If you want a kitchen built correctly, ASK THE COOK to design it with you. That simple truth is a basic tenant of independent living philosophy. It holds true whether you are designing a program to serve individuals with disabilities, a law or policy that seeks to "protect" individuals with disabilities and of course, when you are designing a kitchen itself!

This kitchen includes features that are frequently found in standard kitchens (basic countertop heights, cabinet heights, and kitchen accessories such as an automatic garbage disposal, instant hot water and spray nozzle.) It also has some high-tech and low-tech features that are designed to increase basic access. The high-tech features you'll find here include a sink that moves up and down electronically at the push of a button and some cabinetry that moves similarly.

These features are fashioned on the premise that a design can be manufactured to accommodate all persons, not just those with disabilities. This premise is called Universal Design, and it works on the simple understanding that when we create access that accommodates individuals with disabilities we inherently create access for all individuals! Want to test the theory? Think about this: Doesn't a cabinet which comes to the person create access for people who are 5'-1" tall? How about kids who want to get their cereal bowl in the morning? Think about it...

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Last modified: December 10, 2006