Accessible Housing by Design — Appliances

Universal Design

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. A house or dwelling that is designed and constructed to reflect the principles of Universal Design will be safer and more accommodating to the diverse range of ages and abilities of people, who live and visit in these homes.

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.

The first principle focuses on providing equitable access for everyone in an integrated and dignified manner. It means that the design is appealing to everyone and provides an equal level of safety for all users.

Principles of Universal Design

Principle 1 — Equitable Use
Principle 2 — Flexibility in Use
Principle 3 — Simple and Intuitive
Principle 4 — Perceptible Information
Principle 5 — Tolerance of Error
Principle 6 — Low physical effort
Principle 7 — Size and space for approach and use

Principle 2, flexibility, means that the design of the house or home has been developed considering the wide range of individual preferences and abilities throughout the life cycle of the occupants.

The layout and design of the home should be easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience or cognitive ability. Principle 3 requires that design elements be simple and work intuitively.

The provision of information using a combination of different modes, whether using visual, audible or tactile methods will ensure that everyone is able to safely and effectively use the elements of the home. Principle 4 encourages the provision of information appealing to all of our senses when interacting with our home environment, using our sight, hearing and touch.

Principle 5 incorporates a tolerance of error, minimizing the potential for unintended results. This involves design considerations that include fail-safe features and give thought to how all users may safely use the space or product.

Principle 6 deals with limiting the amount of strength, stamina and dexterity required to access spaces or use controls and products.

The final principle, Principle 7, focuses on the amount of room needed to access spaces, equipment and controls. This includes designing for the appropriate size and space for all family members and visitors to safely reach, see, and operate all elements of the home.

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.

By integrating Universal Design into the design process, appliance designers and manufacturers are meeting the needs of a broader consumer base, enabling people to make their appliance choices from a wider selection of products.

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

The first consideration for the selection of any appliance is safety. The CSA certification mark on electronics and appliances provides assurance that these products have been tested and certified to meet applicable Canadian standards for performance or safety. Be sure to look for the CSA mark when purchasing any appliance (see Diagram 1).

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

A design feature available with some appliances is an automatic shut-off feature, available for example, on some kettles, irons and even stoves. This feature builds in a tolerance for error, Universal Design Principle 5. Selecting an appliance with an automatic switch-off is sensible for everyone, as we all hurry in our day-to-day life. It is especially appreciated when there are children in the home and as we grow older.

Operating smaller appliances such as a waffle iron or a toaster oven can pose a safety hazard if the exterior of the appliance heats up. 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.

Photo 1: Controls at the front of a countertop range

This ease of use feature which is of benefit to so many people can also be misused by children who are tempted to play with the knobs and buttons. An approach to limit access to appliances such as a stove is the installation of an override switch which must be activated prior to the operation of the appliance. The placement of the override switch should be carefully considered so that it is protected from those at risk but still easy to access by others. While this feature is an important consideration for households with children, it should also be considered in households with people with cognitive disabilities and people with dementia.

Diagram 1: CSA Certification Marks

Still another approach is to use a stove that has incorporated a motion detector feature that will automatically shut-off the stove if no movement is detected within a pre-set time frame.

Think about...

• Safety
• Ease of use
• Legibility
• Ease of installation
• Storage
• Cleaning
• Cost
• Controls
• Programming
• Energy consumption
• Easy to use without instruction
• Dual signalling
• Lock-out features
• Reach and space requirements

Diagram 2: Clear floor space requirements at appliances

Safety hazards can result from the inadvertent use of an appliance. Particularly hazardous is the danger of children climbing into a washer, dryer or oven. Some appliance manufacturers offer a "lock-out" feature that can be set to prevent the opening of doors.

Choose appliances that incorporate duplicate alert systems and/or safety features (also known as redundant cueing features) that reinforce for everyone the safe use of the appliance. For example, a toaster-oven that emits a sound when the food is ready, but also shuts itself off, or a microwave oven that "beeps" when the time is up but also flashes a text message on the control panel.

