Barrier Free Kitchen Checklist for Planning & Design
Layouts - Checklists - Tips for Barrier-Free Design
Adequate Floor Space - This is a major concern. The kitchen needs to be big enough to handle a wheelchair. A current eat-in kitchen may have to forfeit the table.
Appliances - The kitchen appliances that you and I use everyday don't do so well for a physically challenged individual. A self cleaning oven is a must. It must sit no higher than 36 inches off the floor. An oven must be adjacent to a counter space. Side mounted controls are helpful. Avoid extra electrical cord length. Shorten cords with string, twist ties, or rubber bands.
Flooring - Slip resistant material is a must. Rubber flooring is excellent if it is in the budget. When wet, rubber is not slippery like other flooring materials. The floor must be easy care, as spills are going to happen.
No Natural Gas - Natural gas is not a good fuel for disabled people. It can produce deadly fumes. It can leak and explode. Remember, some disabled people lose their sense of smell.
Countertops - Plan for multiple level countertops. The first stage of disability may not be in a wheelchair. A back injury may prevent a person from bending. This means that counters may have to be higher than normal. Attempt to plan the cabinets so they can be modified at a later date to accommodate a different design.
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Sink - Sinks need to be shallow. Try to wash a pot in a deep sink while sitting in a chair.....Is it starting to 'sink' in yet?
Faucet - A single handle anti-scald faucet is a must.
Color Continuity - Vision impaired people can become confused. Make sure that the flooring is a different color than the countertop. Cabinets should not closely match. A person needs to see the edge of a countertop. Depth of field may be messed up and things can easily 'miss' the countertop!
Microwave Ovens - This is a must-have appliance. These permit easy and rapid heating of foods and liquids.
Hot Water Dispenser - Instantaneous heaters are excellent ways to make a cup of soup, coffee or tea. They minimize the possibilities of fire or burns from a pot or tea kettle.
Shock Free Electric Outlets - Make sure all electrical outlets are GFCI protected. This will eliminate or minimize the possibility of electrical shock. These outlets are very inexpensive. One outlet can protect several receptacles within the kitchen area. Put a smoke detector in while you are at it!
Sources for Additional Information
The following organizations can provide you with some helpful literature, tips and suggestions. I urge you to contact them. As you might expect, they will probably tell you of 4 to 5 other associations or specialty groups which may help you if you have a unique disability. Don't forget to call your local social services agency as well.
- Adaptive Environments Center
- Center for Universal Design
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