As a person’s physical abilities change over time the kitchen is one of the main rooms in the house where the impact of physical limitations is felt. Detailed documentation for designing kitchens and joinery for wheelchair users is widely available, however even among wheelchair users people’s maximum reach and strength vary greatly, as do kitchens designed specifically for individual disabled users. The design of a kitchen should not limit a person’s independence and ought to be adaptable to accommodate specific individual’s needs.
To accommodate a wheelchair user or other seated occupant, portions of the work surfaces should be constructed at a lower level than those for standing users with leg room provided under work benches. To enable such changes to occur easily kitchen joinery can be installed using modular components which allow for easy removal or modification of individual components rather than the reconstruction of the entire joinery layout. Such components should be installed after the non-slip floor finish is completed to avoid replacement at a later stage.
The kitchen should also be designed with safety considerations in mind including:
Location of appropriately sized work spaces to the side of all appliances such as the cooktop, oven, microwave and refrigerator.
The relationship between the cooktop and the sink to allow easy transfer of pots for draining.
Contrasting colours between bench tops and cupboard fronts to assist the visually impaired.
Kitchen Counter Space There should be continuous counter space between the stove and sink
Kitchen Faucets All kitchen faucets within dwelling units and common amenity spaces should be operable by devices which do not require tight grasping, or twisting of the wrist as the only means of operation (Figure – 6)
Last modified: Wednesday, 19 October 2011, 10:01 AM
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