Within Reach

MOVERS & SHAKERS: Leedo's Freeport collection features maple cabinets with subtle straight lines and a simple, elegant finish. The cabinets are available in a variety of sizes and configurations and comply with ADA regulations. The smooth hardwood grain is enhanced by six of Leedo's available stains including natural, espresso, and toffee. All drawer glides come with a lifetime warranty so you'll never be stuck. For more information, call Leedo at 866-99-LEEDO or visit www.leedo.com.

While poorly designed kitchens and bathrooms with narrow openings, high cabinets, and awkward countertops are inconvenient for many people, they can be unusable for the 50 million Americans with disabilities.

Accessibility is important for everyone—not just the elderly or those in wheelchairs. For example, if the average individual under 5'4” were asked whether he or she could reach the highest cabinet shelf in their kitchen, they would probably say no. Instead, they must rely on step stools or tall spouses.

Today, a number of multifamily developers follow universal design standards for their projects—incorporating zero-threshold entrances and wide, 36-inch hallways. These standards help ensure that all space—from shopping malls to apartments—is safe, comfortable, and accessible for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability.

Cabinets are central in universal design, according to Joe Weatherly, project manager for AHC (Arlington Housing Corp.), an Arlington, Va.-based nonprofit developer and owner of affordable housing. The firm owns about 3,000 units and incorporates standards set forth in the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which specifies architectural requirements for new and remodeled properties.

And, because most of AHC's projects are funded with tax credits awarded by the Virginia Housing Development Authority, the firm must also follow the Authority's universal design guidelines when buying and installing cabinetry. As a result, AHC buys cabinets for all of its projects from Leedo Cabinetry of East Bernard, Texas.

At AHC's newest affordable housing project, the 94-unit Shelton in the Nauck community in Arlington, Va., the cabinets have the same finish and look as traditional cabinets, but are shorter and wider and have larger openings. Likewise, countertops are lower to provide access for individuals in wheelchairs.

Universal design standards also require specific types of hardware on cabinetry, including handles that are easy to grip. While many multifamily developers may overlook pulls and handles, those that build to universal design standards understand that these are tools essential for ease of access. “For us, universal design is just the way we do thing—the way we design and build our projects,” Weatherly notes. “It can make a huge difference in someone's life.”

Make a standard kitchen more user-friendly with Automated Cabinet Systems' Auto-Cab. It moves cabinets from the wall to reachable levels by a handheld remote, eliminating barriers associated with upper cabinets. Auto-Cab fits most standard cabinets and is available in five widths and three heights. For more information, call Automated Cabinet Systems at 866-794-6867 or visit www.automatedcabinetsystems.com.

Alno's new cabinet collection, Alnolux, features “tap-onfitting,” which allows all kitchen pull-outs, drawers, and wall units to automatically open and close when gently tapped. Alnolux combines ultra-high gloss with intense colors by using an acrylic paint that conveys a mirrored effect. The cabinets are available in rich coral, deep cocoa, or metallic graphite. For more information, call Alno at 617-896-2700 or visit www.alno.com.

Kraftmaid's Passport Series is the only cabinet series certified for universal design by the Institute for Technology Development. It also meets specifications recommended by the Americans With Disabilities Act. Cabinets feature a 9-inch-high, 6-inch-deep toe kick to allow for wheelchair access, as well as a raised dishwasher enclosure. For more information, call Kraftmaid at 1-888-562-7744 or visit www.kraftmaid.com.

Wellborn Cabinet Inc.'s Accessible Living Collection is a comprehensive line of accessible cabinets designed to foster independent living for people with special needs. Available in 10 styles and in Maple, Oak, or Thermafoil, the collection offers full access to countertops, cabinet bases that allow for wheelchair access, and pullout tables. For more information, contact Wellborn at 800-336-8040 or visit www.wellborn.com.

Häfele offers plenty of choices to put the finishing touches on cabinets or drawers, including the Arcadian Collection. Inspired by Arts and Crafts design, the collection complements traditional, transitional, and contemporary tastes. It also follows universal design standards. Pulls and handles are available in two colors—natural Britannium or old bronze. For more information, call Häfele at 800-423-3531 or visit www.hafele.com.