Household and Cooking Aids
An Assistive Device refers to any tool, equipment, software, or electronic device designed to support individuals with impairments in completing tasks that might otherwise require assistance.
With the correct type of Assistive Devices Persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments can still work and complete tasks around around the house such as cleaning, cooking and baking. These chores can be made easier by organising your environment so that is safe and by labelling your appliances, food and utensils, either in Braille or with large print labels, so that they are easier to find.
Household and Cooking Aids can also be used to assist People who have Visual Impairments, to be able to do these household chores, thus giving that person more independents and improving their self-esteem.
Readers can explore the products listed on the right, or view them further below for more information and details about suppliers.
What Are You Looking For?
Companies and Organisations that can assist
Household and Cooking Aids
1. Household Aids
a. Electronic Iron Guard
2. Cooking Aids
a. Kettle Tippers and Pourers
b. Liquid Level Indicators
c. Talking Combination Oven
d. Talking Measuring Jug
e. Talking Timer
f. Talking Kitchen Scales
Companies and Organisations That Can Assist
There are a variety of these Household and Cooking Aids sold in South Africa, which range from simple adaptions such as Iron Guards to more advanced equipment such as Talking Ovens.
DiSA does not supply these Assistive Devices but do introduce relevant suppliers listed below and provide direct links to these products on their website, while also providing an overview of the different products available in South Africa.
Edit Microsystems (Pty) Ltd is an award-winning company that is devoted to finding alternative and state-of-the-art technical solutions to improve curriculum delivery in educational institutions and effective communication in business with a focus on high-speed functional connectivity and on-going support.
They have a proud tradition of innovation and are on the cutting edge of technological advances in education. Many of their products are designed to enhance interactivity in a classroom or lecture theatre. Edit Microsystems are also a leader in finding and providing specially adapted hardware and software for Learners with Special Educational Needs throughout South Africa.
Contact: 086 111 3973
Head Office: 13 Boy De Goede Circle, Table View, Cape Town, 7441.
They also have branches in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng.
Website at: www.editmicro.co.za
Email them at: info@editmicro.co.za
Blind SA is a national disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) of the blind and for the blind. Established in 1946 as the South African Blind Workers Organisation (SABWO) and became Blind SA in 2004. Head office is situated at 5 Fuchs Street, Alrode, Alberton, however our services are rendered to blind and visually impaired in all provinces in South Africa.
The vision of Blind SA is to do whatever is necessary or conducive to empower visually impaired people to become economically self-supporting and to live a full and meaningful life as citizens of South Africa.
The biggest challenges faced in our communities are the shortage of financial resources to enable our blind and visually impaired beneficiaries to reach their full potential as independent members of society.
The impact that Blind SA has had on the community is a more informed, empowered and enabled blind and visually impaired community. Because we have so many such people who are in serious need of our assistance, we would welcome the opportunity and resources to be able to reach more people with the view of creating a self-supporting, independent and informed blind and visually impaired community throughout South Africa.
“Our Purpose is to end the cycle of poverty for Blind South Africans, empowering them with knowledge and information through education, braille and developmental services and to break down barriers, provide opportunities and create answers that improve the quality of life for the blind community so that they can live the life they choose.”
Blind SA also stock and sell a variety of Assistive Devices to assist persons who are Blind, these include the Mali-Bhala, Tatrapoint Mechanical Brailler and Braille-Me. For any other requirements, contact Blind SA on: Tel: +27 11 839 1793/4 or Email: ceo@blindsa.org.za, Jennine Pare – sales@blindsa.org.za, or visit us at: Address: 5 Fuchs Street, Alrode, Gauteng, South Africa. Website: www.blindsa.org.za.
Sensory Solutions: Sensory Solutions is a South African company with considerable experience in the field of accommodating persons who are visually impaired, blind or partially sighted. We specialise in the field of providing Access Technology solutions for individuals, schools, universities, government departments and more, in order to make the environment more accessible for the visually impaired.
Sensory Solutions is at the forefront of the world’s leading Access Technology products and are in some cases the exclusive distributors. Sensory Solutions is a responsible employer which employs people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds as well as those who are disabled. Part of our mission is to advise individuals and institutions on the best solutions available for particular environments, to design such solutions and finally to implement them on site. As such, we are approved African distributors for a wide range of Access Technology products selected specifically for their suitability to the African environment and our specific situation.
We are proud to be appointed exclusive and preferred dealerships for some of the world’s most leading Access Technology manufacturers. Our mission and ethos revolve around our fellow man, empowering them and making the playing fields level as far as we can make a difference.
