UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS |
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| The Universal Design Product Characteristicsbelow lists features
to consider when selecting home architectural products,
appliances and fixtures. Our goal is to promote the selection and use
of products that are well designed, attractive, and have easy-to-us
features that result in a convenient, comfortable and safe home environment
for people of all ages and abilities. Some features may
work well for some needs but may be a problem for others. For example,
smooth stovetops help many with hand or arm limitations cook more easily
and safely by allowing for the sliding of pots on and off the heat element.
However, smooth tops may provide insufficient visual cueing for those
with vision problems. Few products will have all the features listed.
Use this list to select features that best meet individual needs.
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Controls |
Display/Labels |
Other Features |
Microwave Oven |
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*Raised, cupped
or otherwise detectable by touch |
*High
contrast graphics white on black *1/4" or larger lettering *Redundant signals, visual and audible alarms |
*Microwave/convection
combination |
Ranges |
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| *Front
or side mounted *Raised, cupped or otherwise detectable by touch *Can be used with low effort and with minimum finger use *Clear relationship to function (how it works and what it operates) |
*High
contrast graphics white on black *1/4" or larger lettering * Redundant signals, visual and audible alarms |
*Off
set burners *Smooth cook top *"Cool" cook top burners *Automatic shut off function |
Stovetops |
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| *Front
or side mounted *Raised, cupped or otherwise detectable by touch *Can be used with low effort and with minimum finger use *Clear relationship to function how it works and what it operates |
*High
contrast graphics white on black *1/4" or larger lettering *Color contrast with counter *Redundant signals, visual and audible alarms |
*Off-set
burners *Smooth cook top *"Cool" cook top burners |
Wall Ovens |
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| *Can
be used with low effort and with minimum finger use *Clear relationship to function how it works and what it operates |
*High
contrast graphics white on black *Large size lettering 1/4" high) *Redundant signals, visual and audible alarms |
*Side
hinged door *Mount so one rack is level with adjacent counter |
Refridgerator |
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| *Handles
that can be used with low effort and with minimum finger use
*Full height handles *Reachable interior controls |
*1/4" or
larger lettering *High contrast graphics white on black *Interior lights place to illuminate objects from the front |
*Easy adjustable
shelves *Side-by-side or freezer- under style *Pull out shelves or adjustable shelves *180º Opening doors *Under counter drawer type units *Beverage dispenser |
Dishwasher |
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| *Raised,
cupped or otherwise
detectable by touch *Can be used with low effort and with minimum finger use *Minimal programming required *Clear relationship to function how it works and what it operates) |
*High contrast
graphics white on black *1/4" or larger lettering *Redundant signals, visual & audible alarms |
*Under counter
drawer type unit *Height adjustable racks *Raised 6" or more for easy access |
Clothes Washer |
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| *Front
mounted controls *Raised, cupped or otherwise detectable by touch *Can be used with low effort and with minimum finger use *Clear relationship to function how it works and what it operates |
*High contrast
graphics white on black *1/4" or larger lettering *Redundant signals, visual & audible alarms *Interior lights |
*Smaller sizes
can be easier to reach into *Front loading *Minimal programming *Side hinged *Front detergent loading *Raised 6" or more for easy access |
Clothes Dryer |
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| *Front
mounted controls *Raised, cupped or otherwise detectable by touch *Can be used with low effort and with minimum finger use |
*High contrast
graphics white on black *1/4' or larger lettering *Redundant signals, visual & audible alarms *Interior lights |
*Easy to understand
instructions *Smaller sizes can be easier to reach into *Side hinged *Front lint screen *Raised 6" or more for easy access |
Kitchen Cabinets (base cabinets) |
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| *Loop
handles or touch latch hardware *Smooth operating, full extension slides on drawers and pull-out shelving |
*Interior lights
*Intermittent glass doors |
*Pull-out shelves/pantry
*Pull-out cutting boards *Lazy Susan in corners *9" toe space option *Base cabinet heights from 27 1/2"to 40 1/2" *Formaldehyde-free construction *Open storage racks |
Kitchen Cabinets (upper cabinets) |
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| *Loop handle or touch hardware | *Glass doors on
wall cabinets *Interior lights |
*Formaldehyde-free
construction *Pull down shelving or adjustable height installation *Open storage racks |
Kitchen Sinks |
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| *See "faucets" | *Color contrast with counter | *Shallow 6 1/2"
- 7 1/2" sink *Rear mounted drain *Disposal or two-basin sink |
Bathroom Sinks |
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| *See "faucets" | *Color contrast with counter | *Shallow 6 1/2" - 7 1/2" *Rear mounted drain |
Faucets |
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| *Single
levers, crosses or loops *Non-slip textures *Easy to control flow rate *Easy to adjust temperature *Peddle operated option *Motion sensing activation *Side mounted |
*Easy to distinguish hot from cold
with letters and color *Color contrasting handles |
*Built-in spray or pull out spray |
Grab Bars |
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| *Non-slip
surface *Comfortable diameter for user |
*Color contrast with wall | *1 1/4" -
1 1/2" diameter *Available in many colors *Maximum 1 1/2" gap between wall and bar |
Toilets |
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| *Can
be used with low effort and with minimum finger use *Flush control on open side *Motion sensing auto flush |
NA | *14" - 19"
seat height option *Elongated bowl *Bidet features *18" to center of bowl from side-wall |
Shower/Tub Mix Valves |
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*Adjustable temperature
levels |
*Easy to distinguish
hot from cold with letters and color *Temperature display |
*Anti-Scald features
*Pressure balanced *Pre-set temperature settings *69" minimum hand shower hose length |
Home Automation |
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| *Easy
to set relationship between
transmitter and receiver *Limited number of buttons |
*High contrast
graphics white on
*1/4" or larger lettering *Redundant signals, visual and audible alarms |
*Remote sensing
*Computer, TV or phone access *Voice activation |
Closet |
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| *Lighted
rocker switch outside of door or door activated switch *Loop or lever handles *Fold back door hinge hardware |
*Interior lights mounted to illuminate contents from behind user | *Lighted closet
interior *Closet rod mounted at two heights or *Adjustable closet shelving/rod system *Recessed floor track *Walk in capability |
Door Handles |
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| *Lever at least 5" long | NA | *Smooth edges
*Lever handle turns back to door |
Windows |
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| *Can be opened with one hand, closed fist | *Hardware color contrasting with casement | *Can be fitted
with power opener *Casement/awning type *Locks and cranks no higher than 44" |
Door Lock |
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| *Large
deadbolt handle *Easy to turn *Mortise style integral latch and lock) *Lever handle |
*Easy to see, night
lit *"Locked" indicator |
*Remote control operation |
Light Switches |
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| *Rocker
panel or touch controls allow low-effort
use *Mounted between 44" to 48" |
*Color contrast with wall | *Glow-in-the-dark
or lighted for
night use
*Motion detecting features increase safety |
Lifts or Elevators |
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| *Controls
on both sides of cab *Controls no higher than 44" *Can be used with low effort and with minimum finger use *Raised, cupped or otherwise detectable by touch |
*High contrast
lettering *Redundant signals - visual and audible cues *Raised or Braille lettering |
*At least 32"
X 48" interior floor
space *Automatic opening doors *Backup power source *Emergency phone system |
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