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

Résumé ou Introduction

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.