Overview
The ACCESS Kit represents a major step forward in the product category. It is an all-in-one solution that provides the most frequent braille labels in multiple categories. Each universal tactile symbol was designed by our team and refined over the course of a year with guidance and feedback from blind adults and teachers at schools for blind children. We conducted a quantitative study of all current GE Appliances interfaces to discover these frequencies. Previously, blind users had to create their own custom braille stickers or use generic tactile bumps to mark appliance buttons. The kit also offers universal symbols for those who cannot read braille (as is the case for most legally blind users), as well as high contrast labels for low vision users.
The following is a brief video I created to provide a brief (3 min.) overview of the ACCESS Kit.
Benefits
The ACCESS Kit empowers blind users by providing them with the tools to navigate and operate household appliances independently. The kit was designed to be flexible and modular: with over 450 transparent tactile stickers, users can adapt their interfaces in the way that suits them best. Each tactile sticker was designed to ensure usability and durability. The kit not only offers affordability at $19.99 but also compatibility with appliances from any brand, expanding its accessibility to a wider range of users. By enabling blind individuals to interact with their appliances confidently and without assistance, the ACCESS Kit promotes self-sufficiency and enhances their overall quality of life.
GE Appliances
The GE Appliances ACCESS Kit embodies the company's "good things, for life, for everyone" initiative by empowering users who are blind or have low vision. Over 450 tactile stickers transform appliances into user-friendly tools, fostering independence and inclusivity. This innovative solution builds upon GE Appliances' commitment to accessibility, expanding on previous efforts like the introduction of braille overlays in 2015 and the donation of a fully accessible kitchen to students in 2022. The ACCESS Kit supports GE Appliances’ mission to help people improve their lives at home by ensuring everyone can enjoy our products fully, regardless of their ability.
The tactile stickers are made of transparent vinyl. This results in a durable sticker that will not obscure the original printed label underneath. They are flexible enough to adhere to curved surfaces, but stiff enough to maintain their crisp tactile lines and dots after repeated use. The rest of the kit is made of paper to ensure the ACCESS Kit is affordable.
Folder Design
The custom folder design of the ACCESS Kit reflects GE Appliances’ deep respect for the visually impaired community. The easy-open belly band features a braille translation of a quote from Helen Keller, a pioneering disability rights advocate and author. The decorative artwork on the front and back covers echoes the tactile symbols inside and the embossing celebrates the nature of the product. The use of pure white is a subtle nod to the white printed braille pages that The American Printing House is famous for. The overall styling is purposefully understated to emphasize the physical experience over the visual.
Symbol Development
The kit was developed over the course of a year, with feedback from blind users. The tactile symbols went through multiple iterations and countless refinements.
Impact
The ACCESS Kit addresses a critical need for inclusivity and accessibility, benefiting millions of visually impaired individuals by providing equal access to essential household appliances. By championing inclusivity, GE Appliances contributes to a more equitable society where all individuals can participate fully in daily activities.
The CDC reports that approximately 6 million Americans have vision loss and 1 million have blindness.[1] The ACCESS Kit was designed to meet the needs of blind and visually impaired users. It makes thousands of GE Appliances’ products accessible to this population. By ensuring that appliances are inclusive and accessible to all, we empower users and ensure equitable experiences.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/vehss/estimates/vision-loss-prevalence.html
Purchase
The first run of Access Kits can be purchased at www.geappliancesparts.com for $19.99 MSRP. The ACCESS kit was launched at KBIS (Feb 27, 2024), where it won a Reviewed Award from USA Today. Additional runs of the ACCESS Kit will be available in the coming months through FirstBuild and The American Printing House for the Blind.
