GE Real Life Design Kitchen

The GE Real Life Design Kitchen was donated by GE Appliances. This kitchen takes into account that not everyone fits is average, so it provides working space for adults and children, as well as individuals with a wide range of physical and mental abilities and impairments. This kitchen was designed by Mary Jo Peterson to conform to the 1996 NKBA kitchen design guidelines and promotes the use and application of principles universal design.

Open and pull-down shelves, roll-out drawers, built-in step stool, recycling center and vertical dividers provide accessible storage. Counters of varying heights and the motorized, adjustable sink give everyone a workspace at their desired height. A lowered work area with knee space designed for an individual seated in a wheelchair or on a stool contains a small auxiliary sink and a GE reverse osmosis water filter system. A roll-out table and cart allow the seated cook more access to workspace and assistance in food preparation, serving and clean-up.

Appliance accessibility is improved through the use of a raised dishwasher, side-by-side refrigerator, and glass ceramic cook top with knee space beneath. Other GE appliances available in this kitchen include a built-in Trivection wall oven positioned to provide convenient landing space from the oven, a built-in Advantium 120 oven that cooks with microwave energy and light, a space saver microwave oven, and a Smart Dispense dishwasher installed at the standard height.

The Corian solid surface countertop by Dupont contains a raised band to serve as a visual and tactile cue for the visually impaired user. Ceramic tile next to the cook top and on the peninsula provides a heat resist landing space for the cook top and oven. The flooring is Maroleum linoleum by Forbo Flooring. Faucets in the kitchen are by Kohler.