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Over 100 ways to improve access at home

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Ways to improve access at home

Kitchen

This section offers solutions to the following access barriers:

The hotplate controls are too small to grasp
The hotplate control markers are very small
The oven door is in the way when removing items from the oven
There is no set down area next to the oven
The oven is too low
The shelves in the fridge are too deep, high or low
The sink, stove and fridge are too far apart

1. The hotplate controls are too small to grasp

Use a contour turner over the top of the hotplate controls to help with turning them.

Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. for information.

Consider using other appliances for cooking that may be easier to operate eg. a freestanding single hotplate, a microwave oven, a small grill oven, a crock-pot or an electric fry pan.

Contour turner

2. The hotplate control markers are very small

Place fluorescent markers, stickers or puff paint (dimensional fabric paint – these paints have a raised surface) on the hotplate controls to highlight them and make them more visible.

Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. or your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.

Install direct lighting to the cooking area. This might be a light in the range hood or a ‘down light’ above the kitchen bench.

The installation of lighting will require assistance from a tradesperson or electrician. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.

Fluorescent markers

Top of page

3. The oven is in the way when removing items from the oven

Replace oven with a model which has a side opening door.

Oven with side-opening door

4. There is no set down area next to the oven

Clear bench space near the oven to ensure there is a safe set down area next to the over.
Use a trolley with wheels to move items to a clear bench space.
If you use a wheelchair for mobility consider using a stable table as a set down area.

These items ae available from hardware stores or discount department stores. Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. for information.

5. The oven is too low

Place a firm chair next to the oven to sit on while using the oven.
Consider using cooking appliances that can be placed on a bench eg. a microwave oven, a small grill oven or an electric fry pan.

6. The shelves in the fridge are too deep, high or low

Store most-used items within easy reach in the fridge.
Place a firm chair or stool next to the fridge to sit on while reaching items on the lower shelves.

7. The sink, stove and fridge are too far apart

Use a trolley with wheels to move heavy items around the kitchen.
If you use a wheelchair for mobility consider using a stable table to move items around the kitchen.

Available from hardware and furniture stores or contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. for information.

Trolley