7 Ideas to make your kitchen accessible to disabled people

Ideas to make your kitchen accessible

The basic aim of designing a kitchen for disabled people is to make it accessible to them. Moreover, a kitchen that maximizes the self-sufficiency, expediency, and changes in accordance to the needs of all family members is the right design. Thus, it would be nice to have an obstruction free kitchen, which would help them become independent and self-reliant. The following article talks about seven considerate and caring ideas of kitchen designs for disabled people and helps you learn the latest additions in this sector. Here is a description of seven solicitous kitchen designs for disabled people.

1. Disabled kitchen sinks

A disabled kitchen sink is shallow and is only about 5″ to 6 1/2″ deep, which allows the user to use it in a sitting or standing posture. The tap fitted to the sink is of a single lever and is easier to operate. The drainpipe should be fixed at the rear to give enough knee space to the user. Insulate any hot water pipes in the open area to avoid burns.

2. Kitchen appliances

For a disabled user, install the electric cook top, oven, dishwashers, microwave, and other appliances at a lower level with the controls on the top front or underneath the unit to safeguard the user. You can also go in for a slanted control panel with lower-level control knobs that provide an easier grip and enables a safer operation. Providing indicators on the front side of the domestic device will make the appliance safer for those on wheelchairs. Using an appliance lift is the simplest method of making most of the standard appliances more accessible.

3. Kitchen counters

Changing the height of the counter top will make the kitchen a trouble-free place for disabled people to work in. Rounding off the corners of the counter will help in preventing any harm to people running into them. The kitchen top can also be customized according to the height of the armrest of the wheelchair. The approximate height suggested for the countertop is between 28 inches and 34 inches with a rough width of 30 inches.

4. Base cabinet with self-storing folding doors and floor

These adaptable base cabinets use a self-storing door, which has the retractable hardware and a flexible floor for knee space. The self-storing feature of this cabinet allows it to be personalized and stored in any place. The cabinet’s works well with both adjustable and regular counter tops.

5. Kitchen wall cabinets

Lowering the wall cabinets from its regular height makes it more reachable to people with disability. Mount wall cabinets closer to the counter top and add additional features like rollout shelves and baskets, pullout cutting boards, slide-out doors, and drawers with additional room. New adjustable kitchen wall cabinets are now available, which can be lowered automatically to a reachable level. Installing shelving lifts to bring the lower shelves to the counter level is also a good option.

6. Kitchen doors

Install a kitchen door, which is wide enough for access to someone who is on a wheel chair.
The installation of swing clear hinges will help in creating a clear door opening. Install a door handle, which requires less amount of force to open. Doors that are at an angle at 45-degrees are easier for a person in a wheelchair to go by.

7. Other factors

  • Install switches, rheostats, and thermostats at about 48 inches from the floor.
  • Install bright lights in the cabinets and on the counter tops.
  • Place electrical outlets at 15 inches away from the floor.

These wonderful kitchen designs help you to create the best solicitous kitchen designs for disabled people without compromising on the style and comfort factor, when you create an accessible kitchen.

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