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

2. Objective 1
Be familiar with major legislation

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
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 for school foodservice have not yet been issued by USDA

8. Objective 2
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
PTA

12. Objective 3
List required components of the diet prescription

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

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 ADL affected
How it restricts the diet
Complete diet order – including texture modifications
Foods to be omitted
Foods to be substituted

16. 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

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
Foods to be substituted

18. Objective 4
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
Eggs
Fish
Crustacean shellfish
Soy
Wheat
Peanuts
Treenuts

22. Anaphylaxis
A severe, life-threatening allergic response

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