Ease of Use

There are a wide variety of choices available to us when purchasing an appliance. Appliances come in a variety of colours, styles, speeds and with various levels of complexity of operation. Important issues to consider when assessing the ease of use of an appliance include: the size, weight, ease of installation, programming options, day-to-day operation and ease of cleaning. A mixer which is too heavy to lift will remain in the cupboard, a dishwasher with too many programming options will be run at only one speed, a vacuum that is too heavy or awkward to carry will not be used, and a refrigerator that is too difficult to clean will become unsanitary. The first principle of Universal Design — equitable use, means making sure that the appliance is usable by everyone. Before buying, test out different appliances and features to be sure it will meet everyone's needs.

When it comes to kitchens and laundry rooms, manoeuvring space in front of appliances is a key consideration as space may be required for a walker or a wheelchair beside or in front of the appliance. Universal Design Principle 7 addresses size and space for approach and use. A clear manoeuvring space of at least 1,500 mm x 1,500 mm (5 feet x 5 feet) should be provided for people who use a manual wheelchair and 2,100 mm x 2,100 mm (7 feet x 7 feet) for people who use a larger power wheelchair or scooter.

It is always important to consider how work is going to be done and planning for clear counter space beside all appliances in the kitchen is an important design consideration (see Diagram 2).

Appliances such as coffee machines, microwaves, refrigerators, etc. are available in every size, shape and cost, and with every degree of complexity imaginable. Programming the appliance may require that you read an instruction manual and practice for a week! Universal Design principle 3, Simple and Intuitive means thinking about the usability and complexity of the appliance and its instructions, a good idea whether it is for you or a gift.

Dual signalling appliances that alert you visually as well as audibly are recommended. People who are deaf or are hard of hearing will be able to see the visual signal and people who are blind or visually impaired will hear the signal. This is a Universal Design approach that works for everyone.

Some appliances have a small LED screen that provides programming instructions. The size and location of the screen, as well as the colour and size of the on-screen characters, should be considered to be sure that they will work for you.

Consider appliances that provide information in a mixture of different modes including audible, visual and tactile operational information-an example of Principle 4 — Perceptible Information. Such an inclusive approach will ensure that everyone is able to receive the information.

Legibility

The exterior and interior of the appliance should have sufficient lighting to enable people to see and safely operate the appliance. The instruction text and controls should contrast in colour to the background area (either dark text on a lightcoloured background or light text on a dark-coloured background). In addition, some manufacturers allow the customer to program the size of letters and characters to maximize readability, a feature appreciated by many customers.

Photo 2: Pull-up shelf for mixer (or other small appliance) from lower cupboard

The control area should also be free of glare and be non-reflective. The surface materials offered by manufacturers vary from glass, to enamel, to stainless steel, some of which make it more difficult to see and operate. Legibility of operating controls and instructions is an important issue for consumers with reduced vision.

Storage

Designing storage space for various appliances is often left to the last minute. Careful consideration of the storage requirements for small appliances will increase their efficiency and usability, as well as reduce the likelihood of home accidents. For example, storing a heavy mixer at the bottom of a cupboard will likely mean it is seldom used. There are a number of storage systems available to homeowners that assist in the efficient use of space and protect appliances for longer use, such as a swing-up shelf for a heavy appliance which will eliminate the need for heavy lifting (see Photo 2).

Cleaning

The ability to easily clean an appliance is an important health and safety consideration and can also be a factor in the proper functioning of the appliance itself. A self-cleaning feature in an oven is obviously convenient and labour-saving, but also enhances safety through limiting the need for using caustic chemical cleaners. It also removes the need to bend and reach into the oven for cleaning; an advantage for all users. Check that racks, drawers and shelving in refrigerators, stoves, toaster-ovens, etc. can easily be removed for cleaning. Some small appliances incorporate removable parts that can be put in the dishwasher for cleaning. Be sure to investigate all the options when choosing your appliance.

Diagram 3: EnerGuide Certification Mark

Diagram 4: Energy Star Certification Mark

Cost

Cost is always a consideration. Sometimes the convenience offered by a household appliance will far outweigh the extra cost. Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers are all available with a variety of different door swing and shelving configurations. It usually costs no more to purchase an appliance that offers these options. Flexibility in Use — Universal Design Principle 2 is reflected in such an approach.

Cost savings can result from carefully comparing the potential energy consumption of different models or type of appliances. Look for the EnerGuide and Energy Star labels when shopping for appliances (see Diagrams 3 and 4).

Controls

Controls should be easy and intuitive to operate for everyone, regardless of language, cognitive ability, ability to grasp and use of fine motor movements. Also, since the controls will be used by different people, they should be clearly visible and within the reach of both seated and standing persons.

