Come Cook with Us!

The Tech Kitchen program offers free in-person training for Illinois residents with any disability. Trainings are designed to increase independence and help you find kitchen tools, cooking skills, and strategies that can make cooking at home safer, easier, and less overwhelming.

Learn To:

  • Cook when your hands are shaky or clumsy
  • Prepare food when seated in a wheelchair, scooter, or rollator
  • Follow a recipe when you can’t see or read well
  • Organize and stay focused when cooking
  • Prepare and cook efficiently to avoid getting overtired
  • Plan for and cook tasty food that matches your dietary needs
  • Use kitchen technology that addresses your specific disability needs
  • Practice kitchen safety
  • Gain confidence to cook for yourself or your family and friends
  • And much more
Slicing Fruit
Two women talking in the Tech Kitchen

Using assistive technology to empower independence and confidence for cooking; it’s IATP’s recipe for success!

Program Requirements:

Participants must be at least 14 years of age and will go through an application with IATP staff to determine their goals, and how the Tech Kitchen program might be helpful. The Tech Kitchen training program will initially focus on serving those who receive services from one of the major bureaus of the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), however if you need help, please contact us. If you are interested in being referred for evaluation and training through DRS please reach out to your case manager or refer them to Tech Kitchen staff with questions at (217) 522-7985 or techkitchen@iltech.org

The Tech Kitchen Provides:

  • Accessible Kitchen Classroom: Our fully accessible kitchen classroom can be adapted to a wide range of accessibility needs and showcases a range from simple to to high-tech solutions for kitchen tools.

  • Customized Cooking Classes: Classes focus on increasing independence and confidence in the kitchen. Trainings are based on the participant’s goals and include cooking, baking, nutrition, menu planning, and more. Length of trainings will be customized for each person but typically range from 8-12 hours total instruction across 1-4 days. The days can be spaced out across several weeks if needed.

  • Assistive Technology (AT) Kitchen Tool Recommendations: During the application and planning process, staff work with participants to set specific goals and create a plan for choosing and using assistive technology tools in the kitchen. Participants can try different tools and ideas to decide what works best for them.

  • Professional Staff: The program has a full-time professional chef who will teach you to prepare tasty food and licensed Occupational Therapy staff trained to use assistive technology and techniques to address your specific needs and abilities.

  • Community Resources: IATP staff are available for remote or in-person cooking demonstrations and trainings. Great for businesses, schools, and groups who want to learn how to make cooking accessible to everyone.

  • Online Resources Coming Soon: Accessible recipes, AT demonstration videos, smart home solutions, nutrition resources, accessibility ideas, and more, coming early 2024.

Tech Kitchen Peeler

Tech Kitchen staff are also available for cooking and assistive technology demonstrations for individuals and groups. Contact us to schedule a tour or demonstration of kitchen devices.

Tech Kitchen