Whirlpool is bringing inclusive design to everyday kitchens with the launch of the Spin&Load Rack, a 360-degree spinning lower-level dishwasher rack. Designed in collaboration with United Spinal Association, the Spin&Load Rack’s unique design allows easy access to all areas of the lower dishwasher rack, reducing the need to reach or reposition while loading and unloading your dishes. The accessory also features inclusive packaging, ensuring you can easily open and unbox the product with one hand, thanks to an accessible pull-tab design. 

“As 1 in 4 U.S. households include at least one family member with a disability, Whirlpool brand understands the value of investing in creative inclusive and diverse products that empower all of our consumers and make a positive difference in their lives,” says April Taylor, associate brand manager at Whirlpool.  

Whirlpool included the disability community at every stage of the development process. Groups like United Spinal Association and Corewell Health provided input to create an inclusive product that meets the everyday needs of people with mobility disabilities. 

The idea for the Spin&Load Rack came from a challenge to design a more inclusive product hosted by Whirlpool’s Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities employee resource group. From there, Whirlpool engineers developed prototypes, which were brought to a consumer research study that included nearly 30 members of United Spinal Association of Michigan. Over three days, members had an opportunity to interact with numerous Whirlpool appliances in different stages of design — including the Spin&Load Rack — and help shape the final design.  

Shanta Favors, 42, a C2-C7 incomplete quadriplegic from Taylor, Michigan, was part of the consumer research study. “What really stood out to me was [Whirlpool’s] willingness to listen,” says Favors. “They were very interested in our feedback and how they could improve the design of their appliances, which is how everyone should approach inclusive design … nothing for us, without us.” 

Favors was particularly interested in the Spin&Load Rack. “When I moved into my house four years ago, I had a brand-new dishwasher, and in all this time it has never been used because it’s too difficult for me to load the dishes,” she says. “When I tried the Spin&Load Rack it was doable, even with my quad hands. I also like that it’s sold as an accessory, so it’s more affordable to add on to an existing dishwasher.” 

The Spin&Load Rack retails for $149 and is designed to fit all 24-inch Whirlpool dishwashers manufactured after 2018. The full list of compatible models can be found on Whirlpool.com.