Usable Consumer Electronics

Visiting the Accessible Home Showcase

The National Federation of the Blind maintains a permanent display of usable appliances and small electronics at its National Headquarters in Baltimore to allow its members and members of the public to explore mainstream appliances that are usable to the blind. Our access technology staff has also put together a list of "usable" products with a description of the non-visual user interface; we say “usable” because we do not know of any modern household appliances that are completely accessible.  However, this list of appliances will help make your search easier, providing you with product information as well as manufacturer information. If you are in the market for consumer products such as a washing machine or a microwave, take a look at this resource. To visit the Accessible Home Showcase, please contact Clara Van Gerven  at 410-659-9314, ext. 2410.

List of Usable Consumer Electronics

In our effort to keep up-to-date with current technology we are always adding to and changing the list of usable consumer electronics. We say “usable” because we do not know of any modern household appliances that are completely accessible. The clock and timer settings on all of the appliances we observed require visual assistance to set and use reliably. To assist in identifying major buttons and functions, it would be a good idea to label many of the panels either in Braille or with some other marking. We found some appliances more accessible than others. Dishwashers had the most touch pads and were generally the least accessible line of appliances we viewed. Many of the ovens have buttons labeled “Clear/Off” or “Start/Off” that when pressed to turn the oven off will always clear previous settings so that every time you turn the oven on, it starts at the same temperature, often 350 degrees, as noted in many of the descriptions. This means that if the multiple layers of functions get confusing, the cook can just turn the oven off, then back on to start over at a known temperature and try again. In some instances, you may have to memorize the sequences for buttons with multiple selections in order to cycle through the choices and know where you are. We hope you find these product descriptions useful. As you shop you will find other models with similar controls so you can choose the model that suits your needs.

We selected some lower-priced and higher-priced models in each category.  The model numbers listed are the manufacturers’ model numbers.  Stores often add their own model numbers so be sure to ask your sales representative to look for the manufacturers’ model number.  We do not include prices as they vary from region to region and from time to time. 

As we have observed in earlier discussions on this topic, the higher end models of appliances contain more features and have more buttons and menus.  The less expensive models often are the most accessible.  In most cases, with adaptions, blind and low vision homemakers can find ways to use any of these appliances.  Note that at the end of each description the year in parentheses shows when we examined the machine.  Some of the smaller items found last year may be difficult to find this year because of rapid changes by the manufacturers.

For more news about usable consumer electronics and access technology, you can visit the Access Technology Blog and the Access Technology Tips.

As we receive information on usable consumer electronics, we will continue to update the Accessible Home Product List. The list is a sampling of current electronics only, with no pretense of completeness.

Washers and Dryers
Dishwashers
Ranges
Microwaves
Refrigerators
Telephones
Home Theater
Radios (including XM/SIRIUS receivers)
Cell phones and PDAs
Boomboxes and iPod Docks
Receivers
Portable DVD Players
Thermostats

Washers and Dryers

Manufacturer: GE

Product Name: Non-Coin Commercial Super Capacity Washer with Stainless Steel Basket
Web site: http://www.geappliances.com/
GE Answer Center Number: 1-800-626-2000
Dimensions: 42 inches H x 27 inches W x 25.5 inches D
Capacity: 3.5 cuft. Stainless Steel Basket
Exterior Color: White
Model Number: WNRD2050G
Vision Impaired Kit Number: 14-D242
Non-visual Interface Description: Upon contacting the GE Answer Center @ 1-800-626-2000, a Vision Impaired Kit can be requested for the model number above (one kit provides for both washer and dryer). The kit includes a Braille overlay, with a contrasting bright yellow and black design, and labels with the abbreviation key chart for the left and right sides of the front panel. Additionally, there is an audio use and care guide for using the washer. Upon receiving the washer, be certain it is unplugged, and carefully peel the old button overlay from the control panel, and apply the new Braille overlay. With the Braille overlay in place, apply the left and right key chart panels, which provide information about cycle and load size options. Raised round circles on the Braille overlay indicate where to push for wash options desired, and Braille descriptions are provided about wash options on key chart panels. There are six preset wash cycles. When selecting a preset wash cycle, water temperature is automatically adjusted. Select one of four load sizes and press the start button.

