May 16, 2016

Kitchen Planning Design for Wheelchair Accessibility

Since the kitchen is generally the most used room in the house, it is important that a good kitchen planning design be developed for wheelchair accessibility. Not only is a good design plan imperative for safety but it is vital for ultimate convenience.

Flooring

The flooring should be made from hard material such as ceramic tile, wood or stone. This makes it easier to operate the wheelchair. Softer materials like area rugs or carpet are very difficult to manually move around.

Lighting

There are numerous lighting options such as LED lights and compact florescent lights (CFLs) that deliver good lighting for the countertop and stovetop. Bear in mind that light switches need to be within reach and easily accessible for people in a wheelchair.

Cabinets

Wheelchair friendly cabinets are a very significant part of a kitchen planning design. For one, a person in a wheelchair is typically unable to reach the cabinets above the countertops. For another, the bottom cabinets have a poor design and are awkward to open and grab items inside.

However, there are numerous solutions that fully support a wheelchair accessible kitchen. In fact, many kitchen planning designs can be altered to fit an individual style.

Wheelchair Friendly Cabinets Include:

• Drawers with full extension glides.
• Pull out cutting boards for ease of use.
• Include roll-out or slide out shelves and baskets.
• Lower the cupboards above the countertop from the standard 18 inches above the counter. That way the second level of shelving is accessible.

Electrical

Electric switches and outlets should be located at a height that is an easily accessible. As well, to minimize risk they should be adequately wired. In general, outlets are positioned behind the base cabinet. Generally it is located in the backsplash or right above it. Nonetheless, this is not the best location for a person in a wheelchair. The ideal place for the outlet is just under the countertop, in the face of the base cabinet (about at 48″ above the floor level). Another option includes multi-outlet or rocket style switches installed in the countertop. In addition, electrical outlets that are on the wall without cabinets ideally should be placed a minimum of 18” above the floor.

Appliances

When installing appliances, a person’s maximum height when in a wheelchair should always be taken into consideration. For appliances, side by side or French door model refrigerators are best. As far as dishwashers, drawer style types can be mounted with no adjustments needed.

When it comes to stovetops, a separate oven and cooktop will most likely be required. The cook top should have adequate knee space below the counter. In addition, there needs to be a heat resistant surface at countertop level so there is a place for hot items. As well, the oven is best secured in a base cabinet for simple loading and unloading.

Elyse Cabinets
For more information:
5 Egan Road, Dandenong VICTORIA 3175
Tel: (03) 9793 7717    Fax: (03) 9793 8118
Mobile: 0414 354 561   

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