To help you in planning for a wheelchair accessible kitchen or bath, consider these Accessibility Guidelines from the ADA: Size and Approach The minimum clear floor or ground space required to accommodate a single, stationary wheelchair and occupant is 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm). The minimum clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be positioned for forward or parallel approach to an object. Clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be part of the knee space required under some objects. Forward Reach If the clear floor space only allows forward approach to an object, the maximum high forward reach allowed shall be 48 in (1220 mm). The minimum low forward reach is 15 in (380 mm). Side Reach If the clear floor space allows parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair, the maximum high side reach allowed shall be 54 in (1370 mm) and the low side reach shall be no less than 9 in (230 mm) above the floor. ACCESSIBLE SINKS AND LAVATORIES Height and Clearances Kitchen sinks shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34 in (865 mm) above the finish floor. Knee clearance that is at least 27 in (685 mm) high, 30 in (760 mm) wide, and 19 in (485 mm) deep shall be provided underneath sinks. The clear knee space shall be 8 in. (205 mm) in depth minimum at 27 in (685 mm) minimum above the floor or ground and 11 in (280 mm) in depth minimum at 9 in (230 mm) minimum above the floor or ground. Depth Each sink shall be a maximum of 6-1/2 in (165 mm) deep. Exposed Pipes and Surfaces Hot water and drain pipes under lavatories and sinks shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories. EXCEPTION 1: Sinks used primarily by children ages 6 through 12 shall be permitted to have a knee clearance 24 in (610 mm) high minimum provided that the rim or counter surface is no higher than 31 in (760 mm). EXCEPTION 2: Sinks used primarily by children ages 5 and younger shall not be required to provide knee clearance if clear floor space for a parallel approach is provided Height and Clearances Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34 in (865 mm) above the finish floor. Provide a clearance of at least 29 in (735 mm) above the finish floor to the bottom of the apron. EXCEPTION 1: Lavatories used primarily by children ages 6 through 12 shall be permitted to have an apron clearance and a knee clearance 24 in (610 mm) high minimum provided that the rim or counter surface is no higher than 31 in (760 mm). EXCEPTION 2: Lavatories used primarily by children ages 5 and younger shall not be required to meet these clearances if clear floor space for a parallel approach is provided. COOKTOPS AND WORKSURFACES Cooktops Ranges shall have the same knee space and clearance requirements as sinks and lavatories. Insulation or protection of the exposed contact areas is required for protection against burns, abrasions, or electrical shock. The location of controls for ranges and cooktops shall not require reaching across burners. Seating, work surfaces and tables The height of any type of counter, table or work surface is related to the needs of the wheelchair user rather than the occupancy. Different types of work require different work surface heights for comfort and optimal performance. Light detailed work, such as writing, requires a work surface close to elbow height for a standing person. Heavy manual work, such as rolling dough, requires a work surface height about 10 in. (255 mm) below elbow height for a standing person. The principle of a high work surface for light detailed work and a low work surface height for heavy manual work also applies for seated persons, however, the limiting condition for seated manual work is clearance under the work surface. ACCESSIBLE CABINETRY Height Accessible storage spaces shall be within at least one of the reach ranges specified: the maximum high forward reach allowed shall be 48 in (1220 mm). The minimum low forward reach is 15 in (380 mm); the maximum high side reach allowed shall be 54 in (1370 mm) and the low side reach shall be no less than 9 in (230 mm) above the floor. Clear Floor Space A clear floor space at least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) that allows either a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair shall be provided at accessible storage facilities.