How to Make A Kitchen Handicap Accessible

Remodeling a kitchen to accommodate a disabled person allows him or her the freedom to continue in daily activities without extra assistance from others. Here are a few minor steps you can take to make these needed changes so the kitchen can be easily accessible and more enjoyable.

Instructions

1. Decide which cabinets can be removed from under the cabinet to allow wheelchair access to the counter space. A good place to remove these cabinets are the ones under the kitchen sink. The wheelchair should be able to roll right under. Insulate the pipes to protect from accidental burns.

2. Add more preparation area by putting in drop leaf shelving.

3. Create more accessible storage space by putting in sliding drawers. They come in many great looking designs. Make sure they can be reached from a sitting position with ease and comfort. Choose handles with easy controls.

4. Route the electrical switches to areas that can be reached from the wheelchair. The same can be done for exhaust systems.

5. Place the microwave on a lower stationary location for easy access to the buttons and door handle.

6. Insert plastic wash containers inside the sinks if they are not in a comfortable position for reaching in to perform tasks. The elevation will aid in movement allowing ease of motion.

7. Store foods in clear containers for easy viewing and selection. These can go from the refrigerator to microwave to the dishwasher. Select trash cans where liners can be easily lifted out to a comfortable height for garbage disposal.

Resources

• Bathroom resources.
• Make your home handicap accessible.