Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
We bought sears front loader pari maybe 5 years ago and they both have good old fashioned knobs with pointers that are easy to deal with. As I remember when we looked, whirlpool also had easy looking controls. Tom Fowle
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
OK, so on the Kenmore we just got, it is essentially accessible. When It has a knob, but it isn't a mechanical knob, I mean it spins and such, but isn't physically selecting the cycles. When you hit the power button, the knob is essentially in limbo. If you give it one click to the left or right, it doesn't matter which, it selects normal load. From that point, if you turn it to the right you will select the various load cycles, heavy, permanent press, delicates, blah blah blah. Each of these selections defaults to a certain set of presets for size of load, presoak, water temperature, blah blah blah. There is a series of buttons that allow you to override some of the presets for a a given cycle. I haven't figured out if I can use these yet. Although, I think that the vast majority of times I will be able to stick to the standard cycles. So, it's not perfect, but at least I can use it, unlike the microwave they just installed in our office kitchen. Not a button or dial anywhere on the thing, and a totally flat panel. I think I can put some braille stickers on it, but needed help to heat up my lunch today. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081
[BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com
RE: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Jim, My Sears washing machine, which was about 12 years old, started sounding like someone was beating it with a hammer. I called the service department and was told that it was probably the transmission and it would be cheaper to buy a new one. We went to Sears and got a good deal on a floor model. Both machines were top loaders,. We got the new one home and it sounded exactly like the one we just replaced. I called the store and they sent a serviceman the next week. The problem was, you guessed it, the transmission. Oh well, sometimes you just can't win. Anyway, I was talking to the service man and he told me that sometime, in the near future, all washing machines will be front loaders. He said they clean the clothes much more efficiently and the problem with the door leaking is a thing of the past. As far as the controls are concerned, my microwave is a flat panel, but I use those self adhesive nubs to find my way around the panel.They are like little buttons that you put on keyboards and such. They come in all different sizes. Anywaythat may be a consideration for you if the control panel is an issue. Maybe someone else on here has a flat panel washing maching and will comment on it. Tom From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 10:09 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Hi, We purchased a front loader four years ago. We found the same issue of difficult and impossible to work for those who are blind, which I am. We finally settled on a Kenmore from Sears. It had the screen for programming for my wife's pleasure, but it also had a separate preset buttons. These buttons circled the on button. In some ways it reminded me of a flower, with the center of the flower being the on button and the different settings the flower peddles around it. We got the large heavy duty model. It was not cheep: $1,200. There was also a model which I can not remember, it started with the letter F. It had the older machanical nob and buttons. It was a front load, much smaller tub though. At that time it was $400. Hope that helps. Dave A. Working together, sharing the light of salvation seen through the cross of Jesus Rev. Dave Andrus, Director Lutheran Blind Mission 888 215 2455 HTTP://WWW.BLINDMISSION.ORG -Original Message- From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 9:09 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
just bought the ge frontloader this is a l g washer on the inside with the ge name on it like your kenmore has a whirlpool inside it this ge has a my cycle button which i need help setting once and it keeps the cycle in memory so i just load the cloths hit the power button large and easy to find hit the my cycle button also large and easy to find it is all alone and the start button also easy to find walk away and come back when the alarm sounds the ge dryer is the same way with the buttons in the same exact places must admit for a ge this thing is great smart people the l g company is was also informed the l g company is making the whirlpools washers but not exactly sure of that haven't talked to a repair man for whirlpool lately but was informed for certain the l g is making the ge washers - Original Message - From: Tom Hodges To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 12:18 PM Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Jim, My Sears washing machine, which was about 12 years old, started sounding like someone was beating it with a hammer. I called the service department and was told that it was probably the transmission and it would be cheaper to buy a new one. We went to Sears and got a good deal on a floor model. Both machines were top loaders,. We got the new one home and it sounded exactly like the one we just replaced. I called the store and they sent a serviceman the next week. The problem was, you guessed it, the transmission. Oh well, sometimes you just can't win. Anyway, I was talking to the service man and he told me that sometime, in the near future, all washing machines will be front loaders. He said they clean the clothes much more efficiently and the problem with the door leaking is a thing of the past. As far as the controls are concerned, my microwave is a flat panel, but I use those self adhesive nubs to find my way around the panel.They are like little buttons that you put on keyboards and such. They come in all different sizes. Anywaythat may be a consideration for you if the control panel is an issue. Maybe someone else on here has a flat panel washing maching and will comment on it. Tom From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 10:09 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
