Adapt Oven, Stove, & Microwave

by: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated May 22, 2024
Adapting controls on kitchen appliances and teaching cooking techniques can help individuals who are blind or visually impaired to safely and independently prepare meals. Discuss the following with the student.

Adapted Controls

  • Use raised, tactile markers to indicate frequently used settings on stove, oven, and microwave controls. These markers can indicate settings like "off," "lite," and common temperature settings such as "350 degrees Fahrenheit."
  • Tactile overlays can be purchased and placed on appliances to provide tactile feedback and make controls easier to locate and operate.

Stovetop Cooking

  • Center the pan over the burner when both the burner and pan are still cold. Use a wooden spoon to check the alignment at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 12 o'clock positions.
  • Encourage frying one item at a time and using a double spatula. This helps stabilize the food on the spatula, especially for individuals with limited vision. Practice this skill with a cold pan initially to build confidence.

Oven Safety

  • Use long, fire-resistant oven mitts when handling hot pans or trays to prevent burns. Pull out the oven rack before placing pans inside to avoid reaching into a hot oven.
  • Remind the individual to turn off the burner before removing the pan from the stove to prevent accidental burns or fires.

Suggested Materials

Bump ons
Bump Ons are clear bumps that can be used to provide a tactual marker to oven dials, microwaves, washing machines, dryers and more.
Picture
AbleSee Large Print Overlays are in inexpensive way to increase button sizes on the microwave, washing machine, cryer or throughout the kitchen. These stickers are great for people with low vision. Similar labels can be brailled for brailler readers,

ECC Instruction

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