About the Guest(s): Marci Heit is the founder of QD Foodie, an innovative company that creates inclusive kitchen tools designed for people of all abilities. A voiceover artist and committed advocate for inclusivity, Marci was inspired by her volunteer work with the "Kids on the Block" disability awareness puppet show and her personal connections, including a friendship with 90-year-old Elda, who lost her sight but continued baking. Marci's creative background and personal experiences have fueled her mission to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, hosted by Tim Villegas, we delve into the exciting intersection of inclusivity and culinary creativity. Tim sits down with Marci Heit, the visionary founder of QD Foodie, to explore how her innovative kitchen tools are transforming the cooking experience for people with diverse abilities. Raised with a passion for cooking and inspired by her interactions with the disability community, Marci unravels the story behind QD Foodie and its mission to ensure that everyone can participate in the joy of food preparation.

Inclusive Kitchen Adventures with QD Foodie: Marci Heit introduces us to QD Foodie, a company named after the fictional character Quinn Daisy, a young girl who is blind but loves to cook. The tools are designed for inclusivity, featuring braille, sensory-friendly handles, and vibrant colors to engage everyone, from children with special needs to ambitious young chefs. Marci's narrative, from volunteering with the "Kids on the Block" puppet show to launching a successful Kickstarter campaign, highlights the far-reaching impact of these inclusive tools on various communities, including special education and Montessori schools, and traditional classrooms.

Bridging Gaps Through Inclusive Design: Throughout the episode, Marci emphasizes that QD Foodie tools are not just for those with disabilities but are meant to foster collaboration and fun in the kitchen for all. She shares touching stories of feedback from users, illustrating how these tools empower individuals to become more adventurous with food preparation. The episode concludes with Tim highlighting the parallels between inclusive education and inclusive product design, underscoring the importance of designing universally accessible experiences. Marci's vision of QD Foodie becoming a household name for fun and inclusion leaves listeners inspired.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/l3FrxW0aNbe

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusive Design: QD Foodie kitchen tools incorporate braille, sensory-friendly grips, and vibrant colors to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
• Inspirational Origin: The idea stemmed from Marci's volunteer work and her friendship with a blind baker, demonstrating the power of personal connections in sparking innovation.
• Community Impact: Positive feedback from various communities including special education, Montessori schools, and traditional classrooms underline the versatile application of these tools.
• Empowering Participation: QD Foodie tools not only make cooking accessible but also encourage collaborative cooking experiences, making memorable moments for all involved.
• Broader Vision: Marci aims for QD Foodie to be synonymous with both fun and inclusion, expanding beyond kitchen tools to potentially inspiring inclusive media content.

Resources:

QD Foodie: https://www.etsy.com/shop/QDFoodieKitchen

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org

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