You might want to look at the Whirlpool machines. They have dials and raised buttons. Also, you can tell where you are as far as cycles goes. Shane - Original Message - From: Jim Gatteys To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 9:08 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Just purchased a Kenmore from Sears. Haven't tried using it yet, there were a lot of issues getting the new washer and dryer delivered. It is a front-loader. It has some soft buttons and a dial, but the dial appears to be a multi-function kind of thing. I'll have to get back to you after the weekend to let you know how blind friendly it is. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Hi Tom! Well this is an old maytag neptune the one that had the class action problem. I replaced the control board to the tune of 285 dollars and now the bearings are screaming and I don't know anything about replacing them. They wanted 600 dollars for the maytag people to do it--maybe more. Can't remember. Anyway by the time I did that I could have a new machine. The problem is with the flat panels, you have a cycle button that you have to press once for normal, twice for heavy and that sort of thing. Same for the temperature. I'd like to have a front loader if possible but I did see an old dial roper at Lowes for 339 dollars and might have to r esort to that. Still if anybody has ideas I'd appreciate them. I'm looking at a samsung that seems really nifty---has an element to heat water if its not hot enough. Thanks for any help. Jim On Apr 9, 2010, at 11:18 AM, Tom Hodges wrote: Jim, My Sears washing machine, which was about 12 years old, started sounding like someone was beating it with a hammer. I called the service department and was told that it was probably the transmission and it would be cheaper to buy a new one. We went to Sears and got a good deal on a floor model. Both machines were top loaders,. We got the new one home and it sounded exactly like the one we just replaced. I called the store and they sent a serviceman the next week. The problem was, you guessed it, the transmission. Oh well, sometimes you just can't win. Anyway, I was talking to the service man and he told me that sometime, in the near future, all washing machines will be front loaders. He said they clean the clothes much more efficiently and the problem with the door leaking is a thing of the past. As far as the controls are concerned, my microwave is a flat panel, but I use those self adhesive nubs to find my way around the panel.They are like little buttons that you put on keyboards and such. They come in all different sizes. Anywaythat may be a consideration for you if the control panel is an issue. Maybe someone else on here has a flat panel washing maching and will comment on it. Tom From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 10:09 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
We have a Fisher Paykel and it's great. It is still a top loading model, and I labeled the buttons I need to use. It gives feedback through tones which is kind of nice. But I guess the feature I like most is the sensing technology. It only runs enough watter to clean the weight of the load inside. No filling to the top no matter what. And when it spins, it sounds like a jet winding up. My wife likes to hang clothes out most of the time. When it's done spinning, everything including big towels are only damp. We got ours from Lowes a few years back but it does a great job still. BTW, for anyone wondering, Lowes contracts through Sears to service the appliances they sell. - Original Message - From: Jim Gatteys To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 12:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi Tom! Well this is an old maytag neptune the one that had the class action problem. I replaced the control board to the tune of 285 dollars and now the bearings are screaming and I don't know anything about replacing them. They wanted 600 dollars for the maytag people to do it--maybe more. Can't remember. Anyway by the time I did that I could have a new machine. The problem is with the flat panels, you have a cycle button that you have to press once for normal, twice for heavy and that sort of thing. Same for the temperature. I'd like to have a front loader if possible but I did see an old dial roper at Lowes for 339 dollars and might have to r esort to that. Still if anybody has ideas I'd appreciate them. I'm looking at a samsung that seems really nifty---has an element to heat water if its not hot enough. Thanks for any help. Jim On Apr 9, 2010, at 11:18 AM, Tom Hodges wrote: Jim, My Sears washing machine, which was about 12 years old, started sounding like someone was beating it with a hammer. I called the service department and was told that it was probably the transmission and it would be cheaper to buy a new one. We went to Sears and got a good deal on a floor model. Both machines were top loaders,. We got the new one home and it sounded exactly like the one we just replaced. I called the store and they sent a serviceman the next week. The problem was, you guessed it, the transmission. Oh well, sometimes you just can't win. Anyway, I was talking to the service man and he told me that sometime, in the near future, all washing machines will be front loaders. He said they clean the clothes much more