Diagram 5: Tactile control with high contrast text

Controls which are easy to operate for everyone:

• incorporate good colour contrast for instructions and other characters (either dark text on a light-coloured background or light text on a dark-coloured background) (see Diagram 5).
• are located on surfaces that are non reflective and free of glare.
• do not require too much force to operate.
• provide information for people who use sight, hearing or touch.
• have tactile features and colour contrasting markings to clearly indicate the on-off positions for safety.

Washers and Dryers

Front loading washers and dryers are preferred by many people, including people who use wheelchairs. Top loading machines may be preferred by some people who find it difficult to bend comfortably. Whichever model is selected, front mounted controls are preferable as they are easier for everyone to see and operate. Stacked washer and dryer units are often used when there are space limitations; however, they may not be a good design option for people who use wheelchairs or people who are standing, as these appliances can be difficult to operate and to see into.

Pedestal base units are available for many models of front loading washers and dryers making them easier to reach into (see Diagram 6). Careful consideration should be given to examining the location of the soap dispenser as it may be located on the top of the machine making it inaccessible to people who use wheelchairs. Also check the location of the lint catcher.

Diagram 6: Wheelchair user at laundry

Choose washers and dryers that offer multiple modes of information on the status of laundry cycle including visual, tactile and audible alerts. Such features will maximize accessibility for people with a variety of different abilities.

The location of the washer and dryer in the home should be designed to be easily accessible and free of hazards. Well-planned storage will increase the efficiency as well as the safety of the laundry area. Manoeuvring space in front of the appliances should be provided of at least 1,500 mm x 1,500 mm (5 feet x 5 feet), in addition to the area where dirty clothes are stored. Storage of soap and other supplies should be located nearby, at a maximum height of 1,200 mm (4  feet).

A laundry sink and an area for folding cloths should be located within close proximity to the washer and dryer. If clothes are to be ironed within the laundry area, an easily accessible electrical outlet should be incorporated and a fold-down ironing board should be considered. Also, don't forget to plan a space to store the iron.

Refrigerator and Freezer

Side-by-side refrigerators and freezers are preferred by some people since they are easy to see into and are accessible to people who use wheelchairs. However, they offer limited storage for large amounts of food. Some people may prefer the freezer to be located in the upper compartment of a split-level refrigerator, making it is easier to see into, while others may prefer the freezer compartment at the bottom. Whichever model type is selected, pullout shelves and a self-defrost feature increase the ease of reach and cleaning-both important considerations.

The kitchen layout and appliance placement should permit easy access to refrigerator drawers and pull-out shelves. Refrigerators can be purchased with your preferred door swing direction, providing more flexibility to the kitchen designer and homeowner. Also remember, although ice makers and cold water dispensers are convenient, they may reduce the amount of storage space inside the refrigerator and freezer.

Dishwashers

Kitchen designers usually locate the dishwasher close to the sink. As a result, manoeuvring space around an open dishwasher is an important design consideration, especially for people who use mobility devices such as walkers or wheelchairs. If you are a wheelchair user, try to provide knee space under one of the cabinets immediately adjacent to the dishwasher-this will allow you to get closer to the dishwasher for loading and unloading.

Considerations when purchasing an appliance

• What features does it offer?
• What safety issues do I need to consider?
• What programming options do I want?
• How energy-efficient is it?
• Is cost a factor?
• Do I have an appropriate place to store the appliance?
• Can I set it up myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
• Can I test it before I purchase it?
• Where do I find more information to compare similar appliances?

Single-drawer dishwashers can be purchased with finishes that match the design of the kitchen cabinets. Having small two-drawer dishwashers can eliminate the need to store dishes elsewhere and, while more expensive, may suit the needs of some people.

Dishwasher controls are sometimes found on the top of the door, which may not suit some people, especially those with visual impairments. Such a configuration usually results in limited legibility due to the positioning of the controls.

Controls on dishwashers should be easy to see and comply with the controls requirements outlined above. Additionally they should incorporate good colour contrast, be intuitive and easy to use, as well as simple to program. Ease of loading and unloading the dishwasher will depend on the configuration of the racks and pull-out baskets.

