[Electronics-Talk] Accessible Micro Waves, the Battle is Lost

[Annette Carr]

I have no problem adding my own braille labels or other markings to
appliances.  I have been doing that for years.  The problem is that there
are no over the range microwaves with a control panel that requires pressure
to activate the buttons.  The slightest touch or brush of a fingertip will
activate the buttons.  There does not appear to be enough space around the
buttons to place a label or mark so that you can get a general idea of where
to touch.  Some don't even beep when you touch them and do not appear to
have a way to turn an audible indicator on.  If a model does exist out there
that can somehow be modified, there is no way to figure this out because
none of the stores have electric connected to the units.  

It appears that the touch panel on ovens is going in this same direction, as
is the controls on refrigerators for dispensing water and ice, as well as
controlling the temperature inside the appliance.  Many counter top
microwave models also have this very sensitive type of control panel.  If
you go to the GE Accessibility webpage you will see that ADA accessibility
only applies to physical access.  Matter of fact, GE no longer provides
braille overlays.  

Has anyone taken a look at crock pots and slow cookers lately?  It is very
difficult to find one that can be operated if you cannot see the screen or
indicator lights.  The InstaPot hold promise, but I want to see one before I
purchase it.  It is really sad that in this day we are limited to one option
if that, and have to go out of our way to find that one option if it exists.


Annette



-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Robin Frost via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2016 4:51 PM
To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
Cc: Robin Frost
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Accessible Micro Waves, the Battle is Lost

Hi,
doesn't Whirlpool make braille overlays for their appliances? they used to 
do so.  Perhaps a call to them might shed light on this situation?
Robin

-----Original Message----- 
From: Annette Carr via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2016 4:37 PM
To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
Cc: Annette Carr
Subject: [Electronics-Talk] Accessible Micro Waves, the Battle is Lost

Hi All,



Well I am at a dead-end when it comes to finding an accessible over the
range microwave.  They just do not exist.  We are left with no option but to
purchase one that I cannot use as we need the exhaust.  We cannot just
replace the microwave with a traditional exhaust hood as we would have to
replace the cabinet above the range to position the hood at the required
height.  Well, that is not going to happen since it is not possible to match
a new cabinets to the existing cabinets.



The appliance manufacturers think that making an appliance ADA accessible
requires them to only meet physical access requirements.  Access for the
blind is not even a consideration.  It is just a matter of time before
access to all appliances are out of our reach.



Annette







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