Universal Design / Barrier Free

As the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) moves society away from the term handicap disabled, it has also opened our eyes to recognize that a person's needs do change. Well-being means something different at each stage of development and on any given day. Thus, we should try to create a user-friendly kitchen for all levels of age, health, and physical attributes--whether children, adults, elderly, or inconvenienced by a temporary or permanent illness or disability.

Universal and Barrier Free are interchangeable terms which best describe the design approach that focuses on the concern for the occupants and their individual attributes and abilities--in both the short and long term. You may need to address any number of personal features or challenges, height, weight, mobility, balance, dexterity, strength, sight, and hearing when designing your new kitchen.

Luckily, more and more manufacturers are creating products that take Universal Design features into consideration. Many products such as cabinets, plumbing, appliances, flooring, countertops, and accessories are also getting a face-lift so they don't have to give up style for ease and comfort. As people concentrate more on quality of life, stay in their own homes longer, and generally live longer, society as a whole will create a growing demand for these products and their associated components.

If you need or want a Universal Design for your kitchen, you should go directly to a Kitchen Designer--do not stop, do not pass go. Only Kitchen Designers can bring their professional resources and expertise in this challenging arena to create a Barrier Free environment for you and your family. He or she knows the options that will properly manage daily activities.

We invite you to visit the following sites to read more about Universal Design and Barrier Free kitchens: Samples of cabinetry options from KraftMaid Cabinetry, Inc. or at University of Missouri-Columbia "Kitchens for Workers in Wheelchairs"; NARI "Universal Design - Floor Plans Open to All" or Today's Homeowner's "Tailor-Fit Kitchens: A Universal Option".