Product Name: Non-Coin Commercial Super Capacity Duradrum Dryer
Web site: http://www.geappliances.com/
GE Answer Center Number: 1-800-626-2000
Dimensions: 42 inches H x 27 inches W x 25.5 inches D
Capacity: 7.0 cuft. Duradrum
Exterior Color: White
Model Number: DNCD450EG (electric) or DNCD450GG (gas)
Vision Impaired Kit Number: 14-D242
Non-visual Interface Description:  Upon contacting the GE Answer Center @ 1-800-626-2000, a Vision Impaired Kit can be requested for the model number above (one kit provides for both washer and dryer). The kit includes a Braille overlay, with a contrasting bright yellow and black design, and labels with the abbreviation key chart for the left and right sides of the front panel. Additionally, there is an audio use and care guide for using the dryer. Upon receiving the dryer, be certain it is unplugged, and carefully peel the old button overlay from the control panel, and apply the new Braille overlay. With the Braille overlay in place, apply the left and right key chart panels, which provide information about cycle and heat settings. Raised round circles on the Braille overlay indicate where to push for dry options desired, and Braille descriptions are provided about dry options on key chart panels. There are four preset heat settings.

Product Name: GE® 7.0 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Electric Dryer with Stainless Steel Drum
Web site: http://products.geappliances.com/
Size: 27 inches W x 42 inches H x 28 1/4 inches D
Model No.: DRSR483EGCC
Nonvisual Interface Description: The controls consist of a rotary dial with a pointer to select dryer cycles and dials that click as they are rotated to select temperature and other functions. Some labeling may be desirable to identify dials. This unit is easy to use. (2008)

Product Name: GE® 3.2 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Washer
Web site: http://products.geappliances.com/
Size: 27 inches W x 42 inches H x 25 1/2 inches D
Model No.: WJSR4160GWW
Nonvisual Interface Description: The controls consist of a rotary dial with a pointer to select washer cycles and dials that click as they are rotated to select temperature and other functions. Some labeling may be desirable to identify dial; for the rotary dial, take care to label the dial rather than the knob itself, as it is the dial that indicates the selection, not the knob. This unit is easy to use. (2008)

Product Name: GE® 6.0 Cu. Ft. Extra-Large Capacity Electric Dryer
Web site: http://products.geappliances.com/
Size: 27 inches W x 42 inches H x 25 1/2 inches D
Model No.: DBXR463EGWW
Nonvisual Interface Description: The controls consist of a rotary dial with a pointer to select dryer cycles and dials that click as they are rotated to select temperature and other functions. Some labeling may be desirable to identify dial; on the rotary dial, take care to label the pointer dial rather than the knob itself, as it is the dial that indicates the selection, not the knob. This unit is easy to use. (2008)

Manufacturer: Maytag

Product Name: Maytag Automatic Washer
Web site: http://www.maytag.com/
Size: 27 inches W x 44 inches H x 27 inches D
Model No.: MTW5800TW
Nonvisual Interface Description: The controls consist of a rotary dial with a pointer to select washer cycles and dials that click as they are rotated to select temperature and other functions. Some labeling may be desirable to identify dials. This unit is easy to use. (2008)

 

Dishwashers

Manufacturer: Frigidaire

Product Name: Precision Select 24" Built-In Dishwasher
Web site: http://www.frigidaire.com/  
Size: 33.75 inches H x 23.875 inches W x 24.25 inches D
Model No.: FDB1050REC
Nonvisual Interface Description: This and several other Frigidaire models feature a dial with a pointer to select dishwashing cycles. Functions such as temperature are selected by radio-buttons under a membrane, which are easily felt. These models are quite traditional and easy to use. (2007)