Whether you are an individual, institution or company in need of information regarding Access Technology, we are ready to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at our Head Office on +27 12 664 7704 or at 226 Kruger Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, 0157. Email: info@sensorysolutions.co.za, khan@sensorysolutions.co.za or visit our website at: www.sensorysolutions.co.za.
Household and Cooking Aids
Household and cooking aids designed for people with visual impairments make everyday tasks safer, faster, and more predictable through tactile, auditory, and high-contrast features. By reducing uncertainty and preventing accidents, these tools enable greater independence and confidence at home.
i. Household Aids
Household aids for people with visual impairments help make daily living tasks safer and more manageable through tactile markings, audible indicators, and high-contrast design. Items like talking clocks, braille labels, non-slip mats, and Electronic Iron Guards reduce risk and improve spatial awareness at home. By replacing guesswork with reliable feedback, these tools support confidence, independence, and a more accessible living environment.
a. Electronic Iron Guard
Electric Iron Guards are designed to help persons with a Visual Impairments to ensure iron safely and prevent being bunt. These are available in different types and styles, including:
Electric Iron Guards (pictured right) are supplied by companies such as Edit Microsystems & have 2 polyethylene rods that surround the edge of the iron and acts as a guide to help protect the hands from burns. The guard is easy to attach to most electric irons.
Please feel free to contact Edit Microsytems to find out more, or to receive a quote.
2. Cooking Aids
Cooking Aids are those products that help Persons who are Blind to be able to cook, bake and perform other chores in the kitchen. They not only assist you to make food preparation safer and easier, but can also help you to cook, measure, cut and weigh your foods.
These Cooking Aids have features such as a large display, speech output or tactile markings and include items such as Talking Microwaves, Thermometers, Scales, Boil Control Units, etc.
Recipes which are printed in Braille can also be used and there are also a few simple things that persons with Visual Impairments can do to keep their kitchen organized and to help them to make the kitchen chores easier and safer. The principles outlined above in the “Adapting Your Home” can apply to every part of your living space, but some rooms such as the kitchen requires special attention.
Read the article below to view a range of Cooking Aids designed to assist Persons who are Blind or partially sighted.
a. Kettle Tippers and Pourers
Kettles are also used to boil water and Kettle Tippers or Kettle Pourers are devices used in the kitchen to help Persons with Visual Impairments or Mobility Impairments to be able to assist them in pouring hot water out of the kettle without getting burned.
There are a variety of different types of these products which are sold in South Africa including the following 2 products which is sold by Edit Microsystems and Ability Assist.
A Kettle Tipper: (pictured right) is a sturdy metal tipper with an adjustable, secure strap that makes pouring hot liquids safe and simple. These Kettle Tippers are available in South Africa and can be used with a range of kettles and jugs.
It includes a metal frame which pivots to tilt the kettle’s spout towards the cup. This tipper is ideal for use with the talking measuring jug. Please note: the kettle is not included.
Please feel free to contact Edit Microsystems to find out more, or to receive a quote.
This Kettle Pourer is ideal for Persons with Visual Impairments or those persons with a weak grip. The kettle sits in a cradle and only requires a gentle tipping motion to pour water into a cup, thus helping to prevent spillage. The size of the kettle pourer is 262 x 210 x 190mm and it weighs 405 grams.
You can contact Ability Assist to find out more or to receive a quote.
b. Liquid Level Indicators
Liquid Level Indicators assist Persons With Visual Impairments to be able to assist them in pouring hot water into cups without over filling them and getting burned. There are a variety of different types of these products sold in South Africa including the following 2 products which are sold by Edit Microsystems:
This liquid level indicator (pictured right) sits on the rim of the cup, mug or glass and gives an audible tone when the liquid reaches the bottom probe.
The tone will then speed up when the second probe is reached. It is powered by a 1 x CR2032 lithium battery which is included in the price.
Please feel free to contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
The Vibrating liquid level indicator (orange) (pictured right) operates in the same way as the above model but in addition to the tone indication, this liquid level indicator has 2 levels of vibration and is powered by 4 x L1154 lithium batteries which are included.
Please feel free to contact Edit Microsytems to find out more, or to receive a quote.
c. Talking Combination Oven
There are a variety of different types of equipment that can be used to cook with, which are sold in South Africa including the Talking Combination Oven, which is sold by Edit Microsystems:
With three “Favourite” buttons to store your three most frequently used programmes and a fully tactile and wipe clean keypad, the microwave has a power rating of 900 watts and is a 28 litre / 0.9 cu ft oven. It has a full range of features, including rotating turntable, talking clock, adjustable speech volume and talking kitchen timer independent of the oven. Basic operation is by selecting power level and time.
