Accommodating Special Dietary Needs NFSMI-OSNM 09 Accommodating Special Dietary Needs National Food Service Management Institute The University of Mississippi 1 1

Objective 1 Be familiar with major legislation

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Prohibits discrimination against qualified handicapped persons in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Defines handicap as “…a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities”

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Ensures that all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in areas of employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, and communication

The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 Expanded the definition of a disability Became effective January 1, 2009 New regulations for school foodservice have not yet been issued by USDA

Objective 2 Identify legal, food safety, and financial considerations related to special needs

Other Legal Considerations Regulations Guidance State law Case law School policy and procedure Documentation Prescription/medical orders followed as written Confidentiality

Food Safety Considerations Follow principles of food safety when preparing special needs foods Maintain a separate area for allergenic foods

Financial Considerations Special foods, supplements, consultations Equipment–may be funded through IDEA Medicaid (varies from state to state) Title 1 PTA

Objective 3 List required components of the diet prescription

Disability Accommodation must be made No extra charge to student Only a licensed physician can diagnose a disability

Examples of Food Related Disabilities Diabetes Phenylketonuria (PKU) Food anaphylaxis

Statement for Children with Disabilities What the disability is Major life activity or ADL affected How it restricts the diet Complete diet order – including texture modifications Foods to be omitted Foods to be substituted

Special Dietary Needs That Are NOT A Disability Food allergies (unless anaphylactic) and intolerances Accommodations may be made but are generally not required In many cases, can be accommodated through offer vs. serve or by providing additional choices

Statement for Children Who Are NOT Disabled Signed by a recognized medical authority (physician, nurse, others specified by state agency) Identify the medical/dietary condition that restricts the child’s diet Foods to be omitted Foods to be substituted

Objective 4 Identify common dietary modifications

Common Menu Modifications Texture Calories ground increased chopped decreased pureed Consistency of Liquids nectar honey pudding

Food Allergy A reaction between a food protein and the body’s immune system Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening

Most Common Allergenic Foods Milk Eggs Fish Crustacean shellfish Soy Wheat Peanuts Treenuts

Anaphylaxis A severe, life-threatening allergic response

Objective 5 Describe effective and appropriate interaction with those with disabilities and their caregivers