Cooking up a better approach to inclusion

A man in a wheelchair in the kitchen chopping vegetables

Jerusha's struggles with accessible kitchenware is the start of bringing more inclusive design to the table.

Accessibility improvements in the the kitchen will be a great boost to the independence of many people who live with disability - and there's more improvements to be made if you ask disability advocate and PhD student Jerusha Mather.

A passionate chef herself, her impaired fine motor skills as a result of her cerebral palsy has seen her reach for accessible kitchenware.

Examples of items which are adaptable include:

  • cutlery, plates and bowls
  • cups and mugs
  • knives
  • utensil holders and utensils - e.g. scissors, slicing tools, can and jar openers
  • chopping boards
  • kettle tippers
  • non-slip products

But these do not always work with success, according to Jerusha.

For many people living with disability, the support the receive from parents or loved ones is not a permanent solution to improving accessibility when it comes to cooking.

Her desire for greater independence in the kitchen motivated Jerusha to start a stronger push for change.

Read Jerusha's full opinion piece via the Sydney Morning Herald website.