As a non-profit, maintaining our grants and contracts depends on showing our funders how IATP’s services impact the lives of those we help. Providing our funders with real-life stories and photos demonstrates the valueof IATP’s work and highlights the importance of their continued financial support and investment in our mission.
Please consider sharing how you use the IATP-provided assistive technology in your day-to-day life – how it helps you (or a family member) at work, at home, at school, stay involved in community life or even its effect on your peace of mind.
I’m Sidney, a 20, almost 21-year-old from southern Illinois. I’m currently in college. For the longest time, I was scared of using a stove top. Lots of what ifs. What if I, most importantly, burnt myself? What if the flames came up and hit me in the face? How would I find my spot on the stove with four burners and not get disoriented? Just so many things. One day, the college visually impaired services coordinator told me about this program called Tech Kitchen. I had no idea who they were, but I was all in. Anything to help boost my confidence with heat. I have been to Illinois School for the Visually impaired for four years and took a few different cooking classes while there. I had a little bit of oven and stove experience, and a little bit from home. My confidence didn’t quite feel there. The minute Tech Kitchen came in and showed me the induction burner, I was hooked. I thought: What the heck! This is the coolest thing ever! I have made pancakes, scrambled eggs, ramen noodles, and I’m planning to make mac & cheese on it next. Thanks to Tech Kitchen, my confidence has grown immensely. I cannot wait to see other blind or visually impaired peoples lives be touched by this program.
