One participant had trouble operating the touch controls on her kitchen range even with tactile accommodations. Despite using tactile adaptations, including bump dots, the flat touch panel was difficult to operate safely. This not only made meal preparation frustrating, but it also limited her independence in the kitchen.
Her skillset changed drastically after learning how to use an Alexa-enabled multi-cooker. She discovered that voice-activated technology could eliminate many of the barriers she previously experienced while cooking. Through guided practice, she became comfortable using voice commands to operate the appliance safely and independently. Over time, she developed confidence in completing cooking tasks on her own and no longer needed to rely on trial and error or assistance from others. Recognizing how much this technology improved her ability to cook, she purchased an Alexa-enabled full-size range for her home. A TVI did a follow-up home visit to pair the appliance with her existing Alexa device, offer individualized training, and reinforce troubleshooting strategies. The visit also provided an opportunity to personalize the device settings and practice common cooking tasks as she transitioned to using the new technology in her daily routine. She now uses her oven independently and reports that she is once again able to bake with confidence using voice commands rather than relying on inaccessible touch controls. This individualized training and follow-up support restored an important daily living skill, increased her confidence in the kitchen, and allowed her to safely return to an activity she truly enjoys.
