Cooking up Confidence: Blind and visually impaired youth learn safe ways to achieve kitchen independence
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kids in the Kitchen returned to Alphapointe on Saturday with a new partner helping children who are blind or visually impaired learn essential life skills through cooking.The program has partnered with Grand Street Café on the Plaza to teach youth how to cook safely and independently. During their January 10 session, participants learned to make French toast while developing kitchen safety skills and accessibility techniques.“This isn’t just a cooking class—it’s a life-skills lesson,” said Jake McLaughlin, senior manager of special events and programs at Alphapointe. “Today we’re in the Alphapointe cafeteria hosting ‘Kids in the Kitchen’. It’s a youth program for kids visually impaired and blind ages 8 to about 16.”'Kids in the Kitchen' by Alphapointe & Grand Street Cafe(Alphapointe)For children who are blind or visually impaired, learning how to cook safely means learning how to be independent. Instructors design every step for accessibility, from measuring ingredients to organizing the workspace.McLaughlin explained the unique obstacles participants face in the kitchen.“A challenge or barrier that these young folks face is cooking without sight,” McLaughlin said. “So, there are some challenges as far as temperatures, how to cook things, how do I know when food’s ready, prepped, or ready to eat.”The program uses specialized techniques to help level the playing field so kids can be independent.Drew Davies, Grand Street Café General Manager, said the partnership aims to teach practical skills participants can use at home.'Kids in the Kitchen' by Alphapointe & Grand Street Cafe(Alphapointe)“Hopefully they learn something about kitchen safety. Hopefully they remember the whole process, how to make the French toast,” Davies said. “So, we’re sending them home with the recipe as well.”Participants like Mary Rose Bushland embrace the hands-on learning experience with enthusiasm.“I’ve never made it myself but I’m excited to do it,” Bushland said. “This class is fun. I like the cooking!”The program runs year-round with a brief summer break. Saturday’s session was the third Kids in the Kitchen event for 2025-26.'Kids in the Kitchen' by Alphapointe & Grand Street Cafe(Alphapointe)Kids take home the same recipes and tools used in class, and sometimes even songs to sing while cooking.For more information about future events, visit Alphapointe. Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
