A Range of Opinions: A Survey on the Accessibility of Today's Home Appliances
By Burton, Darren; Access World, Vol. 7, No. 3Publication Date: May 2006
Article presents the results of an appliance usability study conducted at the American Foundation for the Blind’s Technology and Employment Center (AFB TECH) in Huntington, West Virginia. Local volunteers with visual disabilities were recruited, and were observed while utilizing a set of home appliances. Appliances evaluated included a Whirlpool dryer, a Whirlpool stove, a General Electric microwave, and a Breadman bread machine. The researchers found that the more tactile and audible controls the appliances featured, the more usable they were. The researchers also found that with better information about the proper use of controls and with modifications, such as adding Braille or tactile markings, most appliances could become more accessible. Implications for future AFB TECH appliance accessibility projects are discussed.
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
Link to text: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw070303&Mode=Print
