The Disability Information and Resource Centre

Kitchens Meeting Everyone’s Needs

Whether you are looking for information on modifying a kitchen for a church hall or designing a workplace staffroom, aiming to meet multiple user’s needs can be a challenge. There are general principles, which can help achieve a kitchen that can be accessible for most of the population. The two Australian Standards which can be useful for reference are AS 1428.2 – 1992 and AS 4299 – 1995.

The most important features of design are

Adequate space for moving around the kitchen

Work surfaces at an suitable height

Adequate storage at a suitable height

Appropriate kitchen appliances

Easy to use handles, knobs and controls.

Easy access to kitchen waste disposal facilities

Kitchen Layout

An L-shaped or U-shaped layout is preferable.

The minimum comfortable manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user is a 1500mm-diameter circle.

This area of workspace will also provide a comfortable work area for everyone.

If this amount of space is unavailable narrow cupboards with wider bench tops may provide the knee space required.

Foot recesses of at least 200mm high and 150mm deep provided under cupboards are required to accommodate footplates.

Choice of mmaterials

Materials selected should be easy to clean, durable and stain resistant.

Colour contrast is most important for anyone with vision impairment.

Choose anti glare surfaces and colours that provide a 30% luminance contrast with each other.

Contrast bench tops to cupboards and power points to their background. Horizontal surfaces should be a lighter colour than vertical surfaces.

Choose appliances where the control buttons and the background have strong contrasting colours.

Words and pictures on controls should be large, simple and contrasting.

A section of heat resistant material next to the hotplates can be useful for anyone to slide pots off the cook top.

Worktops

Standing adults generally prefer bench heights of 850mm to 900mm.

People in wheelchairs prefer 700mm to 850mm. A compromise height of 850mm can be found however other solutions are possible.

Consider providing work surfaces at different heights, pull out worktops and adjustable height worktops.

These should be fitted with handles and be heat resistant.

A stop should be incorporated for safety.

A bench depth of 600mm is generally suitable, however for people in wheelchairs and anyone with limited reach this width can pose difficulties with reaching objects at the back of the bench and cleaning.

Unbroken bench tops for sliding items from one area to another promotes safety and independence. As a minimum provide a sequence between sink and cook top. Bench edges should be rounded for safety.

At least one work surface should provide a clear opening of 820mm underneath to allow for the front approach of a wheelchair.

Providing some under bench knee space for sitting on a stool while preparing food can be helpful for anyone with limited standing tolerance.

Sinks

The sink should be centrally placed in the kitchen plan.

If suitable placing the sink in a corner can be a good use of space.

The disposal of rubbish and the dishwasher should both be easy to reach from the sink position.

Standing adults and wheelchair users will prefer the sink at different heights.

Solutions include finding a compromise height, an adjustable sink can be fitted or consider two sinks at different heights if space permits.

A shallow sink no deeper than 150mm in depth, provides greater knee space under the sink for wheelchair users, as does the selection of a P-trap with all waste pipes located against the back wall.

The underside of the bowl and any pipes should be insulated to protect users from risk of burns.

A narrow sink is suitable for people with limited reach.

Consider installing taps closer to the front or choose a sink with the mixer tap on the side.

Storage

Food, dishes and cooking implements need to be within easy reach.

Our previous press release on kitchen storage covered some good ideas and our display kitchen at the centre has several storage solutions on display.

As a rule drawers and slide out baskets are preferred over large cupboards.

Rotating shelves are suitable for corners.

Mobile storage units, which can be kept under the bench, can be both efficient and practical.

Cupboard doors should be easy to open and close, unless they contain harmful chemicals that requires childproof latches or locks.

The items in a cupboard will be most accessible if the doors are hinged on extended hinges that open up to 180 degrees. Handles should preferably be D shaped.

Closing mechanisms should be soft roller catches, magnetic catches or self-closing hinges.

Taps

Rotating taps can be difficult for many people to operate.

Alternative options include extended lever taps, ceramic disk quarter turn taps, foot operated taps and infra red sensor taps.

Swivel spouts with a high reach are useful for filling pots easily.

Flooring

Choose a surface that is easy to keep clean and is slip resistant.

Ideally this flooring should be extended to the walls so that if a cupboard is removed to increase circulation space suitable flooring is in place.

Switches

Large rocker style switches for power and lights are most suitable.

Light switches should be located 1000mm from the floor.

Power outlets on rear walls can be inaccessible.

At least one double power outlet should be placed no more than 300mm from the front of the work surface.

Electrical Appliances

Separate wall mounted ovens can be more accessible as they can be installed at a height with the most used shelf in line with the bench top.

Select ovens with hinged doors opening away from the adjoining work surface. Hotplates should be arranged in a staggered or half moon layout.

They should be flush with work surfaces to permit sliding of pots.

Ceramic, convection and continuous trivet cook tops provide a flush work surface.

Microwave ovens should preferably be located at bench height.

The installation of an extractor fan with a light can improve visibility.

The most important factors when choosing a refrigerator are ease of opening and accessibility.

Consider a side by side refrigerator and freezer or a combination fridge/freezer with the freezer underneath.

Dishwashers may not fit under the lower bench top height and may need to be located at the end of a bench.

Check on the ease of opening and also the location on the soap dispenser prior to purchase.

Lighting

Kitchens should be well lit with an adequate, uniform level of room lighting.

Specific task lighting should be installed, particularly over the sink, cook tops and food preparation areas.

Blinds on windows for privacy and control of glare should be considered.For further information please contact the Independent Living Centre and one of our staff can discuss the options available to achieve a kitchen that is accessible to everybody.Information contained in this press release has been sourced from the following publications: Housing for Life. (2001). Master Builders Association of the ACT. Welcome – design ideas for accessible homes. (2002). Building Commission Victoria. Guide to Planning Kitchens and Bathrooms. (2003). Independent Living Centre NSW.Details of these publications are also available from Disability SA Independent Living Centre: www.ilc.asn.au/

*Source: Disability SA Independent Living Centre