Manufacturer: GE

Product Name: 24 inch Built-In Dishwasher
Web site: http://www.ge.com/ 
Size: 34 inches H x 24 inches W x 25 ¾ inches D
Model No.: GSD3900LWW
Nonvisual Interface Description: The controls are radio-buttons beneath a membrane. Each button selects one item with the exception of the delay time button, which has several options. There are start and clear/off buttons and because you make each selection using the radio-buttons each time you operate the unit the user can always select the proper options. (2007)


Manufacturer: KitchenAid

Product Name: KitchenAid Classic Console K Series™ Dishwasher
Web site: http://www.kitchenaid.com/
Size: 23 7/8 inches W x 33 7/8 inches H x 24 7/8 inches D
Model No.: KUDK03IT
Nonvisual Interface Description: This KitchenAid dishwasher has tactile button surfaces and uses single function buttons. The buttons are divided into cycle buttons and option buttons, with two separate controls for Start/Resume and Cancel. This and similar dishwashers are reasonably easy to use. (2008)

Manufacturer: LG

Product Name: LG LDF6920 Dishwasher
Web site: http://products.geappliances.com/
Size: 23 3/4 inches W x 33 5/8 inches H x 24 5/8 inches D
Model No.: LDF6920
Nonvisual Interface Description: The buttons for this LG dishwasher are on top of the door, and very distinct. Each button has a single function. When the Power Scrub and Normal buttons are pressed at the same time, currents settings are cancelled. Combining the Delicate and Rinse Only buttons activates the child lock with a beep. The Delay Start button will delay the wash by an hour for every press. (2008)


Manufacturer: Whirlpool

Product Name: Whirlpool Built-In Super Capacity Dishwasher
Web site: http://www.whirlpool.com/ 
Size: 23 7/8 inches W x 33 7/8 inches H x 24 inches D
Model No.: DU930PWS
Nonvisual Interface Description: Quiet Partner I and II and similar dishwashers feature buttons, which can be felt beneath a membrane. Each radio-button selects one option with the exception of the time delay feature, which has several options. There are buttons for start and clear/cancel. This and similar dishwashers are reasonably easy to use. (2008)

Product Name: Whirlpool Built-In Super Capacity Dishwasher
Web site: http://www.whirlpool.com/ 
Size: 23 7/8 inches W x 34 1/2 inches H x 24 7/8 inches D
Model No.: GU2475XTV
Nonvisual Interface Description: Quiet Partner IV has feature buttons which can be felt beneath a membrane on top of the dishwasher door. Each radio-button selects one option with the exception of the time delay feature, which has several options. There are buttons for start and clear/cancel. This and similar dishwashers are reasonably easy to use. (2008)

Product Name: Whirlpool Built-In Super Capacity Dishwasher
Web site: http://www.whirlpool.com/  
Size: 23 7/8 inches W x 34 ½ inches H x 24 ½ inches D
Model No.: DU1100XTP
Nonvisual Interface Description: Quiet Partner II and similar dishwashers feature buttons, which can be felt beneath a membrane. Each radio-button selects one option with the exception of the time delay feature, which has several options. There are buttons for start and clear/cancel. This and similar dishwashers are reasonably easy to use. (2007)

Ranges

Manufacturer: GE

Product Name: GE® 30" Free-Standing Gas Range with Warming Drawer
Web site: http://products.geappliances.com/
Size: 30 inches W x 46 1/8 inches H x 26 1/4 inches D
Model No.: JGBP88SEMSS
Nonvisual Interface Description: Knobs control the burners on this range, and they are easily labelable. The buttons controlling the oven (on the back panel of the stove) include a number pad, so the user can enter the time, use the timer and set the oven temperature directly, after touching the relevant control (e.g. cooking time, kitchen timer, clock). Touching the Kitchen Timer on/off timer always cancels the timer. The stove also has a Clear/Off control. (2008)

