In the 3rd edition of the Exercise and Nutrition Health Education Curriculum for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, we added twenty-five new modules based on our teaching experiences with participants of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Community-Based Train-the-Trainer Health Promotion Program. Thirteen of the new modules were developed for agency staff to introduce core concepts related to physical activity, exercise, and nutrition to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, good pain/bad pain, sleep, medications, safety). Twelve additional modules were created as a way of initiating and encouraging lifelong learning related to health and adoption of healthy lifestyles (six of these modules were developed through a project funded by Special Olympics International). Through the Special Olympics project, these modules were developed as a part of the Learning Through Pictures: Nutrition and Physical Activity Education Curriculum for Adults with I/DD.

This innovative curriculum is a 12-week interactive program specifically designed for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each week participants enjoy three 1-hours sessions, where they are encouraged to:

• understand attitudes toward health, food, and exercise
• gain skills and knowledge about healthy eating and exercising
• identify food and exercise preferences
• participate in food preparation and exercise activities
• locate places in the community where they can exercise regularly

Table of Contents and Sample Files from the Curriculum