Vegetable boards which are also referred to as bread or cutting boards are an essential requirement within kitchen environments for food preparation such as cutting up vegetables. A range of modified vegetable boards are available which enable food preparation to be undertaken one handed including:
- boards with built in suction cups or non slip feet for slip resistance
- boards with inbuilt clamps to enable clamping of jars, tins, saucepans or bowls used during food preparation
- boards with inbuilt metal prongs on which vegetables can be placed whilst peeling or cutting
- grater boards that act to stabilise food graters during use
- boards with built in raised corners to allow food to be pushed against the corner such as bread when buttering
- small boards with a raised lip for stabilising food against which rest against the edge of a benchtop.
Adapted vegetable boards are available in a range of sizes and materials such as laminate covered, solid wood, plastic or polyethylene.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For individuals with disability who are unable to use two hands, independently completing kitchen or preparation work can be challenging. Modified vegetable boards can enable a large range of food preparation tasks to be done one handed such as:
- stirring and mixing
- opening jars, cans or bottles
- buttering of bread
- peeling, cutting or slicing vegetables and
- grating.
For people with vision impairment using contrasting coloured chopping boards and focal lighting can assist with seeing more detail and cutting food safely and accurately.
For information about other equipment that can assist during food preparation in the kitchen, see the links below:
References
Better Health Channel 2010, Vision loss – adapting everyday activities, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 7 April 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Vision_loss_adapting_everyday_activities?open.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, Household Aids: Stabilising & Slip Resistant Aids, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 April 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&page=1&MC=32&MinC=9.