Designers get a handle on accessibility issues

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, Scripps Howard News Service

Published April 14, 2007 at midnight

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Ever hear the term universal design? The concept is to incorporate design for the disabled with design for the nondisabled so it all integrates.

Instead of knobs, for example, proponents of universal design use lever handles for doors and faucets. The levers are usable by just about everyone and, as a bonus, they're attractive.

Varied counter heights for work surfaces in kitchens also are being incorporated into this integrated living design. This way a child, a person in a wheelchair or unusually short or tall people can have easy access to different parts of the kitchen or another workspace.

The old standard height for kitchen counters was 36 inches. Now the varied heights place cabinets 30 inches high in some places and 36 inches in others.

More emphasis is being placed on appliance heights as well. Builders and retrofitters are incorporating microwaves, dishwashers and oven heights at levels where a person does not have to bend over or reach up to use them.

The rule of thumb for heights for microwaves and ovens is that the bottom of these appliances should be 24 to 42 inches above the floor, depending on personal ability. Also, the dishwasher should be raised to 6 to 9 inches above the floor for better and easier accessibility.

Other custom design changes that have cropped up over the years:

• Stoves now feature smooth tops with touch-sensitive controls.

• Freezer drawers are available instead of standard, hard-to-open doors. These drawers can be placed under countertops.

• Closets now incorporate easy-access clothing bars that use pull-down systems so the upper tiers of hangers can be accessed.

• Nonskid flooring is being used for kitchens and bathrooms as well as hallways and other areas where carpets aren't used.

• In the laundry room, front-loading washers and dryers are more accessible than top-load models.

• Grab bars in showers and tubs are great safety features regardless of physical ability.

• Walkways are sloped into the landscaping so they become part of the design, eliminating the need for separate handicap entrances.

Getting a grip on door handles

Changing door knobs to handles can make doors user-friendly for everyone. Here are some things to consider:

• Choose "freewheeling" or "clutch" lever handles for more security. An intruder won't be able to jar the lock open, which might happen with other lever handles.

• A handle that curves back toward the door will be less likely to catch a sleeve or purse strap.

• Choose a handle that is at least five inches long. Longer handles are better - you won't need as much force to open a door with a long handle.

• Handles should be no higher than 44 inches from the finished floor.Source: Aarp

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann is an interior designer in Naples, Fla.

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