Dietetics practitioners are food and nutrition experts who help people live healthier lives. They work in a wide range of settings-from hospitals and research labs to sports teams, schools, nursing homes, and the food industry. Yet, despite the diversity of the populations they serve, the dietetics profession remains predominantly female, white, and able-bodied. Only 2% of dietetics practitioners self-identify as having a disability, compared to 29% of U.S. adults.
There is a growing and urgent need to diversify the field-especially by including practitioners with disabilities.
This powerful and inspiring book features the autobiographies of 15 credentialed dietetics practitioners with disabilities, who share their lived experiences navigating:
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• College and academic accommodations
• Supervised practice internships
• National credentialing exams
• Employment, workplace access, and disability disclosure
• Disability culture around food, nutrition, and eating
Their disabilities include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, vision and hearing impairments, mobility disabilities, and chronic illnesses.
In addition to these personal stories, the book includes eight educational chapters on topics including:
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• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• The Disabilities in Nutrition and Dietetics Member Interest Group
• The profession and how to become a dietetics practitioner
• Disability resources
• Disability statistics
• State vocational rehabilitation programs and centers for independent living
This book is an essential resource for:
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• People (teenagers, college students, adults returning to college) with disabilities exploring careers in dietetics or other healthcare professions
• Dietetics and healthcare students/interns with disabilities
• Educators, preceptors, managers, and supervisors
• Career counselors and disability services professionals
• Allies, family members, and colleagues of people with disabilities
All book royalties are donated to initiatives that support and educate a more disability-inclusive dietetics workforce.
