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Everyday home appliances can be surprisingly difficult to use for people who are blind or have low vision. Touchscreens without tactile alternatives, poorly labeled buttons, and low-contrast displays can slow down daily tasks, create safety risks, and reduce independence.
While the ultimate solution is inclusive design built in from the start, there are practical hacks and strategies that can help people today.
Tactile markers and labels are widely used to make controls easier to find. Raised dots, bump stickers, or textured tape can mark frequently used buttons, dials, or touchscreen areas. Some people use braille labels for appliances with multiple settings, and high-contrast markers help those with low vision locate controls quickly.
Audio feedback is another powerful tool. Talking microwaves, scales, and other devices give immediate confirmation of settings, while screen readers, voice assistants, and accessible apps can guide interactions with digital appliances. Simple beeps, spoken alerts, or voice guidance reduce mistakes and improve safety in the kitchen and beyond.
Lighting and contrast adjustments can make a big difference. A portable lamp or task lighting can illuminate control panels, while high-contrast stickers or overlays make buttons and dials easier to see. Choosing appliances with high-contrast text instead of black-on-dark designs can also improve usability.
Touchscreen strategies can make appliances easier to use. For people who are blind or have low vision, touchscreens can be challenging, but built-in accessibility tools like screen readers (TalkBack on Android, VoiceOver on iOS), haptic feedback, and customisable gestures like swipes, taps, or long presses can help people use the appliance safely and independently.
Accessible manuals and guides support safe and confident use. Many people prefer audio, digital, or large-print instructions, sometimes accessed via QR codes for step-by-step online guides. Keeping a short reference sheet for frequently used functions can save time and reduce frustration.
Testing and in-store support can also help. Trying appliances in-store, asking sales staff about accessibility features, and consulting community organisations or support networks can help users identify products that meet their needs.
Specialist support like occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists and assistive technology services can also help make home appliances easier to use. They can suggest practical adaptations, assistive tools, or alternative products, and provide training to build confidence and independence at home.
Some other simple strategies for safety and convenience include using assistive devices alongside appliances, utilising AI, and seeking support if you need it from family, friends, or support workers when learning new devices.
These hacks and workarounds can make daily tasks more manageable and safer, but they are not a replacement for inclusive design. There’s also that key issue that if the internet goes down, you could be left without the help you need.
Appliances should be intuitive, safe, and easy to use for everyone from the moment they are manufactured.
Accessibility should never require workarounds. It should simply be standard.