Bachelor of Arts (Culinary Arts)

Assistive Technology, Accessibility, and Disability

Objectives:

To learn why accessibilty is important in societyUnderstand what is assistive technologyIdentify different types of assistive technology for the mobility disabledIdentify different types of assistive technology for the blindDevelop a plan to make a kitchen more accessible

People With Disabilities in Ireland

We are all equal people of IrelandOur rights must be protected by the lawWe have a right to learn, to work and to be part of our countryWe have a right to give as much as we are able to giveWe have a right to choose how we liveWe have a right to choose how we liveWe have a right to be asked what we thinkOur parents, and the people who care for us, have a right to be asked

What can be done?

Assistive Technology products can enable people with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities, in essence, help them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life. Assistive Technology devices can help improve physical or mental functioning, overcome a disorder or impairment, help prevent the worsening of a condition, strengthen a physical or mental weakness, help improve a person's capacity to learn, or even replace a missing limb.

- www.rehabtool.com

What is Assistive Technology?

1. Aim to be Inclusive

Development disabilities (Down syndrome, autism)Mental disabilities (memory loss, Alzheimer's)Physical disabilities (visual, hearing, mobility)

Assistive Technology can be used to create an inclusive environment

2. Assistive Technology Tools

Take a look at www.assistireland.ie

Lot's of useful tools to assist all typesof needs!

Can you think of assistive technology that helps chefs if they are:

blindwheelchair users

Jar Openers Tin Openers

Chopping Boards Cutting and Slicing

Assistive Technology for Mobility

Assistive Technology for the Blind

Braille labeler

RNIB Liquid Indicator

3. Accessibility

What can be done to an existingKitchen?

In groups, discuss ways to improve accessibility in akitchen.

What can be done to an existingKitchen?

Add storage binsLower existing cabinets

30 cm over counter Keep counters clear

Add a free standing storage cabinetKeep kitchen devices accessible from both sides, i.e. Dishwashers, microwaves, etc.May need to replace existing dishwashers, microwaves, etc

Touchpads require less force than knobs

4. Examples<a href="http://www.kitsapsun.com/videos/detail/blind-chef">Blind Chef</a>

Jackie Cabrera – Multiple honours student and blind

•First blind student at the Western Culinary Institute of Portland, Oregan•Lost her eyesight in 2001•Adapted to her loss of vision•Customised her kitchen•Brail labels•Spice on a rack in alphabetical order•Constant layout

Summary

Be inclusive!There are a variety of assistive tools availableThere are simple and effective ways to make the kitchen accessibleAn inclusive environment doesn't need to be expensive – you just need to keep in mind the needs of all