Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set
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wood kitchens for kids
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I get many questions concerning details of an accessible kitchen. Questions like, what is the proper countertop height from the floor to the top of the counter, or what is the proper toe-kick. The list goes on and on. Are there special appliances or cabinets? In this report I will cover the basics, cabinets, flooring, lighting, electrical, and finally appliances.
Cabinets
Most cabinet manufacturers offer exact Ada compliant cabinets which will give you a final countertop height of 32" from the floor to the top of the counter. They will also consist of the allowable toe-kick of 9" high by 6" deep. This provides room for the foot rest of a wheelchair to slide under the edge of the cabinet. This however does not supply passage to the cook-top or sink. The base cabinets that will house these items will need to have knee space under the countertop. Now upper cabinets present a dissimilar set of problems. Even if they are installed at the proper height above the base cabinets only the bottom shelf will be accessible to someone seated in a wheelchair. I personally like to lower them an additional one 6" so that the bottom two shelves are accessible. Or you could save the charge and just leave them out. One last item, the base cabinets should have large deep drawers instead of cabinet doors, as these are more accessible.
Flooring
The flooring should be hard surface, such as wood or ceramic tile or stone. You should avoid any kind of flooring that has give or is cushioned. This kind of floor makes it difficult to move a hand-operated wheelchair around as does wall to wall carpet or area rugs. Avoid these items if at all possible. Even the most innocent of kitchen rugs can be a hazardous tripping hazard for the disabled or elderly.
Lighting
With today's need to be green, lighting for the accessible kitchen is no longer determined specialized. The use of Cfl (Compact Florescent Light) bulbs and Led under cabinet low voltage task lighting is common place. So the only thing that admittedly needs to be said is that you need to supply task lighting in all food preparing areas.
Electrical
This is one area that is often overlooked as far where and how to setup electrical outlets and switches in an accessible kitchen. Wall outlets are ordinarily placed behind the base cabinet, whether above or in the backsplash. For someone seated in a wheelchair this means they have to make a hazardous reach in order to use the outlet. It is great to setup the outlet in the face of the base cabinet, just under the countertop. Or a popup multi-outlet can be installed in the countertop itself within easy reach of the wheelchair occupant. Switches should be placed at 48" above the floor so that they are within reach of the wheelchair occupant. Use rocker type switches for those with limited use of their fingers. finally outlets that are on a wall without cabinets should be at least 18" above the floor for a safe reach in a wheelchair.
Appliances
While there is no need for specialized or practice appliances, definite types of appliances are best in an accessible kitchen. Let's start with the stove for example, a accepted range cannot be used, A detach cook-top and oven unit will need to be used. As mentioned before the cook-top will need a knee space below the cabinet. The oven should be mounted in a base cabinet so it can be admittedly loaded and unloaded. A heat defiant exterior at countertop level should be provided to place hot pans on. Next a drawer type dishwasher can be mounted conventionally and admittedly accessed from a wheelchair. However, a proper front loading dishwasher will need to be raised 9" to make it easy to load and unload. The sinks will have to have rear mounted drains to allow for the knee space beneath and still allow for a disposal. The microwave should be mounted below the countertop. finally the refrigerator should whether be a side by side model or a French door model with the freezer on the bottom.
There are probably other items that you can do to make a kitchen even more accessible. Try sitting in a proper kitchen chair in front of a problem area and ask yourself what can I change, that will make this area more accessible. I hope this helps those of you who need to make your kitchen more accessible for a wheelchair. If you have any questions don't hesitate ask. Remember breath Peace and God's Love.....
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While throwing your child a birthday party is high on any parents list, most citizen don't want to spend a fortune for the celebration. Depending on the time of year and your budget, there are some great options for the location of the party (other than your home).
If you do decide to throw a party surface your home, be sure to consist of your child in the location decision. If the child is young, you may want to bring them to the location prior to the party so that they can get comfortable and excited about the upcoming event. Most kids look forwarding to opening their presents at the end of their party. So whatever selection you choose, make sure you set aside a extra place where all the party goers can place the birthday gifts.
1. Town Park Shelter. Many local communities offer rental shelters at the parks where they have picnic tables, grills and play equipment for the kids. The older children can go play while the adults hang out. The food doesn't have to be gourmet, instead keep it uncomplicated and easy like barbecuing hot dogs or burgers or a merge baked lasagnas with salad. Corollary up with a fun birthday cake from your local storehouse club, grocery store or your own kitchen.
2. Fast Food Restaurant. Both McDonald's and Hardees offer kids parties that consist of a party hostess, food and cake at uncostly prices. The other great thing about these restaurants is that many have Playlands or plastic ball pits so that the kids can be entertained while the adults chit-chat and relax a bit.
3. Children's or Science Museum. If you have a larger budget, a local science or children's museum can be a great place to hold a birthday party. Some places have party hostesses and provide some supplies, so just check what they provide in your city. You may only need to bring a birthday cake and presents.
4. Movie Theater. Many towns have uncostly or dollar show theaters that will rent out the entire theater or give you big group reduction as well as discounts on snacks and soda. Some theaters will let you bring in some of your own snacks and a cake so just check and see what can be done at your local theater by speaking with the manager.
5. Neighborhood Club House. If you live in a planned community, chances are that you have a club house in your neighborhood or apartment complex. Often these rooms are either free or can be rented for a nominal fee by residents. The club house would likely give you more room than your home, but it would still be close sufficient that you could set up the birthday party relatively easily. Not to mention, you don't have to clean your house!
6. Local Fire Department. Often times, local fire departments have rooms that they will allow local residents apply for free or for a nominal fee. Some fire departments will even give the children of a inexpressive birthday party a tour of the branch and let them try on some of the firefighters' gear and get their photos taken. These pictures make great keepsake gifts for all the children.
reasonable Kids Birthday Party Locations
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