Universal Design For People With Diverse Abilities

It's no secret that America is growing older. In fact, more than half of Americans expect to have elder care responsibilities within the next 10 years. Today, there are more than 48 million people with some type of disability - one in seven has some form of arthritis, and 18 million are visually impaired. That means more people will be searching for more user-friendly appliances and performing home and kitchen renovations to help make their lives easier.

Universal Design is a design concept that utilizes products and spaces in a home to make the area useable to all people, including those with varied abilities and the elderly. Toward that end, GE Consumer & Industrial offers a wide range of appliances that accommodate a variety of needs, including more than 100 models that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The experts at GE suggest that consumers select appliances that are easy to open, are easy to use, provide easy-to-read graphics, and offer other features that give added convenience and flexibility to their homes. Consider these Universal Design tips for selecting kitchen appliances to meet the needs of those with diverse abilities:

Dishwashers - Look for automatic cycle selection, control lockout, flexibility in loading, an easy-to-read display, and problem indicators. Raising the dishwasher six to nine inches off the floor, when possible, will make it easier to load and unload. GE is the only American-branded leading manufacturer to offer an ADA-compliant dishwasher. This dishwasher's size is suitable for the lower counters required by the ADA, but the dishwasher is large enough to hold dishes for 12 full place settings.

Ranges - Look for controls located on the front so the cook does not have to reach across hot burners. Consider a range with sealed cooktop burners to ensure easy cleaning, as well as an oven that is self-cleaning. Consumers should also consider including under-counter knee space adjacent to the range to increase accessibility to the oven. GE has expanded its ADA-compliant line with the new self-cleaning, freestanding gas range. This range features upfront controls which can be accessed without reaching across hot burners.

Refrigerators - People who are short or seated in a wheelchair generally prefer side-by-side refrigerators. Some top-mount refrigerators offer freezer storage within the universal reach range of 15 to 54 inches. Shelves that easily pull out increase useability for a variety of consumers. Consider installing under-counter refrigerator drawers as another option for accessible food storage.

Cooktops- These are generally preferred for people with limited mobility because they can be installed at varied heights with knee space beneath. Consider purchasing smooth cooktops, with burners as flush as possible, to allow ease in sliding pots and pans and to aid in cleaning.

Wall Ovens - These may be installed so that one rack is level with an adjacent countertop, reducing the need to bend. Look for wall ovens that are self-cleaning, provide easy-to-read graphics, offer an easy-grip handle, supply control lockout, and that deliver generous interior lighting.

Microwave Ovens - Many touch-control microwave ovens, if placed at counter height, meet Universal Design recommendations. Look for microwaves that offer sensor cooking, a "cooking complete" reminder, word prompting, and automatic cooking functions.

For more information about Universal Design and great appliance choices, visit www.ge.com.