A Wheelchair-Accessible Sink for a Special Needs Classroom
By Horn, Elaine; Poplus, Raeanna; Ranney, Jesse; Smith, Brent; Rice, David A.; NSF 2008 Engineering Senior Design Projects to Aid Persons With Disabilities, pp. 170-171Publication Date: 2011
Description of a wheelchair-accessible sink designed for students in a special education program. The Wheelchair-Accessible Sink is a rectangular, drop-in, self-rimming stainless steel sink placed in an existing countertop that was modified and raised about 2 inches to meet ADA standards. Its shape and shallow depth reduces splashing while permitting wheelchairs to fit underneath. It is placed forward in the countertop with the drain to the rear to facilitate accessibility. A single handle, ADA approved mixing faucet with a swivel spigot was installed forward of the basin to permit access. A removable lanyard that snaps onto the surface of the countertop prevents the faucet from being positioned outside the basin, and a flow restricting aerator further controls splashing. The Wheelchair Accessible Sink was designed for a classroom for special needs high school students, where the teacher uses it to teach hygiene and other skills. It was designed by students at Tulane University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering at a total project cost of 700 dollars.
Published by: Creative Learning Press, Inc. (Website:http://www.creativelearningpress.com)
Link to text: http://nsf-pad.bme.uconn.edu/2008/Chapter%209,%20Tulane%20University.pdf
ISBN: ISBN 1-931280-15-0