efficiently and the problem with the door leaking is a thing of the past. As far as the controls are concerned, my microwave is a flat panel, but I use those self adhesive nubs to find my way around the panel.They are like little buttons that you put on keyboards and such. They come in all different sizes. Anywaythat may be a consideration for you if the control panel is an issue. Maybe someone else on here has a flat panel washing maching and will comment on it. Tom From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 10:09 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Hi Bill, I believe that LG makes a model or two that actually have speech built into them. So you might want to give them a call to see who is currently carrying the speech output models. You might also want to try Sears models, such as Kenmore, Whirlpool and or Sears brand washing machines. I've been told, and have actually confirmed this, that Sears, and the manufacturer have developed Braille overlays for the flat panel and knob models, so a blind person will have the Braille to use with the various controls. The overlays are free of charge, and available upon request when you can Sears customer service and/or the manufacturer. I would personally start by contacting the manufacturer to find out which models actually come wit the Braille overlays, or you may want to do a Google search with the search term of appliances Braille overlays sears and see what that turns up. Hope this helps. Victor
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Hey that sounds similar to the Staber that we have. The Staber acts like a front-load, but is a top-load. On Apr 9, 2010, at 1:28 PM, Bob Kennedy wrote: We have a Fisher Paykel and it's great. It is still a top loading model, and I labeled the buttons I need to use. It gives feedback through tones which is kind of nice. But I guess the feature I like most is the sensing technology. It only runs enough watter to clean the weight of the load inside. No filling to the top no matter what. And when it spins, it sounds like a jet winding up. My wife likes to hang clothes out most of the time. When it's done spinning, everything including big towels are only damp. We got ours from Lowes a few years back but it does a great job still. BTW, for anyone wondering, Lowes contracts through Sears to service the appliances they sell. - Original Message - From: Jim Gatteys To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 12:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi Tom! Well this is an old maytag neptune the one that had the class action problem. I replaced the control board to the tune of 285 dollars and now the bearings are screaming and I don't know anything about replacing them. They wanted 600 dollars for the maytag people to do it--maybe more. Can't remember. Anyway by the time I did that I could have a new machine. The problem is with the flat panels, you have a cycle button that you have to press once for normal, twice for heavy and that sort of thing. Same for the temperature. I'd like to have a front loader if possible but I did see an old dial roper at Lowes for 339 dollars and might have to r esort to that. Still if anybody has ideas I'd appreciate them. I'm looking at a samsung that seems really nifty---has an element to heat water if its not hot enough. Thanks for any help. Jim On Apr 9, 2010, at 11:18 AM, Tom Hodges wrote: Jim, My Sears washing machine, which was about 12 years old, started sounding like someone was beating it with a hammer. I called the service department and was told that it was probably the transmission and it would be cheaper to buy a new one. We went to Sears and got a good deal on a floor model. Both machines were top loaders,. We got the new one home and it sounded exactly like the one we just replaced. I called the store and they sent a serviceman the next week. The problem was, you guessed it, the transmission. Oh well, sometimes you just can't win. Anyway, I was talking to the service man and he told me that sometime, in the near future, all washing machines will be front loaders. He said they clean the clothes much more efficiently and the problem with the door leaking is a thing of the past. As far as the controls are concerned, my microwave is a flat panel, but I use those self adhesive nubs to find my way around the panel.They are like little buttons that you put on keyboards and such. They come in all different sizes. Anywaythat may be a consideration for you if the control panel is an issue. Maybe someone else on here has a flat panel washing maching and will comment on it. Tom From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 10:09 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Send any questions regarding list management to: blindhandyman-ow...@yahoogroups.com To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Aloha All, I recently bought a Whirlpool dishwasher and tried to get a braille overlay. I was told that they are not making the overlays anymore. I also learned that once the dishwasher is set, for example normal and for no heat, you can just push the start button and the machine remembers your settings. The buttons on the machine are raised soft buttons, but you can feel them easily and they are different sizes. I just made a list of the buttons in case I ever need to know which is which. Betsy At 07:36 AM 4/9/2010, you wrote: Hi Bill, I believe that LG makes a model or two that actually have speech built into them. So you might want to give them a call to see who is currently carrying the speech output models. You might also want to try Sears models, such as Kenmore, Whirlpool and or Sears brand washing machines. I've been told, and have actually confirmed this, that Sears, and the manufacturer have developed Braille overlays for the flat panel and knob models, so a blind person will have the Braille to use with the various controls. The overlays are free of charge, and available upon request when you can Sears customer service and/or the manufacturer. I would personally start by contacting the manufacturer to find out which models actually come wit the Braille overlays, or you may want to do a Google search with the search term of appliances Braille overlays sears and see what that turns up. Hope this helps. Victor [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Hi Betsy, Thanks for setting me straight. Smile. Victor
