Nowadays, with the number of disabled residents wanting to stay in their own home, redoing the kitchen is a high priority. While many families aim to make the new kitchen accessible and stylish, it’s most important to keep certain characteristics in mind.
Extra Space
Plan your new kitchen layout with some extra space if possible. Adding a few extra inches between the countertops and the kitchen island makes it easier to move with a wheelchair or a walker.
Height Adjustable Countertops
Most kitchen countertops are usually around 36” from the ground. However, for wheelchair users, countertops need to be significantly lower—between 28” and 34” tall. Ideally, the kitchen will be renovated with that user in mind, but if not, consider putting in height-adjustable countertops.
Pull-out Cabinet Shelves
For convenience and cost, the first option is to lower the kitchen cabinets so it meets the individual’s needs. However, both pull-down and pull-out cabinet shelves are trendy and accessible. While more expensive, electrically-powered pull-down cabinets allow you to lower and raise the shelf with the touch of a button. Pull-out cabinets’ pull out the contents when you open the door, allowing you see everything clearing, without bending over and searching for ages. These are perfect for pots and pans, food storage containers, or a lazy Susan spice rack.
Kitchen Sinks
Install a kitchen sink with an open space below so that someone can scoot their wheelchair their while washing the dishes or place a chair there. By ADA regulations, the knee clearance for the sink needs to be at least 27” high and 8’ deep. In addition, consider adding a single-lever faucet to make it more accessible.
Location of the Appliances
The location of your appliances is vital to having a working accessible kitchen. Install your appliances lower, around 31” from the floor. Having the oven and stove together is hard for those with limited mobility. Consider an induction cook-top as it stays cool so there will be fewer accidents. Supplement that with a side opening oven door, allowing better accessibly. Add an adjustable shelf next to it so they can put hot contents on it readily. Aim for a refrigerator with freezer drawers, making them easier to reach. It’s best to find a showroom that has these appliances; otherwise, see if a dealer will make a home visit with some catalogs and ideas.
These are just a few of the basics to consider when designing an accessible kitchen. If you need more ideas for designing an accessible kitchen, please contact Refresh Organizers & Designers at (510) 570-1292.
1/24-Oakland,CA-Accessible Kitchen Designs for Limited Mobility
SYNOPSIS: Nowadays, with the number of disabled residents wanting to stay in their own home, redoing the kitchen is a high priority. While many families aim to make the new kitchen accessible and stylish, it’s most important to keep certain characteristics in
BY: ,
Nowadays, with the number of disabled residents wanting to stay in their own home, redoing the kitchen is a high priority. While many families aim to make the new kitchen accessible and stylish, it’s most important to keep certain characteristics in mind.
Extra Space
Plan your new kitchen layout with some extra space if possible. Adding a few extra inches between the countertops and the kitchen island makes it easier to move with a wheelchair or a walker.
Height Adjustable Countertops
Most kitchen countertops are usually around 36” from the ground. However, for wheelchair users, countertops need to be significantly lower—between 28” and 34” tall. Ideally, the kitchen will be renovated with that user in mind, but if not, consider putting in height-adjustable countertops.
Pull-out Cabinet Shelves
For convenience and cost, the first option is to lower the kitchen cabinets so it meets the individual’s needs. However, both pull-down and pull-out cabinet shelves are trendy and accessible. While more expensive, electrically-powered pull-down cabinets allow you to lower and raise the shelf with the touch of a button. Pull-out cabinets’ pull out the contents when you open the door, allowing you see everything clearing, without bending over and searching for ages. These are perfect for pots and pans, food storage containers, or a lazy Susan spice rack.
Kitchen Sinks
Install a kitchen sink with an open space below so that someone can scoot their wheelchair their while washing the dishes or place a chair there. By ADA regulations, the knee clearance for the sink needs to be at least 27” high and 8’ deep. In addition, consider adding a single-lever faucet to make it more accessible.
Location of the Appliances
The location of your appliances is vital to having a working accessible kitchen. Install your appliances lower, around 31” from the floor. Having the oven and stove together is hard for those with limited mobility. Consider an induction cook-top as it stays cool so there will be fewer accidents. Supplement that with a side opening oven door, allowing better accessibly. Add an adjustable shelf next to it so they can put hot contents on it readily. Aim for a refrigerator with freezer drawers, making them easier to reach. It’s best to find a showroom that has these appliances; otherwise, see if a dealer will make a home visit with some catalogs and ideas.
These are just a few of the basics to consider when designing an accessible kitchen. If you need more ideas for designing an accessible kitchen, please contact Refresh Organizers & Designers at (510) 570-1292.
