Working Hard for Independence
Project Independence - Enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities Working Hard for Independence
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Healthy Living
Healthy Living Program | Pilot Program | The Instant Chef | Program Sponsorship
Pilot Program Summary
Project Independence was awarded a grant from the Irvine Health Foundation in the amount of $15,000 to pilot a program focused on improving the health and life satisfaction of 25 individuals with developmental disabilities. The pilot program ran from January through June 2007.
The outcome measures are as follows:
Focus group of 25 individuals with a BMI of 30+
Weight decrease by 5% per participant
Self reported life satisfaction increase by 20%
85% of participants will have ongoing goals related to healthy living included in program plans.
Project Independence will disseminate results to other organizations through two statewide conferences and one national conference

We were very excited by the promising results of this pilot project. People with disabilities were introduced to healthier food alternatives and given opportunities for exercise in a fun and interactive way. Project Independence believes so strongly in the value of this project that we invested almost $4,000 in uncompensated funds, 27% above the amount funded by the grant.
Click here for full Healthy Living report
Link to Healthy Living survey for people with developmental disabilities
link to Healthy Living cookbooks for sale
Link to new Healthy Living Guide for developmentally disabled
Our New Healthy Living Guide will be available Spring 2011 -
check back again!!

Project Independence’s mission is to promote civil rights for people with developmental disabilities
through services which expand independence and choice. Project Independence provides supported employment
and independent living services for people with developmental disabilities in Orange County, California as well as
disability benefits planning, and an opportunity for disability travel and recreation through its Access to
Adventures Program. Project Independence also has services available to businesses interested in hiring employees with developmental disabilities and has a special program promoting healthy living with a disability.