






|
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".
Additional Links:
This Old House
- "Tailor-Fit Kitchens: A Universal Option"
National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Inc. (NARI)
- "Universal Design - Floor Plans Open to All"
University of Missouri-Columbia
- "Kitchens for Workers in Wheelchairs"
KraftMaid Cabinetry, Inc.
Dwyer Products Corp.
- ADA & Compact Kitchens, Metal Cabinets and Cabinet Doors, and Appliances.
Access Industries
- Lifts and Elevators
Kardex Systems, Inc.
- ADA Accessible
------------------- Requests a link for this page
|
       | Don’t forget to “Bookmark Us” for instant access to our site! | |
 |
Free Newsletter
 |
|
Login to iWANTaNewKITCHEN
Don't have a
membership?
 |
|
Enter your zip code to check for local resources in your area.
FREE!
| |
 |
|