Savouring Success: Debra Erickson’s Recipe for Empowerment at The Blind Kitchen Artwork

Twenty-First Century Disability

Let's be honest. Life with a disability can be difficult. Luckily, we are living in the twenty-first century. This podcast is about how living in the modern world has helped people with disabilities to have fairly "normal" lives. Join me as we explore why this is and as I try to look at disability from a social model perspective and change how the world sees disability.

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Twenty-First Century Disability

Savouring Success: Debra Erickson’s Recipe for Empowerment at The Blind Kitchen

June 05, 2025 • Hollis Peirce • Season 3 • Episode 9

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Debra Erickson, the owner of The Blind Kitchen, who shares her remarkable journey as a visually impaired chef, entrepreneur, and educator. Debra's passion for teaching visually impaired individuals how to cook safely and confidently shines through as she discusses the resources and techniques she provides to help others embrace their culinary skills.

Highlights

Debra's Personal Journey:
- Insights into her life as a visually impaired chef.
- The motivation behind starting The Blind Kitchen.

Teaching Cooking Skills:
- The importance of empowering visually impaired individuals to cook.
- Strategies for teaching cooking safety and confidence in the kitchen.

Understanding Disabilities:
- The need for greater awareness and acceptance of disabilities.
- Conversations around the challenges faced in daily life and cooking.

Accessibility Audits:
- Discussing the challenges and importance of accessibility in culinary spaces.
- How accessibility audits can improve the cooking experience for the visually impaired.

Problem-Solving in Cooking:
- The role of mindfulness and creativity in cooking without sight.
- Tips for adapting recipes and techniques for visually impaired cooks.

Food as a Connector:
- How cooking and sharing meals can foster social connections.
- The significance of food in building relationships and community.

Teaching Children:
- The importance of instilling cooking skills in children from a young age.
- Encouraging independence and life skills through culinary education.

Embracing Cooking:
- Motivating visually impaired individuals to embrace cooking as a means of independence.
- Resources and support available for those interested in cooking.

Quotes from the Episode:
- "Cooking is not just about the food; it's about the connections we create." Debra Erickson
- "Mindfulness in the kitchen can turn challenges into creative solutions." Debra Erickson

Follow Debra:

Website: https://theblindkitchen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblindkitchen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblindkitchen1/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-erickson-the-blind-kitchen/

Contact Debra: info@theblindkitchen.com

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