The Illinois Assistive Technology Program and Gateway to Learning are two programs that seek to help individuals living with disabilities in all aspects of their daily life, including cooking in the kitchen.
On a recent Sunday, I stood in the kitchen with my brother Daniel, watching as he cracked the fifth and final egg into a bowl — the blue bowl, his favorite for making scrambled eggs. He reached for the fork to whisk them, humming, clicking his tongue and smiling widely. At 49 years old, Daniel has enjoyed eggs for a while — ever since our time on a Wisconsin farm as kids, when we made frequent visits to our next-door neighbors, “Grandma” Jeanette and “Grandpa” Chester, dairy farmers who sent us home with a fresh dozen every week.
Our parents learned of my brother’s autism when he was 3 years old, and as he grew, our family watched Daniel become who he is: someone who adores the beach and the Beatles, thrives on being on-the-go, and, like the rest of his family, loves food.
Daniel poured the eggs into the skillet and reached for the spatula I handed him, scrambling the yellow of the yolks; singing the refrain from “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. After weeks of practice, I now let Daniel lead the charge on this recipe, but I stay close, concerned for his safety around the heat. It’s why we cook with an electric skillet as opposed to an open flame, the pan’s temperature dial and larger dimensions proving easier for Daniel to manage.
I am not alone in considering modifications in the kitchen — and beyond — for a loved one with a disability. In 1988, Congress passed the Assistive Technology Act, a law issuing federal funding to states to help increase access to assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities.
In 1989, the Illinois Assistive Technology Program began. Its mission is to provide individuals living with disabilities and health conditions greater access to assistive technology devices and services, enhancing their independence and participation in daily life. IATP is based in Springfield and serves people throughout Illinois.
“We realize that not everybody with a disability can make the drive to us, and so we come to them,” says Jessica Schuyler-Weir, director of training. “We want to welcome anybody who wants to learn about how assistive technology can help them.”
The team works with individuals, their families and their caregivers to determine the best way, be it a site or home visit, for the individual to engage with IATP’s core programs. These include a Device Loan Library, a Demonstration Center (featuring demonstrations of thousands of devices), and a Reuse Program, offering gently used and new assistive technology devices and durable medical equipment to those who would otherwise be unable to afford them.
