Working Blindly in the Kitchen

So much of the sighted world is still very much in the dark when it comes to understanding how blind persons work in their kitchen but in truth and in fact, it is very easy to understand.  The important thing to remember here is caution, caution.  For me, I do my best to be cautious at every turn but rest assured that like everyone else, stuff happens from time to time and I just have to deal with it.  I think that the big difference between my techniques and those of a mainstream sighted person is this:  I am more careful and I use some unique techniques.

 

So, let me now divulge my kitchen secrets to you.  My cupboards are super organized.  My tins and cans are placed in specific places on shelves and the same for boxes.  I put masking tape on boxes and tins to differentiate them if they are of the same size.  I often shake tins and cans to tell the difference.  The sound of beans is different from the sound of fruit cocktail.  Tins of beans are usually bigger than tins of peas and carrots.  The shape of a tin of corn is easily distinguishable and the same for corn beef, soup, and tuna. 

 

Tuna and sausages are placed in one specific place on my shelf.  Beans have their own place, and the same for soup.  My glasses, plates, and cutlery are also well organized and kitchen implements are also organized in the same way.  Pots and pans have their own drawer and condiments are grouped so that I can easily find them.  I often use my sense of smell to help me along.  Sugar and salt occupy opposite ends of my shelf so that I do not make the mistake to spoon salt into my tea or coffee. 

 

When cooking, pot handles are placed in specific positions on my stove so that I know exactly how to maneuver them.  When pouring stuff into pots, I feel for the edge of the pot and then pour.  If I am frying or grilling and need to turn things over, I take the pot or pan off the stove, place it on a board on my counter, and then use an implement to turn it over.  This helps me not to splatter things or burn myself at the stove.  Baking is done in the same way and the microwave is not a problem for me.  I have a talking microwave that I can work with and I also use talking timers when cooking.

 

My fridge and freezer are also super organized so that I can find things easily.  I use my sense of smell to help detect spoiling food and produce.  So you see, not too difficult to understand if you think about it.  I use my fingers to tell me if there are any spills on my counters and dressers and I am extra careful when I pour liquids.  I do it over the sink whenever I can and if I can't then I use my fingers to guide me along.  I am always wiping my counter with a wet cloth so that I can accommodate any allowance for tea or coffee spills.  These are one of the worst things for me because it is practically impossible to detect stains if they are not sticky.

 

From time to time things make their way onto my floor but every week I sweep it and often get down on hands and knees with a dust pan and hand broom as it is easier to find stray stuff on the floor using this technique.  So there you have it!  Working blindly in my kitchen.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your accessibility and special needs business consultant wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to learn more about how blind persons work in their kitchens and deal with challenges on a daily basis.  Visit www.independentliving.com or www.nfb.org.