Look for a dishwasher with a "quiet feature;" this is appreciated by everyone, but it is especially important within households that include someone who has a hearing impairment. Background noises from an appliance such as a dishwasher can reduce their ability to hear and communicate effectively.

Ovens and Cook Tops

Wall ovens offer flexibility as they can be installed at any height to suit the needs of the household. Wall ovens that open sideways are preferred by many people who find them easier for removing food. A pull-out shelf under the oven and a counter on the open side of the oven are practical design features which enhance safety.

A "lock-out" or override switch feature are excellent options for preventing the inadvertent use of the oven. There are cook top manufacturers who offer control panels that can be detached, shutting off access and the potential danger of inadvertent use by others. There are also cooking appliances that feature a control panel that is separate from the oven or cook top unit, thereby allowing custom placement of controls to meet the needs of the user.

Manoeuvring space in front of an open oven must be considered when designing a kitchen space. A clear floor space of at least 1,500 mm x 1,500 mm (5 feet  x 5 feet) is recommended. People who use scooters or larger wheelchairs may require a turning space -2,100 mm x 2,100 mm (7 feet x 7 feet).

A counter-mounted cook top with clear knee space underneath is an excellent approach when designing for someone who uses a wheelchair. The knee space should be at least 750 mm (30 inches) wide, 680 mm (27 inches) high x 480 mm (19 inches) deep. Additional toe-space at least 300 mm (12 inches) high should be provided beyond the knee space (see Diagram 2).

Microwaves

Microwaves are useful for everyone, but are particularly beneficial for some people with activity limitations because they are easy to operate and can quickly defrost and heat up pre-prepared meals. Microwaves should be located at an appropriate height for the user to easily access the controls and interior space, with a clear counter space beside so that food can be removed from the microwave and slid along the counter, eliminating the necessity of carrying hot food items.

As with all operational controls, those on a microwave should have good colour contrast, and be simple and easy to operate.

Photo 3: High-contrast microwave controls

Emergency Situations

Access by all members of the household to the water shut-off valves for washers and dishwashers, as well as emergency controls for other appliances, should be planned during the design and installation process.

Glossary of Terms — Appliances:

Automatic switch off: Automatic switch off is a feature which is either factory programmed, or programmable by the user, to shut off automatically.

Cool touch: The exterior surface of the product remains at room temperature and "cool to the touch."

Dual signalling: Two distinct means of transmitting information which are separate and not reliant upon each other.

Fail-Safe: The ability of the device to safely operate or fail without danger to people or other devices.

Lock-out feature: A feature designed to prevent unsupervised or inadvertent use or entry.

Redundant: Built in backup to the primary operating system.

Tactile feature: A feature that allows a person to use their sense of touch to read or receive information.

List of Resources:

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers www.aham.org

Association of Safe and Accessible Products (ASAP)
1511 K Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 2000, USA
Phone: (202) 347-8200

Consumer Union of US
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm

EnerGuide
http://energuide.nrcan.gc.ca/
Compare major household appliances to see how they measure up against a range of similar products sold in Canada in terms of energy efficiency.

Energy Star
www.energystar.gov
Find out which appliances are certified as energystar efficient by the U.S. government; they use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy — The Most Energy-Efficient Appliances www.aceee.org/consumerguide/mostenef.htm

Center for Universal Design www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/

The Trace Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison www.trace.wisc.edu

Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center), State University of New York at Buffalo www.ap.buffalo.edu/sap/research/idea.asp

General Electric (GE): Real Life Design www.geappliances.com/design_center/design_library/

Room to Grow and Change www.geappliances.com/design_center/design_library/room_to_grow.htm

Universal Design www.geappliances.com/design_center/universal_design/
Tools for Independent Living: Suggestions for Installing and Operating Major Home Appliances for Easier Use by Disabled Persons.

Design for Independent Living: Kitchen and Laundry Designs for Disabled People (Whirlpool, 1986) It includes information on kitchen layouts, accessible appliances and cabinets and guidance on selecting appliances.

Photo and Diagram Credits

Photos 1 and 3: Betty Dion

Photo 2: Kitchen Appliances Unlimited

Diagram 1: CSA - Canadian Standards Association

Diagram 2: Bob Topping

Diagrams 3 and 4: NRC — National Research Council of Canada

Diagram 5: Matthew Fleet

Diagram 6: Philip Dion