Kitchens require three special
considerations in barrier-free design:
wheelchair mobility
work space comfort
accessibility to cabinets and
storage spaces
General Considerations
Space for frontal and parallel
approach to all appliances by a wheelchair: no less than 30" x 48".
For a U-shaped kitchen there has to
be 60" of space
L-shaped kitchens are most
favorable layout.
Kitchen Plan & Elevation
Sink:
Dishwasher height: 36",front
loading, pull out rack
Knee space under sinks should be
30" (w) x19" (d)
Need ample leg room under sinks.
Vertical space needed :23.5".
Hot water pipes should be covered
to prevent burns.
Sinks should be no higher than 34".
Sink should be at least 30" wide,
6" deep
Sink should be shallow, only 5" to
6 1/2" deep
Faucets should be lever type and
operable by one hand
Adjustable Sink
Adjustable Sink
Range/Oven:
Appliances should have front
mounted controls; consider 34" high stove.
Cook top, mix center: the height
should be adjustable between 28", 32" and 36"
Ovens mounted in tall cabinets w/
side opening door.
Ovens: 24" from floor – side
opening
Cook top controls should be in
front
Burners, should be staggered
Cabinets and Countertops
Countertops should be adjustable.
Suggested heights are 28", 32", and 36" (32" is preferred)
2" max. for support structures or
counter top thickness.
Wall cabinets: should have
adjustable shelves and should be 8" (min.) above countertop.
Handles on upper cabinets should be
mounted 48" from floor and on lower cabinets 27" above the floor.
Install pull-out cutting boards,
roll-out shelves, and drawers with full extension glides.
Cabinets and Countertops (cont.)
Pull out trays or shelves allow
better access.
Pull out boards should have cutouts
for mixing bowls.
Cabinets on wheels are important
for transporting food, utensils, dishes, etc.
Wheeled cabinets should have
finished tops, galley rails around edges. Two recommended types: Cabinet w/
stacked drawers or w/ shelves holding garbage container and cleaning
equipment.
Cabinets and Countertops (cont.)
Height of tables or counters should
be 28" to 34" above the floor.
Tall cabinets can be used for:
storage, pantry, wine racks, bins.
Hardware should be touch latches
and U-shaped pulls
In corner of base cabinet,
revolving shelves are best.
Miscellaneous:
The side-by-side
refrigerator/freezer is considered the most accessible
Provide a single duplex outlet on
the front of the counter preferably near the stove.
Telephones: hearing-aid compatible,
cord length shall be at least 29" long, and at accessible mounted height.
Fixed seating: knee spaces at least
2 " high,30" wide & 19" deep.
Ambulatory Aids: Wheelchairs
Basketball
Hand Cycles
Motorized
Standard
Tilt-recline
Ambulatory Aids: Crutches
Ambulatory Aids: Walkers
