Special Order Sophia Kang, Doctoral Capstone Project
Special Order is a “create-your-own-dish” worksheet designed to spark creativity and thoughtful decision-making in the kitchen. This activity empowers participants to take charge of their culinary choices while reinforcing the importance of balanced nutrition. As they build their own dish, participants are guided to include items from all the major food groups—encouraging not only creativity but also nutritional awareness.
The kitchen is more than just a place to follow instructions—it's a space for imagination, experimentation, and personal expression. It’s a constant cycle of trial and error, and that’s part of what makes it so powerful. With this in mind, Special Order was created to inspire participants to be brave and curious.
This activity promotes independence and autonomy, allowing individuals to make their own choices, explore different flavors, and discover what they enjoy. It’s not just about making a meal—it’s about learning something new about yourself, building confidence, and having fun in the process.
Whether the final dish turns out exactly as expected or not, Special Order reminds us that every step in the kitchen is a chance to grow, explore, and celebrate our unique tastes and ideas.
Hello! My name is Sophia Kang, and I’m an occupational therapy student at Touro University Nevada. For my doctoral capstone project, I had the privilege of collaborating with The Color-Coded Chef to explore the therapeutic potential of cooking. Food and cooking have always held a special place in my life—as powerful forms of communication, self-expression, and creativity. Cooking is a dynamic, multifaceted activity that engages the body, stimulates the mind, and nurtures emotional well-being. It offers opportunities for learning, growth, and self-discipline in a uniquely personal way.
My capstone project, Everyone Can Cook, is an occupation-based wellness and education program designed to empower individuals through accessible, adaptive culinary experiences. The goal is to transform the culinary landscape by providing inclusive, evidence-based strategies for meal preparation that foster confidence, independence, and meaningful engagement. The program also extends its impact through education and outreach—not only to participants but also to parents, caregivers, and the broader community.
To support program implementation, I partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas, a nonprofit organization that offers free educational and therapeutic programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. I facilitated a series of three one-hour cooking classes—scheduled every other week—for both teen and adult participants. To support skill generalization and encourage continued practice at home, I also delivered 30-minute educational presentations to parents and caregivers prior to each session, focusing on strategies and tools to promote success beyond the classroom.
The Everyone Can Cook project demonstrated that with the right support in place, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can actively and meaningfully participate in cooking activities. Feedback from participants, families, and community partners has been overwhelmingly positive—highlighting the program’s relevance, accessibility, and potential for long-term impact.
Cooking is more than just a life skill—it’s a path to independence, connection, and creativity. Through this project, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusive culinary experiences can transform lives, one recipe at a time.
