FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 32 : Adaptations to Existing Interiors

Wheelchair Maneuvering Space

The average dimensions of a standard adult manual wheelchair (occupied) are (Figure 1):

• Length: 46 to 50 inches including allowance for projection of feet to overhang,
• Width: 23 to 32 inches allowing for hands and elbows,
• Seat depth: 16 inches,
• Seat height: 19-20 inches, and
• Arm height: 29-30 inches from floor.

Figure - 1 Average dimensions of a standard adult manual wheelchair

The sports wheelchair, which has cambered wheels, has a lower seat and is wider, but the overhead reach is not as high as the standard model.

The average distance needed for an adult in a wheelchair to make a complete circle is 60 inches of clear floor space. Minimum clear width for a wheelchair is 36 inches for a hall and 32 inches for a door. Minimum clear space for a T-shaped turn of 180 degrees is 36 inches in all directions. The minimum passage width for one wheelchair and one ambulatory person is 48 inches.

The average reaching distance of a seated adult: side reach maximum height overhead is 54 inches and the low side reach is 9 inches above the floor (Figure 2). This does not include reaching over an obstacle such as a counter. The maximum forward reach is 48 inches above the floor, also not over an obstacle.

Figure – 2 The average reaching distance of a seated adult