Nutrition for Every Body: Supporting Health and Wellness Through a Balanced, Individualized Diet

Did you know that what we eat can directly impact not just our physical health, but our cognitive and emotional wellbeing too? At A Place to Thrive, we believe that wellness begins with the fuel you give your body. Nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially for individuals with cognitive, intellectual, or physical disabilities. Proper, individualized nutrition is more than just eating—it’s about nourishing every system in the body to support physical, mental, and emotional health. A balanced, personalized diet can reduce the risk of additional health challenges and empower every body to thrive in its own unique way.

Why Nutrition Matters
A healthy diet provides essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients that support brain function, muscle strength, immune health, and energy levels. For individuals with disabilities, nutrition can be especially impactful:

• Cognitive and Intellectual Health: Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins support brain function and may help with memory, attention, and learning.

• Physical Health: Proper nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight, supports muscle and bone strength, and reduces the risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal issues.

• Emotional Wellbeing: Balanced meals help regulate blood sugar, which can positively affect mood, focus, and emotional regulation.

The Power of Individualized Nutrition
Every body is unique, and so are nutritional needs. Individualized nutrition plans consider a person’s abilities, medical history, lifestyle, and preferences to optimize health outcomes. This personalized approach can:

• Reduce the risk of comorbidities often associated with disabilities, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and digestive concerns.

• Support targeted health goals, whether it’s enhancing energy, improving gut health, or supporting cognitive function.

• Promote independence and confidence by teaching practical, sustainable eating habits that fit each person’s lifestyle.

Practical Tips for Thriving Through Nutrition

1. Focus on whole foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Hydrate consistently—water is essential for every function in the body.

3. Work with professionals: registered dietitians and healthcare providers can help create individualized plans.

4. Listen to your body: pay attention to how different foods make you feel and adjust accordingly.

At A Place to Thrive, we are committed to empowering individuals of all abilities to achieve their fullest potential. Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools in that journey. By embracing individualized, balanced eating, we can not only support physical health but also enhance cognitive and emotional wellness—helping every individual truly thrive.

Making Air Travel More Accessible: Tips for a Smoother Journey

August 20th marks National Accessible Air Travel Day, a reminder of the importance of making flying inclusive and comfortable for people of all abilities. While accessibility has improved over the years, air travel can still feel overwhelming without the right preparation. To help, here are some practical tips to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Contact the Airline in Advance

Reach out to your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to request special assistance. This may include pre-boarding, wheelchair service, seating accommodations, or help navigating security and boarding procedures. Clear communication ahead of time ensures that staff are prepared to support your needs.

2. Arrive at the Airport Early

Arriving extra early allows more time for check-in, security screenings, and getting settled. Airports can be unpredictable, and having that buffer can help reduce stress. Use this time to check accessibility features like family restrooms, elevators, and designated waiting areas.

3. Know Your Rights

In the United States, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) protects passengers with disabilities from discrimination. This includes rights to accessible seating, free wheelchair service, and assistance with boarding and deplaning. Being aware of your rights empowers you to advocate for yourself if needed.

4. Label & Pack Smart

Keep important medical equipment, medications, and documents (such as prescriptions or accessibility paperwork) in your carry-on. Label assistive devices clearly in case they are checked or handled by staff. Consider carrying extra supplies in case of delays.

5. Request Pre-Boarding

Pre-boarding gives you additional time to get settled in your seat, store equipment, and discuss any accommodations with flight attendants. This can help you avoid the rush of general boarding and make the process less stressful.

6. Use TSA Cares

The TSA offers a TSA Cares helpline, which allows you to request a passenger support specialist for assistance during security screenings. Calling at least 72 hours before travel ensures the right support is arranged.

Final Thoughts

Accessible air travel is about more than just reaching your destination—it’s about traveling with dignity, comfort, and independence. By preparing ahead of time and knowing your rights, you can make your next trip a smoother and more positive experience.

🌍 Let’s use National Accessible Air Travel Day to celebrate progress and continue advocating for a future where air travel is accessible to everyone.

Back-to-School Guide: Advocating for Sensory Accommodations in IEP & 504 Plans

The back-to-school season is exciting, but it can also bring unique challenges—especially for students with sensory needs. Crowded hallways, noisy cafeterias, and constant transitions can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your child’s IEP or 504 plan includes the right sensory accommodations to help them thrive at school.

Here’s a quick guide to support your advocacy:

1. Request a Sensory Profile

Start by asking your child’s occupational therapist or teacher to complete a sensory profile. This assessment highlights areas of sensitivity (like sound, light, or movement) and helps the team identify what supports will be most effective.

2. Be Specific in the Plan

Vague accommodations such as “sensory breaks as needed” can leave too much room for interpretation. Instead, request clear, actionable language. For example:

• “Student may use noise-canceling headphones during assemblies.”

• “Student will have access to a calm corner for up to 10 minutes when needed.”

The more detailed the accommodation, the easier it is for teachers and staff to follow through consistently.

3. Include Tools and Strategies

Make sure the plan lists specific sensory supports. Some common ones include:

• Fidgets or stress balls

• Weighted lap pads or vests

• Flexible seating (like wobble stools or cushions)

• Visual schedules for routines

These tools aren’t just “extras”—they can be essential for helping your child focus and stay regulated throughout the day.

