Assistive Technology for the Kitchen
Most people with disabilities want to function as independently as possible, and there are numerous assistive devices that help people with limited mobility perform typical tasks necessary for daily living. This includes assistive technology for the kitchen, devices that help people with disabilities prepare, serve and eat meals safely and easily. The specific assistive devices needed depend on the type of disability a person has.
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Assistive Technology for the Blind
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Assistive kitchen technology for the blind includes talking timers, kitchen scales and thermometers, Braille timers, stove knobs with Braille lettering or numbers and Braille labels on appliances such as microwave ovens. Blind people can also use Braille labels on kitchen accessories such as measuring cups and measuring spoons. Grocery stores do not sell canned goods or boxed food items with Braille labels, but blind people can make their own labels for items to make selecting food from a well-stocked kitchen cupboard easier.
Assistive Technology for the Deaf
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Deaf people usually need fewer assistive devices in the kitchen than people with some other disabilities. Assistive kitchen technology for the deaf includes extra loud timers, timers that flash instead of ring and smoke detectors that flash instead of beep.
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Assistive Technology for the Physically Disabled
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The specific needs of physically disabled people vary based on their disability, but numerous devices and strategies exist for helping people function independently in the kitchen. Assistive devices include utensils with extra large handles to make them easier to hold, weighted utensils that reduce hand tremors and weighted dishes or dishes with suction cups on the bottom that don't slide out of place while eating. Automatic jar and bottle openers also make opening containers easier.
Assistive Technology for the Mentally Disabled
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People with mental disabilities may benefit from devices like kitchen timers to remind them to turn off the stove or take food out of the oven. People who experience difficulty using the stove or oven safely may also benefit from doing all cooking in a microwave oven, and recipes with illustrated instructions can assist those with limited reading skills.
Selecting Assistive Technology
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Occupational therapists help people with disabilities select the appropriate assistive technology. Many cities also have organizations such as a local branch of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired or a speech and hearing center that help blind and deaf people select the appropriate assistive technology for their needs.
Paying for It
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Health insurance may pay for occupational therapy, and some organizations such as a speech and hearing center provide low-cost or free services. Insurance might pay for some assistive devices as well, but in many cases it won't. Organizations that help disabled people select assistive devices are the best source to help people find ways to pay for the technology.
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References
- American Foundation for the Blind: Appliance Accessibility Guide
- College of New Jersey: Assistive Technology for People Who Are Deaf
- University of Texas at Austin: Kitchen Assistive Technology
- Columbus Speech and Hearing Center: Comprehensive Program for the Deaf
- Cincinnati Association for the Blind: Low Vision Service
Resources
- Photo Credit green kitchen image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com
