Synopsis
Dietetics practitioners are food and nutrition experts who help people live healthier lives. They work in various 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 for more credentialed dietetics practitioners overall, and more with disabilities.This powerful and inspiring book features the autobiographies of 15 credentialed dietetics practitioners with disabilities, who share their lived experiences navigating:College and academic accommodationsSupervised practice internshipsNational credentialing examsEmployment, workplace access, and disability disclosureDisability culture around food, nutrition, and eatingTheir disabilities include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, vision and hearing impairments, mobility disabilities, and chronic illnesses.The book also includes eight educational chapters on topics including:The Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsThe Disabilities in Nutrition and Dietetics Member Interest GroupThe profession and how to become a dietetics practitionerDisability resourcesDisability statisticsState vocational rehabilitation programs and centers for independent livingThis book is an essential resource for:Individuals with disabilities exploring careers in dietetics or other healthcare professionsDietetics and healthcare students/interns with disabilitiesEducators, preceptors, managers, and supervisorsCareer counselors and disability services professionalsAllies, family members, and colleagues of people with disabilitiesAll book royalties are donated to efforts to enhance disability inclusivity in the dietetics workforce and/or to educate it about disabilities.
