I get many questions regarding details of an accessible kitchen. Questions like, what is the standard countertop height from the floor to the top of the counter, or what is the standard toe-kick. The list goes on and on. Are there special appliances or cabinets? In this article I will cover the basics, cabinets, flooring, lighting, electrical, and finally appliances.
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Cabinets
Most cabinet manufacturers offer specific ADA compliant cabinets which will give you a final countertop height of 32" from the floor to the top of the counter. They will also include the proper toe-kick of 9" high by 6" deep. This provides room for the foot rest of a wheelchair to slide under the edge of the cabinet. This however does not provide access to the cook-top or sink. The base cabinets that will house these items will need to have knee space under the countertop. Now upper cabinets present a different set of problems. Even if they are installed at the standard height above the base cabinets only the bottom shelf will be accessible to someone seated in a wheelchair. I personally like to lower them another 6" so that the bottom two shelves are accessible. Or you could save the expense and just leave them out. One last item, the base cabinets should have large deep drawers instead of cabinet doors, as these are more accessible.
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Flooring
The flooring should be hard surface, such as wood or ceramic tile or stone. You should avoid any kind of flooring that has give or is cushioned. This kind of floor makes it difficult to move a manual wheelchair around as does wall to wall carpeting or area rugs. Avoid these items if at all possible. Even the most innocent of kitchen rugs can be a dangerous tripping hazard for the disabled or elderly.
Lighting
With today's need to be green, lighting for the accessible kitchen is no longer considered specialized. The use of CFL (Compact Florescent Light) bulbs and LED under cabinet low voltage task lighting is common place. So the only thing that really needs to be said is that you need to provide task lighting in all food preparation areas.
Electrical
This is one area that is often overlooked as far where and how to install electrical outlets and switches in an accessible kitchen. Wall outlets are usually placed behind the base cabinet, either above or in the backsplash. For someone seated in a wheelchair this means they have to make a dangerous reach in order to use the outlet. It is better to install the outlet in the face of the base cabinet, just under the countertop. Or a popup multi-outlet can be installed in the countertop itself within easy reach of the wheelchair occupant. Switches should be placed at 48" above the floor so that they are within reach of the wheelchair occupant. Use rocker type switches for those with limited use of their fingers. Finally outlets that are on a wall without cabinets should be at least 18" above the floor for a safe reach in a wheelchair.
Appliances
While there is no need for specialized or custom appliances, certain types of appliances are best in an accessible kitchen. Let's start with the stove for example, a conventional range cannot be used, A separate cook-top and oven unit will need to be used. As mentioned before the cook-top will need a knee space below the cabinet. The oven should be mounted in a base cabinet so it can be easily loaded and unloaded. A heat resistant surface at countertop level should be provided to place hot pans on. Next a drawer type dishwasher can be mounted conventionally and easily accessed from a wheelchair. However, a standard front loading dishwasher will need to be raised 9" to make it easy to load and unload. The sinks will have to have rear mounted drains to allow for the knee space beneath and still allow for a disposal. The microwave should be mounted below the countertop. Finally the refrigerator should either be a side by side model or a French door model with the freezer on the bottom.
There are probably other items that you can do to make a kitchen even more accessible. Try sitting in a standard kitchen chair in front of a problem area and ask yourself what can I change, that will make this area more accessible. I hope this helps those of you who need to make your kitchen more accessible for a wheelchair. If you have any questions don't hesitate ask. Remember breath Peace and God's Love.....
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Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen Or When the Chef Has Wheels
Counter Stools Swivel
Dec 15, 2011 20:09:43
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