Confidence in the Kitchen: Envision and WSU Tech Partner to Deliver Accessible Culinary Training

With the right tools and training, a kitchen transforms into a space of creativity and confidence—not just a place to cook. Through NICHE, Envision is helping blind or visually impaired adults gain confidence, independence and a taste for what’s possible. 

NICHE is a collaborative program between Envision and Wichita State University (WSU) Tech that offers accessible culinary training for adults who are blind or visually impaired. Held in the state-of-the-art BVI Innovation Kitchen, each six-week course equips participants with real-life skills they can use every day—whether preparing meals at home or taking steps toward professional food service certification. 

In every session, participants receive hands-on instruction from trained culinary educators in an adaptive environment designed for learning at all levels. Topics range from kitchen safety and sanitation to meal planning and nutrition. With the support of Envision’s accessibility experts, course materials, appliances and workflows are designed to be intuitive and usable for participants who are blind or have low vision. 

The result is more than knowledge—it’s empowerment. 

Participants come from all walks of life: Envision employees seeking new skills, older adults regaining confidence in the kitchen, and first-time learners eager to embrace independence. Some are rediscovering the joy of cooking after vision loss. Others are stepping into a kitchen for the first time. Regardless of background, each participant leaves with practical tools and a renewed belief in what is possible. 

While speaking with Hannah Christenson, Director of Community Services, she shared an email that captured the impact of Niche.  

“These people have been blown away by this experience and feel a great sense of belonging and growth. This isn’t just a home run—it was a grand slam.” 

The message was a reminder: the program doesn’t just build skills—it builds confidence, connection and momentum that lasts. 

Since its launch, NICHE has expanded significantly. What began as a training program for Envision employees has now grown to serve community members across the region. Niche is a custom-designed space tailored to the needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

 From tactile labels to talking thermometers and height-adjustable counters, every detail supports safe, confident learning. 

And at the core of it all is collaboration. Together, Envision and WSU Tech have created something rare: a truly accessible education experience grounded in dignity, purpose and progress.

Whether preparing a simple meal or pursuing a career in the culinary arts, NICHE gives participants the tools to live more fully and independently. And with each new cohort, Envision continues to demonstrate what’s possible when education is accessible by design.