Determine if Food is Done

by: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated May 22, 2024
Learning cooking times and cues for properly cooked foods is an essential skill for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Discuss the following with the student.

Sensory Cues

  • Encourage the student to rely on their senses to determine cooking times. For example, they can monitor the aroma or smell of properly cooked foods.
  • Teach the student to check the texture and feel of meats and crusts by gently touching or pressing them. Properly cooked meats should feel firm yet tender, and crusts should be golden brown and crisp.
  • Listen for auditory cues such as sizzling sounds, which can indicate that food is cooking properly.

Adapted Timers

  • For students with low vision, use large-print timers and recipes. This makes it easier for them to read and follow cooking instructions.
  • For students with minimal or no vision, use tactile or auditory timers. Tactile timers can be created using tactual dots or raised markers on traditional kitchen timers to indicate different time intervals. Alternatively, take advantage of technology and use timer apps or household voice assistance devices. 

Practice and Familiarization

  • Provide opportunities for the student to practice cooking various foods and become familiar with their cooking times and cues. This hands-on experience will help them develop confidence and proficiency in the kitchen.
  • Encourage the student to experiment with cooking times based on personal preferences and sensory observations.
By teaching the student to rely on their senses and providing adapted timers when needed, they can effectively learn cooking times and prepare foods to perfection, even without relying on visual cues. 

Material Resources...

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
A Talking Food Thermometer announces the temperature and also has a digital display.
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,

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