Manufacturer: KitchenAid

Product Name: 30" Width Freestanding Electric Range, Architect® Series II
Web site: http://www.kitchenaid.com/
Size: 29 7/8 inches W x 46 5/8 inches H x 29 inches D
Model No.: KERS205TSS
Nonvisual Interface Description: The buttons controlling the oven on this KitchenAid stove are hard to detect, but can be labeled, and will beep when touched. The unit also has direct input with a number pad (to be used, e.g., with the timer), but still requires the user to go through an inaccessible setup process for many functions (e.g. setting the clock, adjusting the temperature during cooking). The burners are controlled by knobs. The stove also has a Cancel/Off control. (2008)

Manufacturer: Frigidaire

Product Name: Sealed Burner Gas Range w/ Manual Clean Oven
Web site: http://www.frigidaire.com/
Size: 29 7/8 inches W x 47 3/4 inches H x 25 3/4 inches D
Model No.: FGF328GBA (The electric range with the same control panel and marked burners is model FEF336EC; model FGF368GS is a very similar gas range)
Nonvisual Interface Description: The burners on this range are controlled by knobs. Oven controls are on the back panel; they are flat but feelable. If you press Bake, the up/down arrows raise or lower the temperature from the default of 350°F by 5°F increments. There is a Clear/Off control. (2008)

Manufacturer: Whirlpool

Product Name: Whirlpool Electric Range
Web site: http://www.whirlpool.com/
Size: 29 7/8 inches W x 46 7/8 inches H x 27 17/32 inches D
Model No.: WFE361LV
Nonvisual Interface Description: The burners, which are marked by a surface change on this flat-top stove, are controlled by knobs. Oven controls are on the back panel; they are tactile and give feedback when pressed. If you press Bake, the up/down arrows raise or lower the temperature from the default of 350°F by 5°F increments. There is a Cancel/Off control. (2008)

Microwaves

Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach

Product Name: Hamilton Beach 0.9 cu. ft. Talking Microwave
Web site: http://www.hb-microwaves.com/ 
Size: 20.1 inches L x 17 inches H x 11.2 inches W
Model No.: 87108
Nonvisual Interface Description: This user-friendly talking microwave oven features a round dial to select common cooking options such as popcorn, frozen and fresh vegetables, soups and more. Each selection is spoken and a detectable click is felt. On the right side of the control panel are six buttons. Five of these buttons select express cooking time and the sixth button called Timed Cooking enters a mode where you may select the time in minutes. Turning the round knob for setting the minutes does not produce speech but you can set the minutes because each click of the knob represents one minute. The same results were observed when selecting defrost time and setting the timer. With a bit of practice these functions can be performed independently by blind users. There are speech settings for low, high and the speech may be turned off. To turn speech on, simply press the speech button again. (2007)

Refrigerators

Manufacturer: Frigidaire

Product Name: Frigidaire 26 Cu. Ft. Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerator
Web site: http://www.frigidaire.com/
Size: 35 5/8 inches W x 68 1/4 inches H x 31 3/4 inches D (including door)
Model No.: RS6HF6JSB
Nonvisual Interface Description: The controls on this refrigerator can be a little harder to find, but they give feedback when pressed, and the user can detect which buttons are selected, and the ice maker is controlled by single function buttons. The temperature of freezer and fridge can be set by separate up/down controls next to the temperature display; controls move the settings by one. (2008)

Manufacturer: GE

Product Name: GE® Energy Star® 25.0 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Dispenser
Web site: http://products.geappliances.com/
Size: 35 3/4 inches W x 69 3/4 inches H x 33 9/16 inches D
Model No.: GSH25JSXSS
Nonvisual Interface Description: This GE refrigerator has flat controls, but the user can feel when they are pressed. The controls have a single function, so there are separation buttons for cubed ice, crushed ice, turbocool and so forth. On either side of the display, there are warmer/cooler controls, which move the temperature setting up or down by one degree per press. (2008)

Manufacturer: Kenmore

Product Name: Kenmore 18.2 cubic foot Top Freezer Refrigerator
Web site: http://www.kenmore.com/  
Size: 66 1/8 inches H x 29 5/8 inches W x 33 5/8 inches D
Model No.: 64802
Nonvisual Interface Description: The control for the refrigerator has a rotary dial that clicks when the center position is reached. There is a separate control for the freezer with the same type of rotary dial. Like the models our parents had, this unit is usable, just turn and click the dials. (2006)

