The AODA does not yet include standards governing the housing sector. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends new standards in various sectors, and suggests guidelines for future housing standards. In addition, the review recommends that future AODA standards should align with existing standards in other parts of the country. For instance, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) have developed federal standards for accessible housing. Future AODA housing standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make people’s homes more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal housing standards for accessible kitchens in housing.
Accessible Kitchens in Housing
Everyone should be able to reach and use their own kitchens. Therefore, the measurements in the standards for paths of travel within housing apply to kitchens. In other words, kitchens should be spacious enough for people to reach all appliances and fixtures, including:
- Stoves
- Ovens
- Microwaves
- Fridges
- Freezers
- Sinks
- Dishwashers
Moreover, there should be enough floor space for people using assistive devices to:
- Turn around
- Open and navigate around drawers and cupboards
Furthermore, the standards recommend reinforcing in kitchen walls and ceilings. This reinforcing can support people using lifts to:
- Move hot or heavy pots
- Transfer from an assistive device to a kitchen chair
Similarly, the standards recommend placement of electrical outlets:
- At the front of counters
- On side walls
These placements allow people to reach the outlets easily.
Moreover, the standards list requirements for good lighting around:
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Work surfaces, such as countertops
Counters
In addition, the standards list measurements for counters, including:
- Height
- Width
- Depth
Furthermore, counters should have knee and toe clearance in front of all appliances. Likewise, at least one (1) section of counter should be at an appropriate height for someone seated. Similarly, this section of countertop should:
- Have knee and toe clearance
- Include an electrical outlet
- Have a front edge:
- With good colour contrast
- That can support heavy loads
- Be made of material that:
- Is smooth, and not sharp
- Resists heat
Alternatively, a counter at average standing height can include a lower work surface people can pull out to use. The standards suggest that having counters at different heights can meet the needs of many people.
Storage
The standards recommend options for open and closed storage, including:
- Drawers below counters
- Shelves that can be pulled forward or down, manually or electronically
- Lazy Susans that can spin
The standards list height measurements for shelves. Moreover, requirements for home controls should apply to storage spaces, such as handles on drawers or cabinets.
Sinks and Stoves
Similarly, requirements for home controls should also apply to faucets on sinks, and other appliance controls. Moreover, all pipes, and the knee clearance areas near all appliances, should be protected so that people contacting those surfaces do not injure themselves. Similarly, appliances should have safety features such as automatic shut-offs. Likewise, gas burners should have automatic ignitions. Stove controls should be in front of or beside the burners, not behind them. Likewise, stoves should be level with the counter, with counter and storage space beside them. The stove and sink should be on the same side of the kitchen, instead of across from each other. Alternatively, a pot filler above the stove allows people to fill pots safely rather than move them across the room.
When possible, stoves and ovens should be beside each other, instead of the stove being above the oven.
Fridges and Freezers
Likewise, when possible, fridges and freezers should be beside each other, instead of one appliance being on top of the other. However, if side-by-side setup is not possible, the fridge should be above the freezer. The standards recommend that fridges should have the same depth as counters. Similarly, freezers should be upright instead of chest style, and should be frost-free.