Programmed operation is by selecting cook / defrost, food type and weight or by selecting from a range of frozen and un-frozen convenience foods and weight. It has auto-minute and programme pause functions, spoken requests to stir or turn food during cooking and to leave food to stand after cooking.
The oven speaks when the door is opened or closed and speaks confirmation of functions selected and cooking time. The time remaining is spoken at the press of a button at any stage whilst cooking. The microwave has a rugged stainless-steel interior. Remarkably easy to use.
Instructions in large print and on tape.
Size External: 510 mm 20.07″ (W) x 299 mm 11.8″ (H) x 400 mm 15.74 “(D)
Size Internal: 330mm 12.99” (W) x 220mm 8.66” (H) x 320mm 12.59” (D).
You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
d. Talking Measuring Jug
A Talking Measuring Jug is a device used in the kitchen to help Persons with Visual Impairments to be able to assist them in measuring water and other liquids. There are a variety of different types of these products sold in South Africa including the following Talking Measuring Jug which is sold by Edit Microsystems. This Talking Measuring Jug is ideal for use with the Kettle Tipper:
Talking Measuring Jug is a device used in the kitchen to help Persons with Visual Impairments to be able to assist them in measuring water and other liquids. There are a variety of different types of these products sold in South Africa including the following Talking Measuring Jug which is sold by Edit Microsystems.
This Talking Measuring Jug is ideal for use with the Kettle Tipper.
You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
e. Talking Timer
A Talking Timers can be used in the kitchen to help Persons with Visual Impairments to be able to assist them when cooking or baking. These Talking Timing devices count down the time and can let you know when the food is ready. There are a variety of different types of these products sold in South Africa including the following which is sold by Edit Microsystems:
The Talking Timer is a combined count up and countdown clock as well as being a talking clock. The clock can count up or count down for up to 24 hours.
When counting down, the remaining time is spoken every hour until the last hour; then every ten minutes until the last 10 minutes; then every minute until the last minute; then every 10 seconds until the last 10 seconds and finally every second. The counting can be paused, and the timer has an auto-repeat function.
You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
The Talking Timer Alarm Clock: has multiple functions including a comprehensive stopwatch and timer, different alarm options and a repeating pill timer. All these functions are spoken at the touch of a button in a clear voice, and the talking timer alarm clock is designed to be quick and easy to set. The dimensions are: 144m (W) x 81mm (L) x 34mm (D) and it is powered by 1 x PP#Kitchen Scale alkaline battery, or it can be powered by the mains adaptor.
You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
f. Talking Kitchen Scales
Talking Kitchen Scales can be used in the kitchen to help Persons With Visual Impairments to be able to assist them when cooking or baking by assisting you to weigh ingredients. It audibly announces the measurements of ingredients being weighed. These Talking Kitchen Scales are available in various styles and include:
The Talking Kitchen Scale MKV now has adjustable volume control and weighs up to 5kg/11lb in 5 gm/half ounce steps. Continuous development has enabled us to incorporate several improvements into our latest version of this well-known product.
The scale now has adjustable volume control, weighs up to 5kg/11lb in 5 gm/half ounce steps. Accurate to within 2%, it has a large secure bowl and non-slip feet. The scale is easy to use and has a smooth surface for easy cleaning. It weighs in both imperial and metric units.
Size of base 175mm, 7″ (W) x 230mm 9″ (L) x 83mm 3.28″ (H).
Size of bowl 230mm x 9″ (Dia) x 106mm 4.3″ (H).
The scale is powered by either a mains adaptor, which is supplied or 1 x PP3 battery.
You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
The Talking Kitchen Scale (pictured right) audibly announces the measurements of ingredients being weighed. Simply place something on the raised platform and its weight will be immediately shown on the large display and spoken in a clear female voice. Weight can be given in pounds, ounces, or grams depending on your preference.
The scale has a convenient one-touch start-up and auto-off function after five minutes of inactivity. It also includes a handy Tare function, which allows you to weigh food in a dish without including the dish’s weight in the measurement.
The scale has a maximum capacity of 5 kilograms and is accurate to within 1 gram. You also have the option to turn speech on or off, convenient for when the scale is used by both sighted and visually impaired individuals.
You can contact Sensory Solutions to find out more or to receive a quote.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, please feel free to Contact Us and we will point you in the right direction.