[Electronics-Talk] Accessible Microwaves Are Becoming a Thing of the Past

[cheez]

Well, Annette, I hate to say, you are the one that is going to have to adapt 
to the new way.
I appreciate the fact that space is an issue when it comes to your kitchen. 
But perhaps there will be models someday that will work for you.

I'm not surprised by the way appliances are being made these days.  We human 
are a lazy species.

So good luck in your endeavor to adapt to the new technology.  Manufacturers 
don't give a care about the blind community.

Vince

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Annette Carr via Electronics-Talk" <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
To: "'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'" 
<electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: "Annette Carr" <amcarr1 at verizon.net>
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 6:24 PM
Subject: [Electronics-Talk] Accessible Microwaves Are Becoming a Thing of 
the Past


> Hello Everyone,
>
>
>
> Last weekend our 11 year old Over the range microwave stopped working.  I
> knew the search for a new one would not be easy, but I was not prepared 
> for
> what I am finding.  My first disappointment was that there are no
> microwave-convection combination units for over the range that are
> accessible.  They either use a heat sensitive touch panel or a knob that
> displays its results in a digital display.  So I re-grouped and figured I
> would have to stick with just an over the range  microwave.  I have called
> GE, Whirlpool/Kitchen Aid, and LG.  None of their phone reps can direct me
> to a model that is accessible.  They recommended that I visit my local
> stores and try out the various models in the stores.
>
>
>
> We have visited Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, H H Greg and Best Buy.  None of
> these stores have electricity connected to the microwaves so it is not
> possible to test them.  None of the sales reps in the store know anything
> more than what is written on the display paper work.
>
>
>
> The online research that we have done makes reference to the control 
> panels
> of today being heat sensitive, feather-touch sensitive, Smart touch, etc.
> When we look at the control panels in the store they feel like flat glass.
> I've been to people's houses who have newer appliances and if you 
> accidently
> touch the panel you can change all types of settings.
>
>
>
> I am finding this very disturbing that manufacturers have been allowed to
> get to the point of producing complete lines of appliances that cannot be
> operated by a person who is blind.  Eleven years ago when we purchased the
> current appliances in our kitchen there were limited options.  Last April
> when I purchased a replacement dishwasher we ended up purchasing one I can
> start, but have no way to confirm what it is set on.  Now we cannot find a
> replacement microwave.  While at the stores, upon a quick look around we 
> did
> not see a gas range with an accessible  oven control.  They all looked
> exactly like the ones we were seeing on the microwaves.  Now remember, We
> had not done any research on these products, and there is no power 
> connected
> to the ranges.  So we cannot be sure about what we were looking at.
> However, if the state of microwaves is any indication of where 
> manufacturers
> are going with their control panels, we are in serious trouble.  The 
> bottom
> line is something has to be done before we lose our independence in the
> kitchen.  Well, I guess if you can live on cold cereal and sandwiches, you
> will be fine.
>
>
>
> Please do not provide me with makes and models of counter top microwaves
> that you have found accessible.  I have no choice but to purchase an over
> the range microwave even if it is not accessible.  This appliance
> incorporates the exhaust fan for the stove.  In addition, we have no
> available counter space for a microwave.  If you have purchased an over 
> the
> range microwave within the past year that you have found the control panel
> to be accessible after adding your own labels/marks, please provide me 
> with
> the make and model, as there is a slight chance that I might still be able
> to find it.
>
>
>
> What I want is to find a way to make these manufacturers understand the
> importance of universal design.  They need to stop producing products that
> cannot be controlled by the blind.
>
>
>
> Annette
>
>
>
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