Manufacturer: Whirlpool

Product Name: 25.4 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Web site: http://www.whirlpool.com/
Size: 35 1/2 inches W x 69 3/4 inches H x 33 3/4 inches D
Model No.: ED5HVAXV
Nonvisual Interface Description: The controls on this refrigerator are easy to detect. They give feedback when pressed, and the user can detect which buttons are selected. The temperature of freezer and fridge is set by a simple slider control for each which can be labeled. (2008)

Telephones

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Product Name: Panasonic phone with caller ID
Web site: www.panasonic.com/ 
Size: 2.4 GHz
Model No.: KX-TG9331T; KX-TG69344T
Nonvisual Interface Description: These two telephone models with answering machine are offered with Talking Caller ID by Panasonic. It will identify the phone number and name of the caller (if available) via speech. (2008)

Product Name: Panasonic phone with caller ID
Web site: www.panasonic.com/ 
Size: 2.4 GHz
Model No.: KX-TG2336S; KX-TG2346S; KX-TG2356S; KX-TG2357B; KX-TG2357SK
Nonvisual Interface Description: Five telephone models with Talking Caller ID that are offered by Panasonic will identify the phone number and name of the caller (if available) via speech. (2005)

Home Theater

Manufacturer: Bose

Product Name: Bose 3.2.1 GS
Web site: http://www.bose.com/
Size:  Media center: 3 1/4 inches H x 13 3/4 inches W x 10 inches D
Remote control: 1 1/8 inches H x 2 1/2 inches W x 9 inches D
Gemstone speakers: 2 1/2 inches H x 5 1/2 inches W x 4 1/8 inches D each
Acoustimass module: 14 1/2 inches H x 8 3/4 inches W x 19 1/8 inches D
Model No.: 3.2.1 GS
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Bose 3.2.1 GS gas 2 built-in speakers and an aucoustimass digital decoder DTS. The unit has six easy to feel buttons.

Manufacturer: Philips

Product Name: Philips Soundbar theater system
Web site: http://www.consumer.philips.com/
Size:  Set   5.7 inches H x 36.8 inches W x 5.35 inches D
Subwoofer: 17.6 inches H x 11.6 inches W x 11.61 inches D
Model No.: HTS8100/37
Nonvisual Interface Description: This unit has easy to feel buttons and a five-disk CD changer. It plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, DivX, SVCD, WMA, MPEG and JPEG file types.

Radios (including XM/SIRIUS receivers)

Manufacturer: C. Crane Company, Inc.

Product Name: CCRadio Plus
Web site: www.ccrane.com/ 
Size: 6.5 inches H x 11 inches W x 4 inches D; 4 pounds without batteries.
Model No.: CCP
Nonvisual Interface Description: Specifically designed for talk radio, news, sports, and weather, control buttons are fully accessible by blind individuals. With the built-in weather band you can listen to the NOAA weather station for current local conditions. A special weather alert feature can be set to notify you of weather emergency updates. This feature works while you are listening to AM or FM, and will sound an alarm even when the radio is off. It can wake you up if there is a NOAA storm alert. In fact there are three weather alert functions that you can select: flashing light and no alarm, NOAA audio, or flashing light and siren. This radio operates with the supplied AC cord or may be operated for up to 250 hours on four D cells (not supplied). There is a carry handle lip built into the rear panel. All of the radios functions are available via logically positioned controls and buttons. The radio is provided with both print and cassette manuals. (2005)

Manufacturer: Eton Corporation

Product Name: Eton Am/Fm/Shortwave Radio With SSB
Web site: http://www.etoncorp.com/   
Size: 6 5/8 inches W x 4 1/8 inches H x 1 1/8 inches D
Model No.: E5
Nonvisual Interface Description: The front face of the radio contains a number of buttons which are tactually discernable by size, shape, and grouping. Tuning is achieved through tune step buttons, or in finer increments through a tuning knob on the side, which has no beginning or end. What's more, frequencies can be tuned directly using a numeric keypad and AM, FM, and shortwave enter buttons to tune to that band and frequency.