RE: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
i have a Whirlpool duet 9400 washer and drier, and they are both very blind user friendly. There is a big knob you use to select your wash cycle. It beeps at the normal cycle, so it is just a matter of counting from there. On and off selections, like extra rinse, have a tone pattern to indicate if it is on or off. Low high to indicate on, and high to low to indicate it is off. Selections that have multiple settings, like water temp, or spin speed, have a different pitched tone for the different level. Example, the higher the pitch, the hotter the water. We were also looking at a LG front loader, do not recall the model, but i did not find it blind user friendly. Most machines you can get braille over lays for, but expect to wait 8-12 weeks to get it. I would go to a few appliance retailers, and put your hands on a few different machines, then research them on the internet before buying them. Michael _ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 9:09 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail. mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
I can't speak for everyone, but my parents have a Whirlpool front loading machine that has worked flawlessly for several years. Before that, they had a Maytag Neptune which I now have. It is still working well. The only thing that was done to the Maytag was to replace a door seal (as part of a settlement from a class action) and fix one spring. Shane - Original Message - From: Jim Gatteys To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 12:39 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! I've looked at some of the whirlpool stuff abut have had several friends say what bad luck they've had with getting them repaired and when I look them up online its kind of scary. Just like the Maytags. But I'll check them out as well. Jim On Apr 9, 2010, at 12:05 PM, Shane Hecker wrote: You might want to look at the Whirlpool machines. They have dials and raised buttons. Also, you can tell where you are as far as cycles goes. Shane - Original Message - From: Jim Gatteys To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 9:08 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
My washing machine talks to me. Sometimes it says, Tom, will you pick up your clothes and put them in the laundry room? Other times it says, Tom, it's laundry day, last chance to pick up those clothes and put them in the laundry room, if you want any clothes to wear next week. Somehow, they made that machine sound just like my wife. It's amazing. Tom From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Victor Gouveia Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 1:36 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi Bill, I believe that LG makes a model or two that actually have speech built into them. So you might want to give them a call to see who is currently carrying the speech output models. You might also want to try Sears models, such as Kenmore, Whirlpool and or Sears brand washing machines. I've been told, and have actually confirmed this, that Sears, and the manufacturer have developed Braille overlays for the flat panel and knob models, so a blind person will have the Braille to use with the various controls. The overlays are free of charge, and available upon request when you can Sears customer service and/or the manufacturer. I would personally start by contacting the manufacturer to find out which models actually come wit the Braille overlays, or you may want to do a Google search with the search term of appliances Braille overlays sears and see what that turns up. Hope this helps. Victor [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
The Maytag is expensive to repair because that Maytag Repairman just sits around all day waiting for repair calls. So, when he gets a call, he has to charge a lot to pay for all his time sitting around doing nothing. From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 1:39 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! I've looked at some of the whirlpool stuff abut have had several friends say what bad luck they've had with getting them repaired and when I look them up online its kind of scary. Just like the Maytags. But I'll check them out as well. Jim On Apr 9, 2010, at 12:05 PM, Shane Hecker wrote: You might want to look at the Whirlpool machines. They have dials and raised buttons. Also, you can tell where you are as far as cycles goes. Shane - Original Message - From: Jim Gatteys To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 9:08 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Tom, we have the same model. Does yours come with a built in head swatter? I was kind of lucky in that regard, in that the head swatter on mine works all the time, and especially when the white laundry is mixed in with the coloured. I've argued with my washer over and over again, that's just racist, but the darn thing won't have any of it. Mine was made in the Philippines, where most of the stuff is. I hear it's cheap labour over there, and no television, hence the sheer number of them coming into the country. LOL. Victor
