Label your stove dials, oven
controls, microwave buttons, blender panel, and all other appliances in an
accessible way. I use puff paint at each mark on the stove dial and microwave
button. I have enough vision to use my iPad camera zoom feature to read the
oven controls. Remember: the Braille labeler is your friend! You can’t possibly
memorize every control, bottle of seasoning, or tool, so don’t try. Memory
mistakes can leave your dinner guests gagging at best, and hospitalized at
worst. If the space you’re trying to label isn’t large enough for a full
Braille label, use this handy technique my roommate, the microbiologist, cooked
up. Just Braille label (or large print) a single number. Then refer to that
number on an accessible spreadsheet or computer document that contains the
corresponding entry. Ergo, 1) Basil, 2) Thyme 3) Cayenne pepper, etc. If the
labels are interchangeable, like with magnetic label tape for cans of soup say,
don’t let your mischievous friends
mix them up on you as a gag. Instead, use the same ones and just change the
spreadsheet as needed. Thanks, roommie!
Why didn’t I think of that?
I definitely do NOT recommend
using the Raizen Braille labeler. If you can find a 3M model, let me know
where.
Keep handy wet wipes and some
all-purpose cleaner. You’ll be using your hands a lot to locate sticky, gooey,
and otherwise fun-for-kids textured items. There will inevitably be spillage,
so make a game of how many things you’ll dump on the floor and laugh about it.
Make a safe spot for your accessible recipe that has the least chance of
getting splattered or short-circuited. I use an iPad that lives in the corner
that I am assured will not explode or electrocute anyone. I keep a baby carrot
in my apron with a notch on the end that I grab and use like a stylus to
control the tablet. It keeps the screen from getting dirty and works just as
well as your finger. Just don’t accidentally grab the pointer end, defiling it
as well as your tablet computer.
There will be more tips mixed in
with subsequent entries and entrees.
There are also relatively inexpensive styluses for the iPad (many with pens included as well) to allow for smoother, reliable control with a clear top and bottom (also works incase you run out of carrots or, as I fear I would, you eat your "stylus")
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