Appliances That Make a Home More Accessible

Now more than ever, people worldwide are learning how important accessibility is within essential businesses, the workplace, and the home. Individuals take the necessary steps to ensure that everyone is treated with the dignity they deserve, no matter their disability status, age, or other determining factors. 

Accessibility should be considered in all aspects of our lives, including the different appliances we choose to purchase for homes. If you're a designer, a property manager, or you're just looking to adjust your living space to accommodate a family member or friend, choosing the right appliances is a simple step you can take. 

Keep reading to learn more about the different things to look out for if you're trying to make a space more accessible. 

Large Appliances 

Washers & Dryers 

When it comes to accessible washers and dryers, the front-load variety is more accessible. They're preferable for individuals who use a wheelchair and those who have height restrictions. If someone has difficulty bending and reaching, having the washer and dryer sitting at hip level on top of a counter is a good solution. Washers and dryers controlled via WiFi, Bluetooth, or a smart home system add to the accessibility factor. 

Some people have trouble grabbing, turning, or pinching knobs, which are found on many washers and dryers. If you're concerned about this, make sure you find devices that have push buttons instead. 

Refrigerators

Depending on the individual's needs, or the household's needs, different refrigerators are going to be more accessible than others. However, French door or side-by-side fridges tend to be more accessible than their one-door counterparts. This is because an individual who uses a wheelchair or other mobility aids can position themselves directly in front of the fridge and swing open the door without having to walk or push backward. 

Pull-out or drawer fridges are also great options for people looking to make a kitchen more accessible. If they're installed at waist height, a person doesn't have to reach or bend as much as they might have to with a standup fridge. 

Dishwashers

For dishwashers, look for front-loading brands with comprehensive, easy-to-access doors. The controls should also be designed to allow one-hand operation, with no more than five pounds of pressure required to push them. This is also the case for all buttons on any appliance. 

Nowadays, many dishwashers are also available with WiFi or Bluetooth connection, making controlling the cycle even easier. 

Cooktops & Ovens 

Choosing the right cooktop and oven for someone who has specific accessibility requirements is pretty straightforward. Still, there are a few things that you'll want to consider before making a purchase. 

Let's begin with cooktops. Cooktops are separate from the oven and are usually embedded into counter space. To make a cooktop wheelchair accessible, usually, there will be knee space underneath them. This space needs to be insulated or otherwise protected to not cause burns, abrasions, or any electrical shock. 

Also, the location of the controls to turn the burners off and on should not be situated at the back of the device or any place that requires the person to reach over a burner. Depending on the accessibility requirements for each person, you'll also want to consider finding a cooktop that doesn't require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist for it to be controlled.

Similarly, with ovens, as they can be embedded into a wall, you'll want to ensure that the space underneath them is insulated and protects people against burning. The controls should be on the front panels, or if you choose a French door oven, the management should be located on either side of the door. 

Smaller Appliances & Hood Fans

We've covered the most popular appliances found in the home, but now let's talk about the smaller machines or the ones that could make beautiful additions to a kitchen. Microwaves and hood fans come to mind in this category, and both have accessible features. 

When it comes to microwaves, depending on the needs of the individual, you want to make sure that they can be operated with just one hand and they don't have knobs or handles. Buttons that require less than 5 pounds to use are a good start. Next, make sure you consider height placement. Many microwaves are placed above cooktops or other large appliances, but this is not beneficial if a person has height restrictions. 

The maximum high forward reach for controls and operating mechanisms should be 48" for all appliances, and the maximum low forward reach is 15". These numbers come from how far people can comfortably and easily reach an appliance while sitting in a chair. 

Since hood fans are situated above cooktops, the controls could be out of reach for many people who use a wheelchair or other mobility aids. Purchasing a hood fan that can be connected to a smart home system or an app on the phone gets rid of this barrier and makes it easier for people to control smoke, grease, and strong smells in their home while cooking. 

Freezers should also be considered when designing an accessible home since many are built into the tops of refrigerators or found in basements as deep freezers. For some, these locations are out of reach, and you increase their accessibility by having them as pull-out drawers located at the bottom of the fridge or added underneath one of the counters.

On the Road to Accessibility

Making homes more accessible is not only essential, but it's also pretty simple! Whether you're designing a house, an office, or helping someone purchase a new appliance, make sure you consider accessibility in your decision. Since Canada doesn't have a disability compliance guide, it's essential to ask yourself, and those in your life who have a disability or specific needs, what would make life easier? Consider your own unique needs before making a purchase.