How to Make Cabinets Handicap Accessible

Installing New Cabinets

• 1

  Draw a sketch of your kitchen or bathroom, placing the cabinets in the most convenient locations. Remember, you will need space to fit a wheelchair under the counter, so plan to keep some areas under the counter free of cabinets. You will also need to allow at least 40 inches between cabinets on opposite walls to allow space for a wheelchair to move.

• 2

  Purchase cabinets with special features, such as slide-out shelves, drawer extension glides and, for the kitchen, pull out baskets and cutting boards.

• 3

  Install cabinets under the countertops that have a 10-inch, recessed toe-kick. This will allow a person in a wheelchair to pull closer to the cabinet and enable him or her to reach to the back of the cabinet. The cabinets should be no higher than 34 inches to allow a person in a wheelchair to reach the countertop comfortably.

• 4

  Install wall-mounted cabinets that sit 15 inches above the counter as opposed to the standard 18 inches. This will allow a person sitting in a wheelchair to reach the shelves.

Modifying Existing Cabinets

• 5

  Divide the items in your kitchen or bathroom into two categories: essential and non-essential items.

• 6

  Install pull-out drawers or shelves in all your lower cabinets.

• 7

  Move all essential items to your lower cabinets. Store infrequently used items in higher cabinets.