ADA Approved Dishwashers

ADA Dishwasher Compiance Guidelines

• In order to be ADA-compliant, manufacturers must meet criteria specified under the Americans With Disabilities Act regarding the height of the dishwasher, the placement of controls, the maximum number of inches to reach controls, and the floor space clearance for accessibility by wheelchair. Dishwashers must have controls that are accessible within arm’s reach (between 14 and 48 inches above the floor) and the user should be able to operate the controls with one hand, using no more than five pounds of pressure. The dishwasher cannot require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. Racks are designed for front access to load and unload dishes, versus side or top access.

ADA Dishwasher Features

• ADA-compliant dishwashers feature just about every high-tech innovation that you find in conventional dishwashers. They come in every type of finish from stainless steel to enamel-coated models with white, black or beige colors. They have all the popular programmable settings for normal, heavy and delicate wash. The ADA-compliant, front-loading features make it comfortable for users to slide out racks to load dishes, dinnerware and glasses and unload them after cycles have completed. There are drawer-style dishwashers to make loading and unloading easier, and models with control names in large graphics for easier visibility and access.

Kitchen and Counter Requirements

• Any dishwasher in a HUD or FHA public housing building or in an apartment or condominium fitted for the disabled must comply with additional ADA guidelines. For example, kitchens must have work surface countertops no higher than 34 inches above the finished floor. As a result, ADA-compliant dishwashers are typically built no taller than 32 inches so they can fit underneath countertops. In addition, Section 804.6.3 Dishwasher of the ADA Guidelines states, “Clear floor or ground space shall be positioned adjacent to the dishwasher door. The dishwasher door, in the open position, shall not obstruct the clear floor or ground space for the dishwasher or the sink.” In other words, builders must install sufficient clearance for a person in a wheelchair to access and operate the dishwasher in homes covered by the act. .

Manufacturers and Prices

• Manufacturers of ADA-compliant dishwashers include well-known names, such as Amana, Ariston, ASKO, Avanti, Conserv Equator, Danby, Eurotech, Fisher & Paykel, Frigidaire, General Electric, Summit and Whirlpool. Most manufacturers often consumers multiple ADA-compliant models to select from with loading capacities that range from eight to 12 place settings. Prices for ADA-compliant dishwashers range from $400 to $1,900 and higher, based on the capacity of the unit and its features, as of September 2011.