Learn to Cook Using Assistive Technology Devices and Techniques

The Tech Kitchen helps eligible customers with disabilities and functional limitations 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 from our Chef and Occupational Therapy staff, working as a team.

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
knife slicing a strawberry on a cutting board modified with assistive technology to stabilize the fruit

Using assistive technology to empower independence and confidence for cooking; it’s IATP’s recipe for success!

Program Requirements:

Participants must be at least 14 years of age and will go through an application with IATP staff to determine their goals, and how the Tech Kitchen program might be helpful. The Tech Kitchen training program will initially focus on serving those who receive services from one of the major bureaus of the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), however if you need help, please contact us. If you are interested in being referred for evaluation and training through DRS please reach out to your case manager or refer them to Tech Kitchen staff with questions at (217) 522-7985 or techkitchen@iltech.org

The Tech Kitchen Provides:

  • Accessible Kitchen Classroom: Our fully accessible kitchen classroom can be adapted to a wide range of accessibility needs and showcases a range from simple to to high-tech solutions for kitchen tools.

  • Customized Cooking Classes: Classes focus on increasing independence and confidence in the kitchen. Trainings are based on the participant’s goals and include cooking, baking, nutrition, menu planning, and more. Length of trainings will be customized for each person but typically range from 8-12 hours total instruction across 1-4 days. The days can be spaced out across several weeks if needed.

  • Assistive Technology (AT) Kitchen Tool Recommendations: During the application and planning process, staff work with participants to set specific goals and create a plan for choosing and using assistive technology tools in the kitchen. Participants can try different tools and ideas to decide what works best for them.

  • Professional Staff: The program has a full-time professional chef who will teach you to prepare tasty food and licensed Occupational Therapy staff trained to use assistive technology and techniques to address your specific needs and abilities.

  • Community Resources: IATP staff are available for remote or in-person cooking demonstrations and trainings. Great for businesses, schools, and groups who want to learn how to make cooking accessible to everyone.

Tech Kitchen staff are also available for cooking and assistive technology demonstrations for individuals and groups. Contact us to schedule a tour or demonstration of kitchen devices.