KITCHEN CABINET - MEASUREMENT & DESIGN
Kitchen Counters
Varying the counter height will make the kitchen an easier
place for individuals with handicaps, taller adults and shorter children to
work in. Making the counter corners rounded will reduce the occurrence of
people bumping into them.The usual height at the top of a wheelchair armrest is
approximately 29". This measurement is important so you can customize
countertop height. The recommended countertop height is a minimum of 28"
and should be no higher than 34" (32" is preferred).Space for knees
requires at least a 24" height from the floor and approximately 30"
in width.For a 24" standard countertop depth, the first 16" is
considered to be easy access for the user—the remainder is useful for storage.
Kitchen Sinks
A wheelchair accessible sink should be shallow, only 5"
to 6 1/2" deep. which allows the cook to sit or stand while working. The
faucet should be a loop or single lever for easy operation.Locate the sink's
drain at the rear to keep the knee space clear. Insulate the hot water pipes in
the open area under the sink to prevent burns. An ADA kitchen sink should meet
the forward reach criteria specified by ADAAG.
Kitchen Wall Cabinets
Lowering the wall cabinets from the standard 18" above
the counter to 15" will make the second shelf accessible for everyday use
for most people.Mount or lower wall cabinets closer to the countertop and
include pull-out cutting boards, slide-out or roll-out shelves and baskets, and
drawers with full extension glides.An ADA cabinet should meet the reach and
mounting height criteria specified by ADAAG.Newer technology makes available
adjustable kitchen wall cabinets which will automatically lower upper cabinets
to reachable level, alternatively shelving lifts can be installed to lower
shelves inside wall cabinets to the counter level.
Kitchen Base Cabinets
For a person in a wheelchair to be able to use a stovetop
and a sink, a recessed area must be provided underneath and the counter height
must be no higher than 34". Such an arrangement can also benefit anyone
who wants to sit down while doing kitchen work.
Doors & Hallways
Installing a 36" door makes the rooms accessible to
someone in a wheelchair or a walker. Entry doors should have a minimum 32"
net opening measured from the doorstop to the door's face when the door is in a
90° open position. The installation of "swing clear" hinges will
create a clear door opening.Use a lever-style door handle and remember that the
force required to push or pull interior doors open should not exceed five
pounds.Three feet is wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through going
straight, but 42" width is more comfortable. To make a 90-degree turn into
a doorway in a wheelchair, a hall width of four feet is required. Doorways that
are angled at 45-degrees are easier for a person in a wheelchair to pass
through.
Kitchen Aisle Width
A width of 42" instead of 36" allows several
people to work in the kitchen at the same time; it also allows someone to get around
a person in a wheelchair.
A front-to-back measurement, including footrests, determines
the wheelchair turning radius required. The turning radius is normally 60"
(25 square feet) for a full 360° turn
Appliance
For a wheelchair user, you want to lower or install the wall
oven and microwave so they are approximately 31" from the floor. Install
an electric cook top unit with staggered burners and mount the controls on the
top front or below the unit to eliminate reaching across hot burners.
An appliance lift is a simple way to make standard
appliances more accessible.
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