Food Safety Sophia Kang, Doctoral Capstone Project
Smoother Operator Safety Sheets created by Sophia Kang
Blog 1: Food Safety
Safety is a top priority in any kitchen—but it becomes especially important when working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In occupational therapy, ensuring a safe environment is essential to supporting independence, confidence, and meaningful engagement in daily activities.
To help address common kitchen hazards, I created a food safety worksheet that presents key safety concepts in a simple, accessible, and empowering format.
This worksheet covers fundamental topics such as proper handwashing techniques, general kitchen rules, and basic knife safety. It uses clear, easy-to-understand language, visual cues, and step-by-step instructions to make food safety approachable for all learners—regardless of ability level.
Importantly, this resource isn’t just for participants. It’s also designed for parents, caregivers, and support staff, helping to create a shared understanding of safe kitchen practices. By equipping everyone involved with the right tools and knowledge, we can foster a supportive, inclusive environment where participants feel confident exploring their skills in the kitchen.
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.
