So I have been trying really hard to think of a solution for my kitchen cabinets. First, I thought about the main problems they posed: 1) they are way too high and 2) it is hard to lift anything heavy and store it up there.
The first solution I thought of was just to have cabinets built that were either at, or below eye level.This would definitely make them more easily accessible, but might still pose a problem for people who could not lift things easily. The second solution I thought of was to have a chair or some sort of step ladder, permanently implanted or bolted to the wall. However, this could prove as an obstacle for people walking in the kitchen.
The third and best solution I thought was a retractable, miniature, mechanical lift installed in the cabinet. Perhaps it could function just like a mini elevator. I know it might prove to be costly, so this would be the major drawback. I also do not have one that I could take a picture of, so I took a picture of a hypothetical lift (what I envisioned). I envisioned a key pad that would go hand in hand with the lift that only would display three options: "lower," "raise," and "retract." I think this would provide for simplicity and guarantee comprehension. Second, I imagine the key pad near the fridge and the lift to be installed directly in the cabinet. I know this is not a real device, but I wonder if it could be created?
If this device could actually be created it would definitely provide for flexibility in use because it could adjust do different heights of the user. It would simple, and intuitive because it only involves 3 commands. I think it would be perceptible, because I imagine the wording on the key pad would be large and also in braille. I think it would be designed to allow for error in that one could place a pretty high maximum weight limit of items on the lift. It would definitely require low physical effort, because it would only require the pressing of buttons, and maybe if technology was that advanced, it could be voice activated. as for size and space, I think the ramp would take up little space due to its small size. Obviously the only problem would be that it might be expensive.
What do you think? The next post will display a "before" and "after" picture!
I really like the thinking here, Sarah. So will the mini-ramp be designed to grasp the items in the cabinet and lower things down to the person, and then to raise things up and put them in the cabinet? I think its a cool idea, but might take up a lot of space if every cabinet had a mini-lift attached to it. I really like that you thought about including braille or a voice-activation component for the directions. Maybe an additional solution could be a robotic arm to grasp things? I know lots of little people and poeple in wheelchairs use low-tech pincer arms to grasp things, but maybe one could be designed for people wtih limited use of their arms? I really like the track you are on
ReplyDeleteA grabber is something Evauna mentioned too! Thanks for your helpful feedback Ariella Together we can all figure out the best way to modify things in our surroundings so they are more easily accessible!
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