About Kitchen Appliances for the Handicapped
For a handicapped individual, finding ways to remain independent is usually a top priority. The kitchen poses considerable risks and obstacles for a person with special needs. The good news is that there are appliances made to meet the special needs of handicapped people. Does this Spark an idea?
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Significance
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Purchasing special appliances allows some handicapped people to live an independent life. Without these appliances, they either have to ask for help to do things in the kitchen or they have to try to figure out ways to do things on their own. Some of the ways they think of may be unsafe. Not only are appliances made for handicapped people a matter of convenience, they are also a matter of safety.
Considerations
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The height of a kitchen appliance is usually the main consideration. Take into account that most appliances can be placed on a raised platform if they are too close to the ground. An appliance that is too tall, however, is more difficult to modify. The depth of the appliance is another consideration. People in wheelchairs may find it difficult to use appliances that are deep.
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Features
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Kitchen appliances for the handicapped feature handles that are lower than average. A refrigerator for a handicapped person is usually a side-by-side model that is short and wide instead of tall and slender. A stove is usually shorter than normal, and has controls on the front. Dishwashers are usually placed on a surface, raised about a foot off the ground so the person won't have to reach too far down. This is especially important for a person in a wheelchair.
Warning
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Because many kitchen appliances suitable for handicapped people have controls that are lower than normal, they pose a hazard for children. For example, the controls on a stove meant for handicapped people are usually on the front of the stove. A young child can reach these controls and turn on the stove. Another risk is that a child may be able to open the appliances using lowered handles. This poses a risk of the child getting stuck in the appliance.
Prevention/Solution
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When reaching into or onto an appliance, a handicapped person may need to steady or brace himself on the appliance. This poses a risk that the appliance will tip over or fall if it isn't braced. When installing an appliance that will be used by a handicapped person, it is vitally important to brace or bracket the appliance to the wall or another stable source.
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