Elements of design and function are what make any area of your kitchen accessible, from countertops and sinks to cabinets, cooktops, and electrical outlets.
 
Federal Accessibility Standards provide a minimum level of accessibility enforceable by law. These standards do not apply to private residential housing. They are, however, a point of departure to gauge the level of accessibility that we may require in our home.

With this in mind, be aware of your own needs as a person with a disability and what works for you. Design and remodel for your greatest ease of use, no matter what a standard says.

Accessible Floor Space
A minimum 30 inches x 48 inches of clear floor space is necessary in front of each element to ensure maneuvering room. You will also improve accessibility throughout the kitchen by incorporating a 60-inch turning radius in the room. The turning radius and clear floor space required in front of elements like your sink, stove, refrigerator, etc. may overlap.

Doors
For entry doors into and out of the kitchen and any pantry or closet doors within the kitchen, you will want to plan for 32-inch clear openings from door face to door jam with the door open 90◦. Also plan for at least 18 inches of clear wall space on the latch side of the doors as the doors pull toward you. Clear openings can be expanded by the use of swing clear hinges and sliding pocket or accordion style doors. For cabinets and cupboards, plan for at least a 30-inch x 48-inch clear floor space in front of the doors.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink
Plan for clear floor space; and maneuverability under the sink. Place accessible faucet handles within reach ranges; place the sink top between 28 inches and 34 inches above the finished floor. If your legs have a chance of coming in contact with hot water supply and drain pipes, apply insulation to the pipes to prevent burns.

Countertops and Cabinets
Plan an accessible 36-inch wide counter area with its surface at 28 inches to 34 inches above the finished floor; knee clearance under the counter should be at least 27-inches high, 30-inches wide, and 19-inches deep. This can provide an accessible work area for preparing meals, etc.

Cabinets or other storage over a counter may need to be as low as 44 inches above the finished floor; if they are more than 20 inches back from the leading edge of the counter. Pull-down or pull-out shelves can enhance the accessibility of these storage areas, allowing greater access to food items and cook wares. 

Stove
Push-button controls can make a stove more accessible if you have limitations with dexterity. Having all controls at the front of the stove can also be beneficial and can prevent reaching over hot burners to adjust controls at the back of the stove.

Other Elements
Use accessible reach ranges as a resource for placement of controls, switches and amenities (see link above). Locate outlets at least 15 inches or higher if not part of a counter; place light switches, towel bars, and other elements 48 inches or lower. If you have limitations with pinching and grasping, look at controls and hardware that incorporate levers or loop handles easily operated with a closed fist. This will include your door hardware, cabinet hardware, sink and stove controls.

See Related Articles
To learn more about financing your accessible home or remodels, see Financing an Accessible Home: How to Retrofit and Stay Within Your Budget.

Check out Accessible Bathrooms: Sinks, Counters, and Appliances to learn more about making your bathroom accessible.