Turkey, Your Kitchen, and ADA: Happy Thanksgiving!
Did you know that there are four U.S. towns named Turkey? It’s true. Turkey Creek, Arizona; Turkey, Texas; Turkey Creek, Louisiana; and Turkey, North Carolina.
Did you know that Americans’ top five favorite Thanksgiving dishes are turkey (83%), mashed potatoes (78%), stuffing (77%), bread or rolls (74%), and sweet potatoes (65%)? Cranberry sauce came in sixth place. Sorry, cranberry. You didn’t crack the top five.
Did you know that every Thanksgiving America incurs $26 million in property loss caused by residential building fires? Isn’t that such great news for property owners and managers?
Can we get an 🙄 ?
While we’re talking turkey, let’s talk about the kitchens where we’re cooking the turkey and causing all of these fires. Are our kitchens ADA compliant and inclusive for the 1 in 5 Americans with a disability? Here are a few things to consider when designing your home kitchen and/or updating kitchens in your property’s units.
Are your appliances and counters designed with adjustable heights?
Are appliance and cabinet knobs and handles easily accessible?
Have you consider maneuverability for wheelchairs in your layout?
Do you have bright and consistent lighting throughout your kitchen?
For wheelchair users, kitchen counters should be positioned no higher than 34”, and in some cases as low as 28”.
PatientSafetyUSA.com says, “Kitchen sinks, like countertops, should be free of any obstructions beneath them and have enough depth, width, and height clearance for wheelchair users (ADA requirements specify at least 29” height, 11” depth, and 30” width). Sink tops should also be positioned to avoid unnecessary bending or reaching. Many height adjustable countertops include built-in sinks.”