Product Name: Eton AM/FM/Shortwave Radio
Web site: http://www.etoncorp.com/
Model No.: Eton S350DL
Size: 12 1/2 inches W x 7 inches H x 3 1/2 inches D
Nonvisual Interface Description: Analog style knobs exist for bass, treble, and volume, and are grouped together separate from other controls. The radio is somewhat accessible, but the small, similar buttons below the display screen are hard to discern. A two-portion tuning knob with no start or end position exists near the center of the radio. The outer portion of the knob allows for fine tuning whereas the inner portion allows for rapid tuning.

Manufacturer: Sirius

Product Name: Sirius Stiletto 2 + vehicle kit
Web site: http://shop.sirius.com/
Size: 2 inches W x 4 ½ inches H x 1 inches D
Model No.: SL2PK; SLV2
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Sirius Stiletto has direct input buttons for the channels. The unit also has wi-fi capability. This functionality is not accessible, but once set up will automatically connect to known networks. (2008)

Product Name: Sirius Stratus 5
Web site: http://shop.sirius.com/
Size: 4 1/2 inches W x 1 9/10 inches H x 3/5 inches D
Model No.: Stratus 5
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Sirius Stratus 5 has direct input buttons for the channels, and the buttons are easily distinguished. The up/down channels buttons are also easy to use. (2008)
 

Cell Phones

Editor’s note: The phones listed below will give the user very basic access. For full access cell phones, a speech product like Talks or MobileSpeak is currently necessary.

Manufacturer: Motorola

Product Name: Motorola RAZR V9
Web site: http://www.motorola.com/
Size: N/A
Model No.: RAZR V9
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Motorola RAZR V9 has very easily distinguishable keys, making it easy to place calls. No further access available. (2008)
 

Manufacturer: Nokia

Product Name: Nokia N82
Web site: http://www.nokia.com/
Size: N/A
Model No.: Nokia N82
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Nokia has very easily distinguishable keys, making it easy to place calls. The phone is also MobileSpeak and Talks compatible. (2008)

Boomboxes/iPod Docks

Manufacturer: Insignia

Product Name: Insignia Boombox with iPod Dock
Web site: http://www.insignia-products.com/  
Size: 13 inches W x 6 1/2 inches H x 8 2/5 inches D
Model No.: NS-B3112
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Insignia boombox and iPod dock has very good tactile controls and separate up and down buttons for volume and skip/tune. There is memory button to set a radio preselect. The function button, however, simply cycles through AM, FM, CD, iPod, Line-in, and the sound button, which cycles through Jazz, Pop, Classic and Flat, is unhelpful. (2008)

Manufacturer: Sony

Product Name: Sony Mini Hi-Fi Component System
Web site: http://www.sonystyle.com/
Size: 14 1/4 inches W x 17 1/5 inches H x 18 4/13 inches D
Model No.: LBT-ZX6
Nonvisual Interface Description: This Sony boombox has easily feelable controls. Each disc in the 5 disc changer has its own selection key, and there is a 5-way navigation control. The unit mostly uses single function buttons. (2008)

Receivers

Manufacturer: Insignia

Product Name: Insignia 200W 2.0-Ch. Stereo Receiver
Web site: http://www.insignia-products.com/
Size: 17 1/2-inches W x 5 3/4 inches H x 13 inches D
Model No.: NS-R2000
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Insignia 200W Stereo Receiver mainly uses single function buttons, and has separate buttons for each type of input. The on/off button gives clear tactile feedback. The volume control, however, has neither clicks nor a fixed beginning or end point to help orient to user. (2008)
 

Manufacturer: Pioneer

Product Name: Pioneer 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver featuring 1080p Video Switching and iPod Digital USB)
Web site: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/
Size: 16 9/16 inches W x 6 1/4 inches H x 13 7/8 inches D
Model No.: VSX-818V-S
Nonvisual Interface Description: This unit has a volume control, as well as an input with neither clicks nor a fixed beginning or end point to help orient to user, but it does also have individual buttons to select input. There are separate up/down buttons for preselected stations and for tuning, and listening modes. Initial setup of the surround sound can be accomplished independently if the sequence is known; may require minimal sighted assistance. (2008)
 

