Accessible Kitchen Modifications for Wheelchair Users

The kitchen is often considered the ‘heart of the home’. Whether you're baking a homemade dessert or simply heating up leftovers, a significant amount of time is dedicated to planning meals and purchasing and preparing food. Given the central role the kitchen plays in daily life, it's one of the key areas in a home where you’ll want to consider accessibility. 

What Is an Accessible Kitchen?

An accessible kitchen is a kitchen which has been modified to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Whether they’re small changes, like installing an automatic can opener, or more significant adjustments, like lowering cabinets, there are several ways a kitchen can be made accessible.

How to Make a Kitchen Accessible

Many kitchen items and appliances designed for general use can enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities by reducing the physical effort required for various tasks:

• Appliances: Devices like automatic can openers, stand mixers, air fryers, rice cookers, coffee makers, and slow cookers reduce the effort and time needed for cooking, which may benefit those with disabilities.
• Cooking Tools: Produce choppers and measuring utensils with rubberized handles or engraved markings can assist individuals with dexterity issues or those with visual impairments.
• Kitchen Storage: Food storage bags with a slider closure may be easier to use than those with a press-and-seal closure. Containers come in both plastic and glass with various lid types- snap-on, screw-on, or push-down. Selecting the right type of food storage options can help those with limited strength or dexterity. 
• Additional Kitchen Modifications: Look for trash cans with hand-operated lids instead of foot pedals, as they are more accessible for wheelchair users. Lazy Susans can also help bring items within reach for wheelchair users or those with stature-related disabilities like dwarfism. Additionally, lightweight cookware and non-slip bowls with pour spouts and handles can enhance accessibility. 

What Does an ADA-Compliant Kitchen Look Like?

Beyond everyday kitchen items, a few more significant modifications can make a kitchen ADA Compliant including:

• Kitchen Fixtures: People with disabilities may adapt kitchen fixtures to meet their needs. For example, a wheelchair user may install a sink which they can roll underneath, making it easier to wash hands and clean dishes. Others may lower cabinets and shelving, or even lower switches for lights or food disposal so they are at a reachable height.
• Smart Appliances: Many appliances now feature smart capabilities, making them easy to control via a smart phone or voice commands, which may be ideal for people with disabilities who face challenges in operating traditional kitchen appliances.
• ADA-Compliant Appliances: Some appliances are designed with accessibility in mind. For example, side-by-side refrigerators are often ADA-compliant in comparison to French door models. The doors open outward and to the side, offering easier access and more space for wheelchair users to maneuver. Similarly, certain ovens feature cooktop knobs and buttons located at the front, allowing individuals with disabilities to operate them without needing to reach over hot surfaces.

What Is Adaptive Cooking Equipment? 

Adaptive cooking equipment includes specialized tools like silverware, knives, spatulas, and serving utensils, which often feature enhanced grips or modified handles to facilitate easier cooking, serving, and eating. While many adaptive cooking tools are widely available through online retailers, individuals with specific needs might want to consult an occupational therapist for personalized equipment recommendations.

How Much Does a Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen Cost?

The cost of creating an accessible kitchen can vary widely based on individual needs and existing home conditions. 

The average kitchen remodel in the U.S. ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. This cost depends on the extent of the remodel—whether the entire kitchen requires renovation or just specific areas. Modifications, such as lowering cabinets or installing high-tech appliances can come at a higher cost but may be necessary to increase accessibility.

Food Preparation for People with Disabilities

When making your kitchen accessible, it's also important to consider how you'll stock it. Here are some tips to make grocery shopping and meal prep easier:

1. Canned Goods: Choose canned goods with pull-tab tops to minimize physical effort if you don’t have an automatic can opener.
2. Appliance Liners: Crock pot and air fryer liners simplify cleanup, as they can often be discarded or placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
3. Pre-cut Produce: If you don’t have a produce chopper, consider buying pre-cut produce, ideal for reducing prep time and enhancing safety, especially if cutting is challenging due to mobility issues.
4. Grocery Delivery: Use apps like Shipt and Instacart to get groceries delivered to your front door. If unavailable, look for grocery pickup options, where store staff shop for you.
5. Meal Delivery Services: Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, and Home Chef are some of the many popular meal delivery services providing pre-measured ingredients and recipes, allowing you to enjoy home-cooked meals while cutting down on meal preparation time.

The kitchen is just one of many areas in a home that can be made wheelchair accessible. Read the related articles below to learn more about enhancing home accessibility. When you're ready to venture beyond your home, contact your local BraunAbility Dealer. Your local mobility dealer can assist you in finding a wheelchair accessible vehicle to meet your needs, so you can engage in your local community.