Kitchen tips : tool organisation

Creating a Safe and Organized Cooking Space

Cooking is a rewarding experience, but for DeafBlind individuals, it requires careful planning to ensure safety, efficiency, and ease of use. By keeping your workspace organized and using the right tools, you can cook with confidence and independence.

Tip 3: Prevent Spills & Slips

Tip: Carry a cloth on you or keep it in a designated spot so you can wipe up spills immediately.

Why it’s important: Spilled liquids or ingredients can cause slips or make surfaces unsafe. By always knowing where your cleaning cloth is, you can act quickly and maintain a safe, clutter-free workspace.

Tip 4: Use the Right Tools

Tip: Stabilize cutting boards and bowls with non-slip mats, damp towels, or grip pads to prevent movement.

Why it’s important: A stable workspace prevents tools from shifting unexpectedly, reducing the risk of injury and making tasks easier to complete with precision.

Planning for the Right Kitchen Tools

When choosing kitchen tools, consider the following:

  1. Safety First

• Do I need tools with safety features (e.g., knives with finger guards, spill-proof measuring cups)?

• How can I make hot surfaces easy to detect and avoid?

  1. Ease of Use

• Can I distinguish tools by touch (e.g., different textures, sizes, or tactile labels)?

• Are my tools easy to grip and control?

  1. Workspace Setup

• Do I have a fixed place for each tool so I can find them quickly?

• Should I group tools by function (e.g., cutting tools together, mixing tools in one section)?

  1. Cooking Process

• What tasks do I do most often, and do I have the right tools for them?

• Would a multi-functional tool reduce clutter and make cooking simpler?

  1. Independence & Confidence

• What tools allow me to cook with less assistance?

• Do I feel comfortable and confident using my tools?

By thinking through these questions, you can set up a kitchen that works for you, not against you.

Simple Recipe: No-Cook Oat & Yogurt Bowl

(Serves 1)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup plain or flavored yogurt

• 1 tablespoon honey or mashed banana for natural sweetness

• 1 tablespoon chopped nuts or seeds (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Scoop yogurt into a bowl.
  2. Add oats and mix until well combined.
  3. Stir in honey or mashed banana for sweetness.
  4. Top with nuts or seeds if using.
  5. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften the oats, then enjoy!

This meal is nutritious, filling, and requires no cooking, making it easy to prepare with just a spoon.

A Few Encouraging Words

Cooking should feel empowering, not overwhelming. By keeping things simple and focusing on what works for you, you create meals that nourish both your body and confidence. Each small step in the kitchen is a step toward greater independence—and every meal you make is a success!