FAQs

Who is Deaf Chef Ross?

Ross Onley-Zerkel is a food and cooking coach and the owner of Deaf Chef Ross. Ross is registered with the NDIS so Deaf Chef Ross can deliver programs to people with a NDIS plan. His wish is to help people improve and manage their health with foods that are good for our health, mind and body.

Ross has a passion for fresh and whole foods, and a strong belief in eating home-cooked meals regularly.

Do I have to be deaf to do a program?

No, you can be anyone. You can be a person who is hard of hearing, a hearing person, a CODA, or a person with a disability. However, we do prefer to communicate in Auslan.

Auslan video

Do I need to know Auslan?

We prefer to communicate in our first language, which is Auslan. If you do not have Auslan skills, we can try and communicate with you as visual as possible. It depends on the program you choose. If it requires communication, we may need to appoint an Auslan interpreter.

If you are not deaf and you can sign Auslan, you are more than welcome to do a program with us.

Auslan video

Do I have to have a NDIS plan or fund?

No, you can pay out of your pocket or use a funding source.

Do I have to have a support person?

Only if you need them to assist you in your program.

You are welcome to have your support worker or coordinator join your Zoom program if you wish.

What ages are eligible?

We prefer ages 13 and up.

What are the costs for programs and workshops?

Our program packages are available as 3 or 5 session packages. Please click here for package pricing

Our workshops are available as both large and small group workshops. Please click here for workshop pricing

How are the programs delivered?

We deliver programs on Zoom and video calls. We can use:

Zoom
FaceTime

We prefer that you use portable devices with large screens ie. a laptop or tablet. Mobile phone screens are too small for you to see us and for screen-sharing.

We offer in-home meal prep for select clients in the Melbourne metro area (and occasionally in other cities in coordination with local organisations).

If you are interested in learning more we can schedule a free introduction on Zoom to see if this program is a good fit.

How do I sign up?

To choose a program, go to our Programs page and click the BOOK NOW button.

To choose a workshop, go to our Workshops page and click the BOOK NOW button.

Your Goals

Our programs can help clients reach their goals independently to:

Increase food knowledge and make informed healthier choices to eat smarter and improve their health
Understand good nutrition, organic foods, and healthy meal and drink choices
Learn safe food handling and kitchen management skills they can practice at home
Explore assistive equipment and technology to increase the ability to prepare and cook meals at home

Your NDIS Plan

If DCR is not directly mentioned in the NDIS plan, we can clarify your goals in the following supports, to help build a stronger connection to diet, nutrition, and cooking skills.

Here are some examples:

GOAL: I would like to be safe and independent in my own home

SUPPORT: by learning safe and competent cooking skills to make meals at home and safely conduct myself around the kitchen.

GOAL: I would like to be able to learn and improve my English;

SUPPORT: by learning how to take recipes and information provided to me by my health care providers on nutrition and diet, and have the information explained to me in Auslan.

SUPPORT: by having cooking instructions, food labels, recipe instructions and terminology explained to me in Auslan, so I can learn to follow written instructions and cook meals at home to lead a healthier lifestyle.

GOAL – I would like to develop the capacity to manage my daily life and access activities of choice (also to reduce reliance on my informal support)

SUPPORT: by using Deaf Chef Ross as a service to assist me in building capacity to manage my daily life and meals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

GOAL – I would like to increase my safety both at home and in my community

SUPPORT: by learning safe and competent cooking skills to be able to make meals at home and safely conduct myself around the kitchen.