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

Can Be Caused by:

Conditions such as spinal cord or brain injuries, cerebral palsy, stroke, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, leg amputations and Parkinson’s disease can result in the need to use a wheelchair for mobility.

How These Disabilities Can Affect Meal preparation:

Working in the kitchen from a wheelchair limits maneuverability especially in small kitchens and restricts bending, reaching, lifting and carrying items. Additionally, the person in the wheelchair may have trouble seeing the food cooking on the stove and items in cabinets above or below eye level. Hand strength, coordination and use of both hands may also be affected

What To Think About:

Create lower work surface heights, organize placement of frequently used food and utensils, use adapted kitchen tools that compensate for weak grasp and decreased coordination.

Assistive Technology Tools, Tips & Techniques, Kitchen Modifications

(These are examples, not an inclusive list)

Assistive Technology Tools

  • Place angled mirrors above the stove or install a camera system that shows the food being cooked on the stove.
  • Use reachers/grabbers to pick up or place items.
  • Use sliding appliance trays to easily move appliances closer to the person.
  • Use a heat-resistant lap tray to carry items.
  • Use adapted scissors.
  • Use mini blenders or food processors as an alternative to knives.
  • Use a universal cuff to maintain a grasp on utensils if grip strength is affected.
  • Try adapted knives and eating utensils with finger holders
  • Use a hands free can opener if the can does not have a pop-top opener.
  • Easy grip measuring bowls.
  • Use a non-slip cutting board .
  • Cup holder.
  • Consider using milk and juice box holders for better grip and stability.
  • Use a jar holder for stabilizing jars while opening them.

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Tips and Techniques

  • Keep frequently used items within safe reach on counters or shelves.
  • Slide, rather than lift items when possible.
  • If there is no open space under the stove or sink, approach from the side for better leverage and maneuverability.
  • Work with arms held close to the body.
  • Practice good body mechanics; hold items close to body; use hands to stabilize trunk balance.
  • A partially pulled out drawer with a cutting board placed on top can be used as a lower height option for cutting, chopping, mixing etc.

Kitchen Modifications

  • Create lower height (generally 29 inches) countertop work surfaces next to the sink and stove when possible.
  • Install a wall oven with side opening or French type doors that open out rather than pull down.
  • When possible, allow for open space under the stove for closer access.
  • Install cabinet shelves that pull down in upper cabinets.
  • Install pullout cabinet shelves in lower cabinets.
  • Select a stove with controls on front to avoid reaching over hot burners.
  • Use countertop appliances: microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, induction burner.
  • “U” shaped kitchen layouts are recommended when doing a kitchen renovation. Typically, the sink is the focal point with the stove and refrigerator on either side separated by continuous counter space. This forms an efficient work triangle.
  • Install large drawers in place of lower cabinets.

  • Consider installing a drawer style dishwasher.

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