Although this does not affect everyone, it is important to understand the needs of the wheelchair user, or someone with limited mobility in the kitchen especially as we all get older and this can affect all of us. Postions of important work areas of the kitchen - sinks, cooker, fridge, workspace. As the trend is towards islands, these can actually be an impediment to the wheelchair or limited mobility person, by placing an obstruction in the path of moving around the kitchen. Placing the work areas in an L Shape is best allowing access to with least movement. When planning a kitchen for wheelchair use you must include turning space, which is larger than the width / length of the wheelchair itself. A turning radius of at least five feet allows the chair to turn, and should be included in all the work areas. Worktop Height - This is crucial to being able to use the kitchen effectively. The work area worktop must be positioned at an ideal height for the wheelchair, with space underneath to tuck the chair in. If you have limited mobility, then standard height worktops would be better. In both cases, make sure everything is in easy reach, including plug sockets. The Kitchen Sink - This too needs space under for a wheelchair to go under, but remember the bowl depth too as this will stop the chair or bang the legs. Choose a sink with plumbing at the back to maximise room / comfort while using the sink - after all do you want the u-bend hitting your leg when you use the sink? Taps too can be positioned to the side of the sink, instead of at the rear to make the handles / spout easier to reach. Lever handles are simple to use requiring less effort to operate. Longer lever taps (up to six inches) are also available. Consider too a single lever tap, if you have limited use of arms or hands. Kitchen Cabinets - make full use of the gadgets available like lazy susan or pull out shelving for cupboards. You could also use drawers instead of cupboards to make the back objects more accessible. If you are installing wall cabinets, think of the position so objects inside can be reached with the use of a grabber. Dont forget ergonomic handles to make opening as easy as possible. Appliances - Position at a good working height. For wheelchair users use side by side under counter fridge and freezer to maximise access, but if you have trouble bending, use a built in fridge and freezer at waist height. For cooking a split hob and oven is most flexible, allowing the oven to placed conveniently lower down for chair, to waist height for those who have difficulty bending. The hob can be placed in the worktop at the right height. When designing a kitchen everyones needs are different and this brief guide should give you ideas to think about in the planning process. Ask the kitchen designer as they will be able to give lots more advice on a kitchen best suited to your needs.