Needs Assessment Results for Nutrition and Physical Activity Integration into Special Education

Academic Paper from the year 2018 in the subject Health - Nutritional Science, grade: N/A, , language: English, abstract: Background: Individuals with disabilities tend to have a higher prevalence of overweight compared to their non-disabled peers. Thus, emphasizing the need for effective interventions to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Methods: An online survey tool was sent to special education teachers across 5 school districts to identify the need for and barriers to integrating nutrition and physical activity resources into their classrooms. Results: Of the teachers that were surveyed, 90% reported that their students receive too little nutrition education. The top barriers that were identified as obstacles for more fully integrating nutrition into their classrooms included; time within the school day, lack of resources/materials, and funding. Conclusions: Special education teachers and their students need access to resources that provide opportunities for nutrition and health-related interventions. Research is needed to identify effective interventions aimed at reducing the number of overweight and individuals with disabilities.

Résumé
Academic Paper from the year 2018 in the subject Nutritional Science, grade: N/A, , language: English, abstract: Background: Individuals with disabilities tend to have a higher prevalence of overweight compared to their non-disabled peers. Thus, emphasizing the need for effective interventions to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Methods: An online survey tool was sent to special education teachers across 5 school districts to identify the need for and barriers to integrating nutrition and physical activity resources into their classrooms. Results: Of the teachers that were surveyed, 90% reported that their students receive too little nutrition education. The top barriers that were identified as obstacles for more fully integrating nutrition into their classrooms included; time within the school day, lack of resources/materials, and funding.Conclusions: Special education teachers and their students need access to resources that provide opportunities for nutrition and health-related interventions. Research is needed to identify effective interventions aimed at reducing the number of overweight and individuals with disabilities.