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When we asked our community, 85% said they don’t believe manufacturers are creating accessible home appliances.*
— *Vision Australia Home Appliance Survey, 2025.
The Accessibility Gap video series
Our new three-part series highlights that while there are hacks and workarounds to make appliances accessible, they shouldn’t be needed in the first place.
The chaotic coffee
A rushed morning shows how a design flaw turns your morning coffee into a negative.
The stubborn stove
A routine dinner becomes tricky when an app update leaves every button unreadable.
The annoying aircon
A hot day turns hotter when the air conditioner needs you to play a guessing game.
Bridging the Gap
Real experiences, fresh perspectives, and ideas that expose the accessibility gap and highlight the need for change in home appliance design.
A fake product that highlights a real problem
Advocacy
We joked about a pretend washing machine, but behind the joke the issues are very real.
How brands measure up in our accessibility check
Advocacy
We’re creating a report card for manufacturers to encourage accessibility to be included from the start.
Workarounds and hacks that work
Advocacy
Home appliances need to improve, but these practical hacks can make them safer to use now.
The stories behind the design gap
Advocacy
Read the stories about living with home appliances that aren’t designed for everyone.
What to look for in your home appliances
Advocacy
A simple checklist to help you recognise accessible design when buying home appliances.
The cost of getting accessibility wrong
Advocacy
Accessible products can cost more, but designing accessibility at the start can bring costs down.
The Home Appliance Gap podcast series
Over three episodes, hear real experiences, explore why accessibility is often overlooked, and discover practical solutions for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to make home appliances accessible from the beginning.
The Accessibility Starts at Home Brand Report Card
This report highlights the experiences of Australians who are blind or have low vision when purchasing and using home appliances.
Drawing on Vision Australia’s 2025 Home Appliance Survey, the report recognises brands showing progress in accessibility while highlighting the ongoing barriers created by inconsistent design, touchscreen interfaces, and limited usable products.
It’s time to take action
These templates help you share your experiences and ask manufacturers to design accessible appliances from the start, and retailers to make them easier to find and try in-store. You can print them as letters or send them as emails. The choice is yours. We’d love to hear from you after you’ve downloaded the templates. Let us know who you contacted, and keep us posted if you receive a response.
Download the letter to manufacturers
Use this template to share your story and ask manufacturers to design appliances that are accessible from the start.
Download the letter to retailers
Use this template to have your say and ask retailers to make it easier to find and try accessible appliances in-store.
Download the How to tell your story template
Use this guide to turn your experiences into clear, impactful examples in your letter.