The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s knowledge of accessibility standards, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, which are referenced for designing accessiblespaces like kitchens. The allowable reach range for an obstructed side reach over a kitchen counter ensures that individuals using wheelchairs can access controls or items.
ADA Requirements:According to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Section 308.3, the allowable reach range for an obstructed side reach (e.g., over a counter) is 15 inches (380 mm) minimum to 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finished floor. An obstructed side reach occurs when a person in a wheelchair must reach over an obstacle, such as a counter, to access an element. The counter depth cannot exceed 24 inches (610 mm) for this range to apply, which is typical for a kitchen counter.
Option A (34" [914 mm] to 46" [1168 mm]):This range aligns with an unobstructed side reach (per ADA Section 308.2), not an obstructed reach over a counter. For an unobstructed side reach, the maximum height is 48 inches, but the minimum is not 34 inches, and this does not apply to an obstructed scenario.
Option B (15" [381 mm] to 48" [1219 mm]):This matches the ADA requirement for an obstructed side reach over a counter, making it the correct choice. The range ensures that controls or items are within reach for a person in a wheelchair.
Option C (18" [457 mm] to 48" [1219 mm]):The minimum of 18 inches is too high; the ADA specifies 15 inches as the minimum for an obstructed side reach to ensure accessibility for individuals with limited reach capabilities.
Correction of Typographical Error:
The original question lists only three options (A, B, C), but the NCIDQ format typically includes four options (A, B, C, D). The missing Option D does not affect the answer, as Option B is clearly the correct choice based on the given options. For completeness, a potential Option D might be something like “24" [610 mm] to 54" [1372 mm],” which would be incorrect per ADA standards.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified from the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as referenced in NCIDQ IDPX study materials.
“Where a clear floor space allows a parallel approach to an element and the high side reach is over an obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. The high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 10 inches (255 mm) maximum. The low side reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum.” (2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Section 308.3)
The 2010 ADA Standards specify that for an obstructed side reach over a counter, the allowable range is 15 inches to 48 inches above the finished floor, assuming the counter depth is within the allowable limit (24 inches). Option B matches this requirement, making it the correct answer.
Objectives:
Understand accessibility requirements for reach ranges (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Codes and Standards).
Apply ADA guidelines to ensure inclusive design in kitchens (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Building Regulations).
[References:, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Section 308.3., NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Codes and Standards Section., National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), IDPX Exam Blueprint, Section on Codes and Standards., , ]
