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

[Jude DaShiell]

This situation as you describe it has been in effect for a very long 
time.  I know of only one model of Magic Chef modified for accessibility 
that is accessible these ddays and that's a $300.00 oven with no 
convection either.  I have and use that oven and it has buttons you 
press to do everything.  If memory serves it hasn't got a thaw or 
defrost setting though.

The other oven I use which does do convection is a Nuwave oven and that 
also has buttons you press to program and control it.  That's a counter 
top unit as is the magic chef model.  The nuwave oven cooks in minute 
increments not seconds but the magic chef can cook in seconds 
increments.

On Fri, 14 Oct 2016, Annette Carr via Electronics-Talk wrote:

> Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2016 21:24:48
> 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>
> 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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