4. Plan for Transitions

Transitions can be some of the most overwhelming parts of the school day. Think about times like lunch, fire drills, assemblies, or bus rides. Request accommodations such as:

• Advance notice before fire drills

• A designated quiet space after loud events

• Small group transitions instead of whole-class transitions

5. Collaborate with Staff

You know your child best. Share what works at home and collaborate with teachers and support staff to create consistency across school and home settings. A strong team approach makes accommodations more effective.

6. Review and Adjust

Sensory needs aren’t static—they can change as children grow or as school demands shift. Request regular check-ins to review the plan and adjust accommodations as needed.

Final Thoughts

Advocating for your child’s sensory needs takes persistence, but it makes a world of difference in their school experience. When accommodations are specific, consistent, and responsive, students are more likely to feel calm, confident, and ready to learn.

At A Place to Thrive, we believe every child deserves the tools and support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 💙

Accessibility Beyond Ramps: Creating Truly Inclusive Spaces

When people hear the word accessibility, many picture ramps, automatic doors, or wheelchair-friendly spaces. These features are important and necessary—but accessibility is so much more than that. At A Place to Thrive, we believe accessibility means enhancing environments where people of all abilities can fully participate, connect, and thrive.

Looking Beyond the Physical Space

True accessibility goes deeper than physical accommodations. It’s about considering how every aspect of an environment, program, or service can welcome and support people with different needs.

Here are just a few ways we can expand accessibility beyond ramps:

1. Sensory-Friendly Spaces

For individuals with sensory sensitivities—such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences—lighting, noise, and smells can impact comfort and participation.

• Use softer lighting and reduce harsh glare.

• Offer quiet areas or noise-canceling headphones.

• Avoid overpowering scents from cleaning products or air fresheners.

2. Visual Supports

Visual aids can make information easier to understand and follow.

• Post clear, pictorial signs to guide people through spaces.

• Provide visual schedules for events and activities.

• Use color-coding or labels for organization.

3. Communication Tools

Not everyone communicates verbally, and that’s okay.

• Incorporate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools like picture boards or speech-generating devices.

• Train staff and volunteers on how to use and support AAC.

• Offer written and digital materials in plain language formats.

4. Inclusive Program Design

Accessibility also means designing activities with everyone in mind from the start—not as an afterthought.

• Build flexibility into participation—allow people to join in ways that work best for them.

• Use adaptive materials or equipment when needed.

• Involve individuals with disabilities in the planning process to ensure their voices are heard.

Why It Matters

When we prioritize accessibility beyond ramps, we create environments that invite everyone to engage—without barriers, stigma, or exclusion. These inclusive spaces strengthen our communities and reflect the values we hold at A Place to Thrive: wellness, growth, and community for all abilities.

Let’s work together to make accessibility a way of life, not just a checklist.
💚 Learn more about our mission and resources at www.aplace2thrive.com

Welcome to A Place to Thrive: Where Every Body Belongs

At A Place to Thrive, we believe that access to wellness is a right, not a privilege. Our evolving mission is to create spaces, programs, and opportunities that remove barriers—physical, sensory, and systemic—so that individuals of all abilities can fully participate, connect, and thrive.

We are committed to enhancing accessibility not just as a feature, but as the foundation for wellbeing and quality of life. Every decision we make centers on the belief that true wellness is only possible when everyone can access it—no matter their ability, background, or circumstance.

🌿 Our Mission

We exist to foster belonging through inclusive programs that prioritize accessibility, equity, and holistic wellbeing. Whether you are neurodiverse, physically disabled, chronically ill, or simply seeking a space that honors your unique way of living—you belong here.

We are of the community, by the community, and for the community—always listening, adapting, and responding to real needs in real time.

♿ Accessibility: The Heart of Wellness

Accessibility is not an add-on. It’s the starting point.

From the physical spaces we choose, to the communication tools we provide, to the sensory considerations we build into every program, our focus is to remove barriers—seen and unseen.

Our commitment includes:

• Designing physical spaces that welcome mobility aids, adaptive equipment, and different pacing needs.

• Offering sensory-friendly environments for those sensitive to sound, light, or crowds.

• Using clear, inclusive language in all communications.

• Ensuring visual supports and alternative communication tools are available when needed.

We know that accessibility is ongoing work—and we are committed to learning, growing, and co-creating solutions with our community.

💪 What Inclusive Wellness Means to Us

For us, inclusive wellness goes beyond modifying a class or offering adaptive equipment—it’s a mindset and a mission.

It means:

• Centering emotional safety through trauma-informed practices.

• Providing nutrition education that honors diverse bodies, cultures, and abilities.

• Offering individual and group wellness opportunities that are flexible and adaptable.

• Celebrating the diverse ways people move, feel, connect, and heal.

Whether it’s adaptive yoga in the park, a social-emotional learning workshop, or a nutrition class with accessible tools, each program is intentionally designed to bring wellness within everyone’s reach.

🌟 Join Us in Building a Thriving Community

A Place to Thrive is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement toward belonging, access, and dignity for all.

When we enhance accessibility, we unlock the full potential of wellness for individuals, families, and communities. And when we do that, we raise the quality of life for everyone.

We invite you to get involved:

• Join a program

• Volunteer your time or skills

• Share our mission

• Support our work through donations

Let’s redefine wellness together—so every body, every mind, and every ability has a place to thrive.