Tom, by time you go to buy something it will more than likely not 
be accessible if the trend keeps going the way it is.  Another 
disturbing area, not that us blind folks drive, yet, is in the 
arena of car dashboard instrumentation, even the radios.  Stuff  
is  getting more and more unfriendly from the standpoint of 
accessibility.  I remember trying to replace a car stereo at one 
point a number of years ago and being blown away because I think 
it was Kenwood had a radio that, like their ham rigs, spoke many 
of the functions of the radio so the driver wouldn't have to take 
his/her eyes off the road.  Can't remember if it spoke the 
frequency, but it was the only car radio I ever found that worked 
like that.  I don't know if that function is available by them or 
other brands these days.  73, Jim WA6EKS

 ----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Behler <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 07:35:30 -0400
Subject: Re: OT regarding making home appliances accessible

	Well, that's encouraging, Mike.

I have to say that it was very disconcerting when the XYL and I 
went through
the process of purchasing new appliances several years ago, and 
could find
nothing like you described.

We shouldn't have to replace anything again any time soon, but 
your
experience with Maytags will be a good one to keep in mind.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators 
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Mike Barnard
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 7:25 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: OT regarding making home appliances accessible

We just bought new washing machine, and dryer.  They are Maytag, 
the Brovo
series.  Everything is click dials, all with detents, that you 
can feel.
Both of us are totally blind, and surprising enough can opperate 
them
without sighted help.  The only thing we did with someone sighted 
is to
braille a chart of what the dials do.  Such as from light soiled 
to heavy,
the water temps, and the different cycles all have clicks, and 
even a
pointer on the knobs.
I did look a couple of years ago, and found none that worked.
Mike
KD2CDUAt 05:20 PM 3/13/2014, you wrote: