My name is Jonathan, and I am a college student who
believes our healthcare system needs some major changes.
I created this website to provide awareness for these issues
and ways you can help.
I’ve needed glasses or contacts ever since I could remember. My vision constantly
got worse, and every time my parents would take me to the eye doctor, the doctor
only confirmed that I needed a stronger prescription. In fifth grade, my parents’
insurance relapsed after my dad was laid off of work. My eyesight continued to get
worse, and I had to go through the next two years looking at a blurry classroom board,
trying to understand what was being taught.
Years later, I am now a senior at The College of New Jersey, and my vision has
an additional $75 out of pocket every three months when I get new contacts at the
strength I need them, which is not covered by my insurance.
To be honest, my situation is one of the luckier ones. I have been privileged to even
see (no pun intended) an eye doctor in the first place. However, I have had friends,
family, and peers who have not been able to afford the most basic care, with one of
my friends needing to pay almost $3,000 out of pocket for hearing aids.
Those who live paycheck to paycheck, and those with sensual disabilities have been
among the most neglected in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
People who need certain care should not have to pay extra out of pocket to access their
senses. Why should you have to pay more to be human and access your senses?
I decided to use my resources of graphic design, web development, and my passion
to help others as a basis to create this project, which is being developed through my thesis
class at TCNJ. I hope this website will bring you more awareness of the issues in our
healthcare system, and will inspire you to take action with different resources and things
you can do in your community. I am one person, but with this website I hope that people
of all backgrounds and experiences will join in this fight to get healthcare to those who
need it most.
-Jonathan, Senior Interactive Multimedia Major & Creator of ATMS
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