totchop's Journey into the Disabilities Community
When I started totchop, my focus was on creating a versatile kitchen tool that could simplify food preparation for families. But over time, it became clear that the totchop had the potential to be so much more - especially in the disabilities community. Since it can be used with only one hand, and the board keeps food in place, it turns out to be an incredibly assistive device. Back in March, I was invited to have a booth at a disabilities expo in Indiana. This event proved to be a game-changer for me and for totchop, as we witnessed firsthand the excitement our product brought to people with unique needs.
I’ve also been connecting with disabilities experts, including occupational therapists (OTs), who have offered invaluable insights on how totchop can better serve individuals with disabilities. These professionals see the challenges people face daily, and their enthusiasm for totchop has been deeply encouraging. Together, we're exploring ways to improve accessibility, build confidence, and bring joy to cooking. Our goal is to ensure totchop can meet a wide range of needs in the disabilities space, supporting users in gaining independence and ease in the kitchen.
One of the most profound experiences of this journey happened during my visit to a center for the blind in Indiana. I watched as a middle-aged man named Mark, blind from birth and with the use of only one hand, used a prototype of our upcoming kids knife (quiet launch announcement) to dice a raw carrot. It was his first time dicing a carrot independently, and the moment was incredibly moving. Seeing him complete this task filled me with a profound sense of purpose and possibility. As I drove home that day, I was brought to tears, thinking about the impact totchop could have for people like Mark.
totchop’s journey into the disabilities community is just beginning. Our mission has grown beyond food preparation; it’s about fostering independence, building confidence, and making the kitchen a more inclusive space. Through partnerships with disabilities experts, centers for the blind, and foundations, we’re learning how to adapt and innovate our products to meet diverse needs. With each new story and each person who finds joy and independence using totchop, we’re reminded of the powerful role a simple kitchen tool can play in changing lives.
Thank you to everyone who has supported totchop in this journey. The future holds so much promise, and we’re excited to continue making a difference.
If you want to hear more, I was invited to talk about this topic on The Assistive Technology Update podcast - check it out on Spotify, Apple, or here!
-Matt