Jeremy is a 16 year old youth who lives with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. Rocky Bay provide Jeremy with Therapy Services and receives Occupational therapy (OT), Speech therapy and Physiotherapy.
In 2013, his family, school staff and DSC Local Area Coordinator worked collaboratively to identify strategies to develop Jeremy’s independent living skills in preparation for leaving school in a couple of years.
One of the key areas that has been identified that Jeremy requires assistance with meal preparation. Rocky Bay therapist, Stacey identified several adaptive equipment/aides that can be used by Jeremy to improve his confidence in the kitchen and his self-esteem by not having such a heavy reliance on others for daily tasks such as mealtimes.
Chopping carrots
Try before you buy
Together, they attended the Independent Living Centre to trial a range of equipment which Jeremy’s mum went on to hire for a one month trial period. The trial was successful and they applied for a Variety grant for those required items including zyliss grater, alligator chopper and kettle pourer.
Jeremy using a pair of Scizza kitchen scissors
Giving the zyliss grater a go
Board mounted knife
The invitation of a lifetime
A few months after the Variety wish was granted, Jeremy was invited to attend the Variety of Chefs event in Perth, held in May 2013. Along with his new utensils, Jeremy went out onstage to work alongside top chef, Peter Manifis.
Jeremy’s mother, Darlene states that Jeremy is now regularly helping to make spaghetti bolognaise, pizza, omelettes, hot beverages and sandwiches. “The appearance at the Variety of Chefs event increased his self-esteem even more and this whole journey has been a liberating experience for Jeremy and our family”.
