Try these safety hints and techniques to help you with slicing:

• Always store knives in a holder or with the blades covered, if you store them in a drawer.
• Always use a cutting board when you slice.
• Keep a tray nearby that organizes all materials required for the slicing task.
• Be sure to use a sharp knife, which is safer than a dull one.
• Cut or slice away from your body instead of toward yourself. Cut round vegetables in half to make a flat cutting edge.
• Make sure that the fingers on your free hand are clear of the blade at all times.
• It's possible to identify the sharp or slicing edge of the knife blade without touching it:
  • Since the slicing (and sharper) edge is usually curved, try rocking the knife blade forward and backward on the cutting board to determine when the slicing edge is facing downward.
  • If the straight (and duller) edge is placed against the cutting board, the knife is flush against the surface and does not rock.
• A serrated knife is sometimes easier to control initially. Move the knife back and forth in a sawing motion until the slice is completely severed. While keeping the knife in the slicing position, use it to push the sliced portion away from the uncut portion.
• To avoid cutting yourself, use a fork to hold food in place with your free (non-slicing) hand. Use a pizza cutter to slice a sandwich in half.
• Use Color Contrast: Use both black and white cutting boards. For example, onions, potatoes and yellow squash will show up more clearly on a black cutting board, while tomatoes and green vegetables will have a better color contrast on a white cutting board. There are also commercially available cutting boards in a variety of colors, so you can use what works best for you and your home color scheme. Everything is not just black and white! Find the cutting board shown on this page at Adaptive Technology Consulting, Inc. [link opens in new window]
• Many? adaptive kitchen products are available from a variety of stores and web sites specializing in products for people with visual impairments or other disabilities. Visit our list of Sources of Products for Indepentent Living.
• If you need additional instruction in slicing, food preparation, cooking, baking or using your microwave, consider contacting a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist [link opens in new window] (also known as a Rehabilitation Teacher).These specially trained professionals teach adaptive independent living skills, enabling adults who are blind and visually impaired to confidently carry out their daily activities.

The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) certifies all Vision Rehabilitation Therapists and provides a searchable database to check the credentials of your service provider.

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