Welcome to the Tech Kitchen

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)
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.

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.

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

College Students Gain Cooking Confidence

Kaity chops mushrooms with a suction cup board safety glove and nylon knife

Kaity drains spaghetti into an over the sink collander while wearing heat safety gloves

Jac shows Sydney how to brown hamburger Sidney is cooking on an induction burner and using heat resistant gloves

When vision loss occurs early in life, teenagers and young adults often have limited opportunities to gain experience cooking skills. For many college students with visual disabilities, the kitchen can be a stressful place. Family members, teachers, and the students themselves may have fears and anxiety about preparing their own meals and working with potentially dangerous tools like knives and stove tops.

To address this issue, a former customer of the Tech Kitchen Program, now working in the Student Success Center at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville (SIUE) asked IATP Tech Kitchen staff to come to campus to teach a low vision group cooking class.

After receiving referrals from their DRS Counselors (a requirement to access the full Tech Kitchen Program), Daniel, Kaity, and Sidney participated in the class, which was held on the SIUE campus in a shared dorm kitchen. The group prepared spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, and a chopped salad with support from the IATP Tech Kitchen staff. Basic techniques for knife and heat safety were covered. The students tried various kitchen-related assistive technology (AT) including safety knives, talking thermometers, an induction burner, microwave cookers, and an air fryer.

Throughout the class, the students discussed the tools and techniques. They encouraged and supported each other. Knowing they were not alone as they navigated the complexities of low vision cooking made it much less daunting.

The students demonstrated increased cooking confidence. Using the assistive technology led to the “game changer” realization that kitchen skills were within their reach. After cooking, the students shared the meal. For some, it was the first time they had made an entire (and tasty) meal from scratch; they were all thrilled with what they accomplished. IATP staff will follow up with individual sessions specific to each student as they continue their academic careers or prepare for graduation and employment.