When outfitting a kitchen for the visually impaired, the best place to start is with organizing cabinets and drawers so that everything is easily accessible and clutter-free. Online retailers Low Vision Chef and LS&S Products (the latter also offers a mail-order catalogue ) are two sources for specially designed kitchen equipment. Many of these items are handy for any kitchen, not just for one catering to the visually impaired cook.
High-contrast measuring cups, spoons, bowls and cutting boards. While many people with low vision do not see colors well, equipment that features bright colors can provide contrast. A bright blue measuring cup is a good backdrop for milk, for instance. Many of these items have large raised numbers, letters or Braille dots on their surface (designating, for example, 1 cup or half a teaspoon).
[You want to cook. You need to cook. Now you can’t see. Here’s what to do.]
Devices for handling the heat. A plastic handle allows cooks to move oven racks safely. Another useful tool is a boil alert, a heat-resistant glass disk that is placed inside a pot of water; it rattles against the side of the pot to let you know when the water is boiling. You can also buy a gauge that attaches to a cup and emits a loud beep when liquid reaches a certain level. For making pasta and other dishes, a pot fitted with a colander lid allows you to drain water straight out of a pot rather than pouring it from the pot into a separate colander.
Talking scales, thermometers, timers, etc. These devices offer audible cues. Talking labels can be attached to containers and then be read aloud by way of a hand-held device.
Utensils made with safety in mind. Serrated silicon knives allow users to cut and chop safely. Apple and egg slicers are handy for people with low vision. Other gadgets, including vegetable choppers and toaster tongs, can also help protect fingers.