New appliances and room modifications can make working in the kitchen a lot easier. After doing a personal assessment of kitchen needs, a next step may be to visit a big box retailer for accessible kitchen appliances. Once there, people in wheelchairs may want to buy a 32 and one-half inch high dishwasher with push button controls or dials in the front. Another alternative purchase is a portable non-electric dishwasher or countertop model.

Stoves, too, can be bought with knobs or buttons in front so that users do not have to reach across burners. Many also like wall-mounted ovens and cooktops for placement flexibility. Commonly these are 30 inches above the ground. Burners on a flat surface are often good for those with less upper torso strength, as are pan holders for single-handed stirring.

Microwave ovens also may be more useful when placed lower in a kitchen. Some like microwaves on pull out shelves or with the optional Braille controls available from Whirlpool. When thinking of refrigerators, consider side-by-side models for convenience. General Electric makes a shallow refrigerator for easier item reach. Also consider a smaller refrigerator for accessibility.

See online article .#676

(2001). Accessible kitchen appliances. Dynamic Living Newsletter.

Keyword: Accessibility