Accessibility: Housing by Design

Accessible Housing by Design — Appliances

People who inhabit and visit the houses and homes we live in come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from infants to seniors, with a variety of ever-changing abilities and skills. As we grow-up, grow old and welcome new people to our homes, our housing needs change.

Universal Design is defined as: "The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." The concept is an evolving design philosophy.

Design of Appliances

Designers of appliances have increasingly taken into consideration the principles of Universal Design, realizing that it increases the usability of the appliance. Many appliances have become simpler to use, quieter and safer with dials and controls that are easier to operate and read.

Selecting an Appliance

There are many factors to consider when selecting an appliance, whether it is a toaster or washing machine, rice maker or can opener. The most important consideration is that it suits your needs, as well as the needs of your family. Make sure the appliance is compatible with your lifestyle and individual requirements for safety, usability, cost, storage, cleaning, programming and ease of installation.

Safety

Personal Safety Issues to Consider

Easy to operate
Easy to read
Easy to install
Not too heavy to handle
Equipped with a fail-safe feature such as an automatic shut-off
Equipped with a “lock-out” feature to prevent inadvertent use
Designed so that it does not pose a burning hazard.

Look for appliances with a "cool touch" feature which prevents the exterior surfaces from becoming extremely hot. Cool touch appliances are especially appreciated by people who are blind or have low vision who may "feel" their way around for orientation in the kitchen.

Selecting stoves or countertop ranges with controls at the side or front, rather than at the back is a good idea. Obviously this will increase safety for someone who operates a stove while seated in a wheelchair, but it will also improve safety for everyone, eliminating the need to reach over the burners.

Think about

Ease of use

Legibility

Storage

Cleaning

Cost

Controls.

From Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

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