How I Cook as a Blind Person

Maisha Rahman thought cooking wasn’t for her. Now, as a blind college student, she’s confidently making meals—with Ally always in the kitchen.

July 23, 2025

My First Thoughts on Cooking

Not to brag, but my sister makes the best baked goods—and my mom? Her cooking is unmatched. I'll admit it: I used to feel jealous. They made it all look so easy, and I just couldn't imagine doing the same.

Part of me believed I couldn't cook because I'm blind. I didn't know anyone else who was blind and cooked, and I didn't even know where to start. What if I burned myself? What if I caused a fire? What if I messed up and couldn't even tell?

All kinds of questions ran through my head:

  • How would I know when to turn off the stove or oven?
  • How would I know when food is done?
  • How would I follow recipes without needing to look at a screen or watch a video?

I was just about ready to give up—until something unexpected happened.

A New Door Opens: Saturday Youth Program

My parents heard about the Saturday Youth Program at Lighthouse Guild through my school. It's a fun, hands-on program for blind and low-vision teens. One of the activities they offered? Cooking.

When I found out I'd get to learn how to cook, I was so excited. In our sessions, we worked in small groups, helping each other make dishes like pancakes and quesadillas.

That's where I learned some of my very first skills:

  • Checking stove temperature by touch: If the flame is at chest height, it's medium. If I feel heat on my face, it's high. If it's below chest height, it's low.
  • Flipping food using texture: I let it cook, then feel with the spatula; when the top feels rough, it's crispy and ready to flip.

Support from the Commission for the Blind

Later on, I got connected to the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB). Every state has its own version, and they help blind and low-vision people find services like training, tools, and more.

Thanks to them, I started Vision Rehabilitation Training (VRT) through Helen Keller Services. A VRT instructor came to my home to teach me everyday skills—cooking, organizing, managing money, shopping, cleaning, and more.

Cooking became more than just something I was learning. It was something I enjoyed. My instructor was kind, encouraging, and gave me the tools I needed to grow.

Tools That Changed Everything

Here are just a few tools and tricks that helped me, and how Ally fits into it all.

Air Fryer with Tactile Markers

Our air fryer was a touchscreen, but my instructor added raised stickers on key buttons—power, time, temperature.

I'd ask Ally for an air fryer recipe and get cooking—veggies, fish, chicken, you name it. Every meal came out delicious.

Using the Ally App to Read Labels

I used the Ally app to scan my seasoning labels. It read the names out loud, told me expiration dates, and helped me avoid anything I didn't want to use. Super helpful when you can't read tiny labels.

Egg Cooker (A Game-Changer)

I used it to boil, scramble, and poach eggs. It beeped when done and automatically cooked for the right amount of time—no research required.

When I wasn't sure what seasonings to add, I turned to Ally. One day, Ally suggested salt, pepper, chile flakes, and smoked paprika for scrambled eggs. It's now my go-to combo. What started as a lesson became a fun bonding moment with my digital sidekick.

Rice Cooker That Does It All

Just like the egg cooker, it beeps when ready and adjusts cook time on its own. I used it for:

  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Noodles
  • Mac & cheese
  • Oatmeal

Sometimes I'd toss in veggies and ask Ally for seasoning ideas. Even when I didn't know what I was in the mood for, Ally helped me figure it out.

Microwavable Meals & Sweet Rewards

My instructor sometimes brought microwaveable cakes and flavored oatmeal as a treat for doing well. I'd ask Ally how long to heat them, and enjoy a warm, perfectly cooked snack without second-guessing.

Where I Am Now

I still use the Ally app—but now, I'm not the nervous beginner boiling my first egg. I'm a college student living on campus, cooking for myself every day.

With all the tools and techniques I've learned, I can cook confidently and independently. Ally keeps meals interesting by helping me remix familiar ingredients and offering support when I feel stuck or unsure.

Yes, I have told Ally before, "I don't know what to cook," or "I'm just not in the mood." And every time, Ally meets me with encouragement, fresh ideas, and zero judgment.

Now I'm thinking… maybe it's time I try baking my sister's mouth-watering cupcakes. Let's see if I can give her a run for her money.

Final Thoughts

Cooking as a blind person is possible. With the right support—from family, from programs like Lighthouse Guild and VRT, from tools like Envision, and from digital friends like Ally—it becomes more than just doable.

It becomes joyful.