Learn to Cook Using Assistive Technology Devices and Techniques

The Tech Kitchen program helps eligible customers with disabilities learn about and choose appropriate assistive technology tools necessary for developing and/or improving their cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen. Program participants use adapted tools while learning cooking techniques and strategies with professional guidance and instruction. Our team includes a Professional Chef, Occupational Therapy staff, and other IATP assistive technology professionals working as a team to best meet the participant’s needs.

A variety of adaptive tools including no slip utensils talking timers adapted grips and a tactile timer scaled 1

Program Requirements:

Participation in the Tech Kitchen Training Program is currently open to persons who meet all of the following requirements:

  • Receive services from specific departments within the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS):
    • Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS/DORS)
    • Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau of Field Services (BFS)
    • Bureau of Community Care and Blind Services (BCCBS)
    • Home Services Program (HSP) including customers working with managed care organizations (MCO)
  • Are at least 14 years old
  • Are referred by their DRS Counselor. If needed, you can ask your counselor to contact us for more information.
  • Complete the IATP Tech Kitchen intake process
  • Participate in an initial assessment visit either onsite in the Tech Kitchen, in-person at your home, or virtually.
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What Makes the Tech Kitchen Unique:

  • Accessible Kitchen: Our fully accessible kitchen showcases a range of simple to high-tech kitchen assistive technology that can be adapted to many different needs. If you are unable to travel to IATP, training can be provided in your home – we bring the equipment to you!

  • Cooking with Assistive Technology: The Tech Kitchen’s one-on-one training sessions focus on choosing appropriate assistive technology tools for improving cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen. Training typically includes several sessions and is based on the participant’s identified needs and goals and can include cooking, baking, nutrition, menu planning, and more.

  • Assistive Technology (AT) Kitchen Tool Recommendations: Our staff works with participants to set specific goals and create a plan for choosing and using assistive technology tools in the kitchen. Participants try different tools while learning strategies and cooking techniques. Assistive Technology tools that meet the persons’ needs are typically provided at no cost on a long-term loan basis.

  • Professional Staff: The program has a full-time professional chef and licensed occupational therapy staff who work together with the customers and are trained to use assistive technology tools and strategies that address specific needs and abilities for meal preparation.

  • Community Resource: IATP staff are available for remote or in-person assistive technology-related cooking demonstrations and educational presentations geared for businesses, schools, and groups that want to learn how to make cooking accessible to everyone.
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You will Learn To:

  • Use kitchen technology that addresses your specific disability needs
  • Cook when your hands are shaky or clumsy
  • Prepare food when seated in a wheelchair, scooter, or rollator
  • Follow a recipe when you can’t see or read well
  • Organize and stay focused when cooking
  • Prepare and cook efficiently to avoid getting overtired
  • Plan for and cook tasty food that matches your dietary needs
  • Practice kitchen safety
  • Gain confidence to cook for yourself or your family and friends
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Tech Kitchen Spotlight

Meet Carlos

Carlos B using rocker knife

Carlos using rocker knife

Carlos, who lives with his wife and two children, has cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair. Carlos wanted to prepare more complex recipes. He hoped to increase his cooking skills by learning new recipes and finding tools that worked well for him so he could feel confident making a variety of dishes on his own. His goal was to take over some of the cooking responsibilities from his wife who works long hours.

Carlos worked with the Tech Kitchen’s occupational therapy staff to assess how he currently maneuvers around his kitchen. Challenges included the taller kitchen cabinets, narrow corners, and shelves, and transferring items from the kitchen table to the countertops by the stove and microwave. After trialing several options to improve navigation, an adjustable height rolling table, lazy Susan style storage bin, and magnetic spice racks were helpful. Carlos also found tools like heat gloves, an air fryer, bag openers, chicken shredder, and resealable bag holders to be cooking game changers. During several training sessions, Carlos prepared shredded chicken quesadillas, grilled cheese, and pico-de-gallo. He is shown in the photos using a rocker knife, pronged cutting board, and finger guard to dice the tomatoes quickly and safely for his tasty, made from scratch pico-de-gallo.