Manufacturer: Sony

Product Name: Sony Home Theater A/V Receiver (2 channel)
Web site: http://www.sonystyle.com
Size: 16 9/10 inches W x 5 1/5 inches H x 11 9/10 inches D
Model No.: STR-DE197
Nonvisual Interface Description: This Sony Receiver mainly uses single function buttons, and has separate buttons for each type of input. AM/FM are on separate buttons, and bass, treble and balance have separate controls rather than being embedded in on-screen menus. The on/off button provides very little tactile feedback though. (2008)

Portable DVD Players

Editor’s note: When reviewing DVD players, keep in mind that even the best tactile controls cannot bypass all the inaccessible elements in the DVD menu.

Manufacturer: Dynex

Product Name: Dynex 7" Portable DVD Player
Web site: http://www.dynexproducts.com/
Size: 8 inches W x 1 1/2 inches H x 6 3/10 inches D
Model No.: DX-PDVD7
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Dynex 7" Portable DVD Player has good tactile controls, including a 5-way navigation controls with separate buttons for each direction. The setup menu is not accessible but the user can memorize some of the more frequently used setup sequences. (2008)

Manufacturer: Insignia

Product Name: Insignia 10.2" 16:9 Widescreen LCD Portable
Web site: http://www.insignia-products.com/
Size: 8 inches W x 1 1/2 inches H x 6 3/10 inches D
Model No.: NS-PDVD10 (NS-PDVD8 has identical controls)
Nonvisual Interface Description: The Insignia portable DVD player has 5-way navigation controls with separate buttons for each direction, a source selection button--all controls are easily feelable, though the controls below the screen are a bit tightly spaced and confusing in their layout. It comes with a remote control with a subtitle button, numeric input, and an audio button to select the DVD audio language if it has multiple audio languages. (2008)

Manufacturer: Philips

Product Name: Philips Docking Entertainment System
Web site: http://www.consumer.philips.com/
Size: 9 1/4 inches W x 7 inches H x 1 3/5 inches D
Model No.: DCP852/37
Nonvisual Interface Description: This Philips DVD player also offers the option of playing content from an iPod, A/V or an SD card. It has good tactile controls and a 5-way navigation control. The aspect ratio can be switched with the monitor button. The source control cycles through the options (DISC, iPod, SD/MMC or AV) The device comes with a remote control with a subtitle button, numeric input, and an audio button to select an audio language when playing a DVD disc or select an audio mode (Stereo, Mono-Left or Mono-Right) when playing a VCD/CD disc. (2008)
 

Thermostats

Manufacturer: Action Talking Products

Product Name: The KELVIN Talking Thermostat
Web site: www.actiontalkingproducts.com/ 
Size: 5 inches H x 5 inches W x 1 3/8 inches D
Model No.: One model available
Nonvisual Interface Description: This talking thermostat can be activated manually, by voice, or by clapping hands. The user can set time, date, and program temperature schedules for different times of the day or week. (2005)

Manufacturer: Talking Thermostats

Product Name: The VIP "Talking Thermostat"
Web site: http://www.talkingthermostats.com/
Size: (Not given but similar to the KELVIN above)
Model No.: VIP 1000 for gas or electric heaters; VIP 2000 for heat pumps
Nonvisual Interface Description:  This is a digital thermostat with audio playback that uses human recorded speech. Features include voicing of time, indoor temperature, temperature setting, and programming instructions so blind and visually impaired users can precisely and easily manage their indoor comfort. (2005)

Be sure to check back as we continue to add products to this list.

If you have any comments or recommendations of items that might be added to the list, please contact:

Anne Taylor
Director of Access Technology 
Jernigan Institute
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells Street
      At Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, ext. 2413
(410) 659-5129 (Fax)

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