Refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines--appliances are getting more user friendly for people with disabilities. Twenty years ago, Whirlpool recognized the need to produce products for the disabled. Many companies have followed suit, such as Frigidaire, Maytag, Amana and the most recent--General Electric. Manufacturers view people with disabilities as a viable market and designs for them as well as America's "silver audience," the soon-to-be 65 million Americans over the age of 50.

Whirlpool offers features such as Braille knobs, large-type manuals (e.g., cookbooks), and voice-recorded manuals. It has also published a number of remodeling brochures. "Appliances seem to be evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary," stated Mitchell. For instance, refrigerators can come with side-by-side doors with shallower depth, pull-out shelves, easy-reach configuration, waist level operations, pull-out baskets, and a door that opens 150 degrees to assist people with mobility problems. Ranges sport Braille knobs; large print overlays on top of the regular graphics; side opening doors for easy wheelchair access; electronic touch controls; front controls to avoid reaching over the burners; and slip-on, large rubber knobs for people who have arthritis. Sinks can moved up and down, and many dishwashers now use the European soaking method (versus U.S. blasting style) that results in a shallower, narrower product with non-knob electronic controls.

One change in the laundry department consists of tumble-action washers. Doors open from the front and operate similar to a dryer that tumbles clothes. Improved features on dishwashers are 36-inch high, easy-to-use touch pads, and flexible baskets with fold-down tines. Said one designer, "It's one thing to do modification; it's another to do the fundamentals of design. Our people have generally felt good design takes into account ease of use and accessibility." #237

Mitchell, H. R. (2000, March/April). Major appliances, Sizzling with convenience features. en.a'ble 2(2), 53-59.

Keyword: Accessibility

Copyright. The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Independent Living.