Background/Purpose The Tactile Food Pyramid (TFP) is adapted with permission from The Nutrition Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for use by learners who have visual impairment/blindness. The TFP includes embossed textures for food groups, tactile lines, large print, and braille. If children are not given the adapted tools needed to make healthy choices at an early age, they are at greater risk for childhood obesity, diabetes, and low self-esteem. According to the CDC, obese children are more likely to become obese adults.
Method The TFP study was conducted for 3 months with 42 students. Students constructed (cut/paste) the TFP during their unit on nutrition, gradually building a pyramid as they learned the food groups. Teachers used the TFP as an educational aid while following national guidelines/state educational standards. Teachers presented a series of nutritional questions to students. SPSSŪ Statistics 17.0 was used for descriptive statistics.
Analysis/Results Students' mean chronological age was 12.64 years; mean cognitive age was 6.31 years. Twenty-eight percent of females and 22% of males are obese. Textures of the food groups have sufficient tactual contrast for 38 students. Before using the TFP, 38.1% students could name the food groups. Afterwards, 69% students could do so. Students (40.5%) can now estimate food amounts by using common objects (e.g., card deck). While learning about nutrition, students participated in physical activity and discussed its benefits.
Conclusions The TFP is an accessible tool to teach students who have visual impairment/blindness about making healthy choices related to diet and exercise.