a drive to create something better.
And here's the harsh reality: Over 70% of Canadians with vision loss take prescribed medications weekly. While digital identification methods exist, even on smartphones, their practicality can be limited. Tommy Leung, spokesperson for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, acknowledges the potential of technology to promote independence. But what happens when technology fails, or isn't readily available?
Pharmacies, the very places meant to provide medication, often fall short in accessibility. Brett Devoo shares his experience: "Honestly, it’s not accessible at all. They’ll give it to you in a bag. ‘Here you go.’ Like, obviously, if you ask, ‘what is this and which one is which?’ They’ll be like, ‘This bottle is this and this bottle is this.’ Thanks, but they’re shaped the same." This lack of accessible labeling puts the onus on the individual to remember and differentiate medications, a daunting task, especially for those with multiple prescriptions.
Now, let's talk about existing solutions. Around 20% of Vancouver pharmacies offer 'Script Talk', a system that uses talking labels readable by a special device. The readers are free for visually impaired individuals, which sounds promising. But here's where it gets controversial: awareness is shockingly low. As of 2020, 'Script Talk' caters to a mere 2% of prescription-taking individuals in Canada, and many haven't even heard of it! Is this a failure of marketing, implementation, or simply a lack of resources? Is relying on specialized tech the most inclusive solution?
Elvin Nguyen's solution? For the Science Fair Foundations Youth Innovation Showcase, he created something truly unique: 3D-printed Braille labels. "As you can see here, I just plugged in a bunch of words like ‘Hi CityNews’ as an example, and it would convert it into Braille," he demonstrates. This is a game changer because once a bottle is labeled, no additional devices are needed, ensuring accessibility for everyone, regardless of their access to technology.
And this is the part most people miss: Nguyen's invention promotes independence in a fundamental way. "Do you want to take your phone every time you want to take a medication, or do you just want to drag your fingers across and take the medication?" he asks, highlighting the convenience and self-reliance that Braille offers.
Brett Devoo, who has always found ways to navigate the world on his own, will now have another tool at his disposal thanks to Nguyen's innovation. The next time his high-tech glasses fail, he'll have a tangible, reliable solution right at his fingertips. This invention isn't just about accessibility; it's about empowerment.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Should pharmacies be legally obligated to provide Braille labels? Is 'Script Talk' enough, or is a more universally accessible solution needed? What responsibility do pharmaceutical companies have in ensuring their products are accessible? And what about people who don't read Braille – are there other inclusive labeling solutions we should be exploring? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
