I had not heard of this [yet]. I would have the same concerns as you. they certainly are less expensive than the hand sewing ones. here is a link to schmetz needles... scroll down for the self--threading needle.
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/schmetz1.htm and this link shows a pkg that says 'handicapped' on it
http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmac...edles.--97.htm
here is a link to another brand
http://www.google.com/products/catal...cp=38&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1018&bih=574&wrapid=tljp131159061873400&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17748135111739137157&sa=X&ei=3UgtTsHzK_DEsQKvq8ixBw&sqi=2&ved=0CEgQ8wIwAQ#