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Wow, your washer does have some neat features. Mine foams at the mouth at times and when that happens I get a little concerned. On Apr 9, 2010, at 4:19 PM, Victor Gouveia wrote: Tom, we have the same model. Does yours come with a built in head swatter? I was kind of lucky in that regard, in that the head swatter on mine works all the time, and especially when the white laundry is mixed in with the coloured. I've argued with my washer over and over again, that's just racist, but the darn thing won't have any of it. Mine was made in the Philippines, where most of the stuff is. I hear it's cheap labour over there, and no television, hence the sheer number of them coming into the country. LOL. Victor [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Send any questions regarding list management to: blindhandyman-ow...@yahoogroups.com To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: blindhandyman-h...@yahoogroups.comyahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: blindhandyman-dig...@yahoogroups.com blindhandyman-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: blindhandyman-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Jim, We bought a LG front loader from Sears two years ago and it has knobs with tones that I count for the different settings. Ward - Original Message - From: Jim Gatteys To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 12:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi Tom! Well this is an old maytag neptune the one that had the class action problem. I replaced the control board to the tune of 285 dollars and now the bearings are screaming and I don't know anything about replacing them. They wanted 600 dollars for the maytag people to do it--maybe more. Can't remember. Anyway by the time I did that I could have a new machine. The problem is with the flat panels, you have a cycle button that you have to press once for normal, twice for heavy and that sort of thing. Same for the temperature. I'd like to have a front loader if possible but I did see an old dial roper at Lowes for 339 dollars and might have to r esort to that. Still if anybody has ideas I'd appreciate them. I'm looking at a samsung that seems really nifty---has an element to heat water if its not hot enough. Thanks for any help. Jim On Apr 9, 2010, at 11:18 AM, Tom Hodges wrote: Jim, My Sears washing machine, which was about 12 years old, started sounding like someone was beating it with a hammer. I called the service department and was told that it was probably the transmission and it would be cheaper to buy a new one. We went to Sears and got a good deal on a floor model. Both machines were top loaders,. We got the new one home and it sounded exactly like the one we just replaced. I called the store and they sent a serviceman the next week. The problem was, you guessed it, the transmission. Oh well, sometimes you just can't win. Anyway, I was talking to the service man and he told me that sometime, in the near future, all washing machines will be front loaders. He said they clean the clothes much more efficiently and the problem with the door leaking is a thing of the past. As far as the controls are concerned, my microwave is a flat panel, but I use those self adhesive nubs to find my way around the panel.They are like little buttons that you put on keyboards and such. They come in all different sizes. Anywaythat may be a consideration for you if the control panel is an issue. Maybe someone else on here has a flat panel washing maching and will comment on it. Tom From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Gatteys Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 10:09 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine! Hi all! My washer has finally bitten the dust and its time to be replaced. And they've definitely changed since the last time I made a purchase. I currently have a front loading model but it seems like most of those nowadays have touch panels and don't seem to be very accessible to blind folks. Anybody have any suggestions on what you might have purchased that is accessible? Thanks for any help, Jim - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com mailto:jgatteys%40gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] - Find me on facebook or: Skype: jimintexas Yahoo or Aim/Ichat: jgatteys Msn: jgatt...@gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] purchasing a new washing machine!
Good evening, I had to replace my washer some eight months ago. I really liked Everything I heard about the Staber, particularly the water conservation and top loading, however, (sadly) the shipping charges were prohibitively high. I did find a Whirlpool that has most of the same qualities. It is a top loader without spindle and therefore has all the positive qualities of a front loader without the drawbacks. (You can for example add to the load during the cycle if necessary.) I did get a Braille overlay and manual for it without any trouble, though it would have been simple to attach a couple of Braille labels myself if necessary, you select cycles with a knob and the other buttons are easy to feel. It is my third Whirlpool, and my Mother has had one for eleven years now. Only the last one gave me any problems, and really the root of those were its being a light portable on my slanted floor which lead to it being poorly balanced. This one has inner adjustments so that its tub is always level and makes hardly any noise. It lives in my kitchen and does not disturb us even when it is spinning, and it spins well, things are only slightly damp when I take them out. Good luck in finding one that works for you. Yours sincerely, Joy Please take a few moments to browse and enjoy my original artwork at: www.tigerfeathers.ca [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
