Accessible Solutions: Kitchens

Corner sinks offer some functional advantages, particularly using otherwise wasted space, but also have significant drawbacks. Most importantly, dishwasher access is difficult in a corner location because the dishwasher door cannot be lowered when the wheelchair user is working at the sink. The best sink location is a straight counter section that accommodates a front approach with kneespace or a parallel approach without kneespace. A straight counter section also allows for better dishwasher access, particularly when kneespace is provided below the sink. A pull-out shelf can be installed below a wall oven or microwave with a side-hinged door. This helps wheelchair users to insert or remove items from the oven and partially protects them from spills during the process. Sink Faucets - Faucets should be easy to operate and clean. In most cases, a single-lever handle that controls both water temperature and flow rate is recommended. Installation of a hand-held spray and a tall “gooseneck" spigot is also recommended to make it easier to rinse deep pots and fill tall pitchers. Garbage Disposal - Installation of a garbage disposal helps with kitchen cleanup tasks. Its location, however, can restrict kneespace under the sink. To avoid this problem, the disposal can be offset to one side. A better alternative, where space permits, is to provide a small disposal sink next to the primary sink. Appliances Kitchen appliances should be carefully selected and located appropriately within the overall kitchen plan. In some instances the appliance model selected will determine the proper location. A side-by-side refrigerator, for example, should be located to accommodate both door swings. Dishwashers - Dishwashers are typically located next to the kitchen sink because used water drains through the disposal into the plumbing waste lines. Unlike other appliances, dishwashers have a standard fixed height and must be installed under a 36" high counter. An ideal dishwasher location is at the open end of a counter, which allows a wheelchair user to pull alongside the unit and easily reach the racks inside. Base cabinet storage is not very accessible to anyone because the deep storage can only be accessed by removing the front storage. This operation is more difficult because the interior of the cabinet is dark and so low that the resident must kneel or lean over. Wheelchair users face similar problems. An excellent alternative is the installation of roll-out shelves. Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens - Kitchens can be equipped with either a conventional stove or with a cooktop and wall oven. Because most stoves combine the cooking surface with a lower oven, kneespace cannot be provided. A separate cooktop, on the other hand, provides wheelchair users the option of a kneespace below the burners. Wall ovens, because they are also stand-alone units, can be mounted at counter height, which makes wheelchair access easier. Where space does not permit use of a separate cooktop and wall oven, the conventional stove should be located to allow a parallel wheelchair approach. Kneespace below cooktops enables wheelchair users to more closely approach and orient themselves to the cooking surface. Kneespace requirements are similar to those provided under the kitchen sink. For cooktops and stoves, an electric unit with a smooth ceramic surface allows cooking containers to be easily slid on and off burners in order to minimize spills. Cooktop operating controls should be either front- or side-mounted. Rear controls create a dangerous condition where individuals must reach across burners to operate the cooktop. Control knobs and switches should be configured to allow one-hand operation and should not require tight grasping, inching, or twisting of the wrist. Wall ovens are more convenient for wheelchair users than conventional ovens, but spill protection must be provided. For conventional ovens, the lowered oven door provides spill protection as heated dishes are removed. For most wheelchair users a side-hinged oven door is easier to operate, but it does not offer the same protection. Where side-hinged wall ovens are installed, a pullout lapboard can be installed beneath the unit for spill protection. Pantries can include sophisticated shelving to expand their capacity. The pair of narrow doors on this cabinet unit are easier for a wheelchair user to operate than a single wide leaf. Items stored on the door-mounted shelving are easy to see and reach. Refrigerators and Freezers - "Side-by-side" refrigerators are most appropriate for accessible kitchens. This unit provides both refrigerator and freezer storage at similar reach levels, enabling wheelchair users to locate and remove items more easily. Narrower doors on this refrigerator model are also easier for a wheelchair user to operate. If an "over-and-under" model is selected, at least a portion of the freezer space, as well as controls, should be located below a height of 4'6". Whenever possible, refrigerators should be located where doors can swing back a full 180 degrees when opened. This allows wheelchair users to position themselves more closely to refrigerator shelves. Kitchen Storage Kitchen storage should be provided in locations that are convenient to work areas. Storage options for wheelchair users may be more limited because of lower reach capabilities and loss of base cabinets at kneespace locations. Base cabinets can be equipped with sliding shelves that make access easier for items that are stored in the back of cupboards. Lazy-susan corner cabinets increase storage capacity and provide easier access to cabinet interiors. The interior faces of cabinet and pantry doors can be equipped with narrow storage racks that make stored items easier to visually locate and access. Careful selection of cabinetry can increase kitchen accessibility without the extra expense of custom cabinets. From Accessible Home Design - Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User PVA accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information published herein and does not endorse any company or any of the products or services advertised on this web site.

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