Universal Design Kitchen Cabinets

Summary

Incorporating Universal Design features in kitchens, for example, can give homes a competitive edge in the market by addressing the increasing demand for accessible living environments by today's homeowners. Features such as adjustable countertops and cabinets, undercounter kneespace, and pullout shelves provide accessible work surfaces and storage that can be used by all of the members of the household, including those with physical disabilities. An investment in Universal Design can make your homes stand out from the rest by adding value that today's homebuyers appreciate.

Details

The percentage of senior citizens has almost doubled since 1950, and approximately 49 million Americans have some type of disability. These groups represent the two fastest growing population segments. Designers and manufacturers recognize the demands of these population segments and are creating spaces and products to accommodate them. The most common place these designers and manufacturers begin is in the kitchen.

Accessible Designs/Adjustable Systems has a modular system of base cabinet segments, countertops, and wall cabinets mounted on vertical tracks for adjustability, either manual or motorized. Hafele manufactures hardware that (via remote control or manual crank) adjusts the height of wall cabinets and/or countertops. Hafele distributes EZ Shelf, a device that provides access to wall-cabinet shelves by mounting them on a gliding unit that pulls down. Hafele also manufactures Lazy-Susans, full-extension slides for drawers and shelves, container lids that open, or shelves that slide out when the cabinet door is opened, and baskets mounted on the back of cabinet doors. Inclinator manufactures the HomeWaiter, a dumbwaiter with a 75-pound capacity. Kiwi Connection offers the Ezyfold Hinge that allows bifold base-cabinet doors to open fully, providing maximum use of clear kneespace for seated users. They also manufacture a stepstool that conveniently folds away into the toekick under the base cabinet.

Some manufacturers make countertops in contrasting colors and surface textures to accommodate users who are visually impaired. Countertops with raised edges to prevent spills can be included. Outlets and switches should be mounted at easily-accessible locations. Accessible hardware such as D-pulls or extended-wire pulls on cabinet doors are a good choice. Food pantries which are accessed on one side from the kitchen, and on the other from the garage, can be filled directlyfrom the car after a shopping trip. Merillat makes a host of pull-out accessories, including trays/cutting boards, work surfaces, vegetable bins, ironing boards, and wastebaskets.

Installation

Installation varies according to product and manufacturer, but wall-mounted cabinets and accessories generally require structural support such as plywood blocking.

Benefits/Costs

While the cost of some accessible features can be high, many are available for modest prices. Accessible cabinetry is not required by code or law, but such features should appeal to many homebuyers, adding value and marketability to the home.

Limitations

Accessible features may be perceived as not being cost effective.

Code/Regulatory

There are Federal guidelines which require clear floorspace in front of kitchen appliances to provide accessibility for people in wheelchairs. However, there are no requirements for accessible cabinets.

There are three Federal laws that include information relating to accessible kitchens: The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) references the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) and covers buildings built or operated by federal funding. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes legislation that applies to all housing built or operated using state and local government programs or funds. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) applies to all multi-family housing with four or more units built after March 13, 1991.

These regulations reference the ANSI A117.1 Standards for Usable and Accessible Buildings and Facilities. Potential inconsistencies between the regulations is being addressed through research.

Availability

Many manufacturers have accessible cabinets and accessories widely available through distributor stock.

Feedback

Contact(s)

Do you have a specific question about this technology and/or its 'real life' applications? Try the contacts listed below:

Association for Safe and Accessible Products (ASAP)
c/o SWA
50 Washington Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
203-857-0200
ASAPCT@aol.com

The Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access
School of Architecture and Planning
State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214-3087
716-829-3485

Center for Universal Design
North Carolina State University
School of Design
Box 8613
Raleigh, NC 27695-8613
919-515-8556
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud

The National Kitchen and Bath Association
687 Willow Grove Street
Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840
908-852-0033
http://www.nkba.org

Shelley Siegel, ASID
Accessible Interior Network
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
954-491-6075
http://www.accessible-interiors.com

Yorktowne, Inc.
P.O. Box 231
Red Lion, PA 17356
717-244-4011

KraftMaid Cabinetry, Inc.
16052 Industrial Parkway
Middlefield, OH 44062
216-632-5333
webmaster@kraftmaid.com

Merillat Industries, Inc.
Adrain, MI 49221
517-265-6779

Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.
38669 Highway 77
P.O. Box 1210
Ashland, AL 36251
800-762-4475

Hafele
P.O. Box 4000
Archdale, NC 20263
336-889-2322

HEWI, Inc.
2851 Old Tree Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-293-1313
http://www.hewi.com
The Kiwi Connection
82 Shelbourne Center Road
Shelbourne, MA 01370
413-625-9506

Charles Kellog
C.K. Industries Inc.
550 Broad Street
P.O. Box 9102
Forestville, CT 06011-9102
860-628-7888
ckell52336@aol.com

Gary Davis
Accessible Designs/Adjustable Systems (AD/AS)
94 No. Columbus Rd.
Athens, OH 45701
740-593-5240
http://www.ad-as.com

GE New Home Essentials
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
800-626-2000
http://www.ge.com