[Electronics-talk] Talking Microwave from ILA Availability

[Mike Freeman]

We have sent representatives to the big consumer product exposition in 
Nevada each year and have had some discussion with manufacturers re 
production of accessible products. WE in the R&D Committee have also 
discussed implementation of accessibility standards for appliances 
worldwide, particularly in the European Union, that might influence 
standards here in the United States.

Realistically, however, we have very little influence as to what products 
are produced or how long their production cycle is. WE really are a very 
small market for most appliance manufacturers even though it may not seem 
like it to us.

Mike

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <ckrugman at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances" 
<electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 8:05 AM
Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] Talking Microwave from ILA Availability


> What is NFB doing to work with the manufacturers to make sure that these 
> products continue to be available?
> Chuck
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Gerald Levy" <bwaylimited at verizon.net>
> To: "Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances" 
> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 6:15 AM
> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] Talking Microwave from ILA Availability
>
>
>>
>> I've been poking around the web doing a little research on talking 
>> microwaves, and apparently, the Hamilton Beach Cook Magic is no longer 
>> being manufactured.  Walmart.com is still offering it as a clearance 
>> item, which means that once they're all gone, they're gone forever. 
>> Maxi-Aids offers a modified Gold Star talking microwave for a ridiculous 
>> price of $360, but it is "temporarily out of stock", which probably means 
>> that this model, too, may be on the way out.  So, incredible as it might 
>> seem, there may soon be no talking microwaves left on the market.  The 
>> purveyors of products for the blind like ILA and Maxi-Aids are at least 
>> partially responsible for this situation because they apparently don't 
>> care enough about their customers needs to work closely with the 
>> manufacturers of these gadgets to insure that they remain available.
>>
>> Gerald
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Peter Donahue" <pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net>
>> To: "Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances" 
>> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 2:01 AM
>> Subject: [Electronics-talk] Talking Microwave from ILA Availability
>>
>>
>>> Hello everyone,
>>>
>>>    I guess Santa wasn't happy with us about something. One chunk of coal 
>>> we
>>> found in our "Christmas stalking" was that our microwave decided to go 
>>> north
>>> leaving us to cook the old fashion way until it can be replaced. We 
>>> bought
>>> the Hamilton Beach talking Microwave a few years ago when it came out 
>>> after
>>> two other microwaves failed. We owned a Kenmore Microwave for quite a 
>>> while.
>>> It only required the occasional Sears PMA to keep it in ship shape but 
>>> it
>>> too eventually gave up the ghost.
>>>
>>>    When we purchased the Hamm Beach it had to be special ordered as
>>> Best-Buy did not keep it in stock and the other models they had were as
>>> inaccessible as they come. Wanting to get some leads on accessible
>>> microwaves I check the NFB'S Accessible Home Showcase for suggested
>>> microwave ovens usable by a blind but only saw the Hamilton Beach 
>>> Talking
>>> Microwave listed. Independent Living Aids has carried a talking 
>>> microwave
>>> for quite a while but I didn't see it listed in our list of accessible
>>> house-hold appliances. If anyone can tell me whether that particular 
>>> talking
>>> microwave is still available from ILA or can put us on to other models
>>> usable by a blind person we'll appreciate that very much.
>>>
>>>    Best wishes from Mary and myself for a merry Christmas and a 
>>> wonderful
>>> 2010.
>>>
>>> Peter Donahue
>>>
>>>
>>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber
>>>      And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered.
>>>      And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you
>>>      On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you."
>>> Will You Come to the Bower
>>> Traditional Irish Folk Song
>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
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