1. Accommodating Special Dietary Needs
ICN-OSNM 09
ORIENTATION TO SCHOOL NUTRITION MANAGEMENT
Accommodating Special Dietary Needs 1 1

2. Identify major legislation related to disabilities.
Objective
Identify major legislation related to disabilities.

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

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

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

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

7. The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008
Expanded the definition of a disability
Became effective January 1, 2009
New regulations are still being put into effect

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

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

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

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

12. List required components of the diet prescription.
Objective
List required components of the diet prescription.

13. Only a licensed physician can diagnose a disability
Accommodations must be made
No extra charge to student

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

15. Statement for Children with Disabilities
What the disability is
Major life activity or Activities of Daily Living (ADL) affected
How it restricts the diet
Complete diet order – including texture modifications
Foods to be omitted and substituted

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

17. 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 and substituted

18. Identify common dietary modifications.
Objective
Identify common dietary modifications.

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

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

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

22. Anaphylaxis
A severe, life-threatening allergic response

23. Objective
Describe effective and appropriate interaction with those who have disabilities and their caregivers.

24. The Institute of Child Nutrition www.theicn.org 800-321-3054
Thank you!
The Institute of Child Nutrition