Developmentally Disabled Programs

Individuals with Developmental Disabilities:

• The Montana Research and Training Center on Rural Rehabilitation Services identified nutrition education as a primary intervention for secondary health conditions experienced by this population (over-weight, cardiovascular/circulatory problems, diabetes, osteoporosis).

• A nutrition education curriculum was developed for use with individuals with developmental disabilities. This series of 12 to 15 lessons highlights objectives related to food safety, food preparation, and skills for making healthy food choices.

" 'Josh', an 18-year-old individual with developmental disabilities, could only make toast. After four lessons he has expanded his cooking skills to include yogurt parfaits, nachos, quesadillas and a few other easy snacks. He is so excited to be able to prepare a variety of foods on his own."

" 'Jess' has been struggling with his weight throughout his adult life and was told by his doctor that his health was in jeopardy if he did not lose weight. His doctor encouraged him to participate in nutrition education classes to learn how to make healthy food choices, and encouraged him to walk everyday. He took his doctor's warning to heart and lost 80 pounds! I was so fortunate to witness our lessons in action. "

"One of the young fellows that I used to work with at a group home had very low communication skills but loved to help cook. The thing he did each time I arrived that stood out so much was that he would get the soap out right away and show me that he was washing his hands. This was such a big deal for him! He sure learned that lesson well!

"One of the young down syndrome participants that I used to work with at the group home really made some very visible food choice changes. We would rotate from apartment to apartment for classes there, however she would often ask me to come to her apartment and she would open up her refrigerator and show me the things she was proud of - especially milk, yogurt and fruits. Prior to our classes, I know she had no idea at all about food choices."

"An older participant that I have worked with had terrible eating habits. He has a real sweet tooth and I think his whole life had had donuts for breakfast. He now loves to report what he has had for breakfast and most often it is cold cereal - a great improvement! I think his food choices are our greatest accomplishments."

"A 24 year old participant has over the past 18 months lost 110 pounds. He has had support from his doctor and the group home however I do feel our program has helped him in this huge endeavor. He has been in an ongoing class and has taken so many of the concepts and practices to heart. We also put together a cookbook for him and others and it is like 'gold' to him."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Douglas L. Steele, Vice Provost and Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.