A dycem placemat can be used to secure a cafeteria tray on a table, or on the lap tray of a student's wheel chair. A second dycem mat can be used to secure the plates and glasses on the tray. It comes in reels or sheets that can be cut to size. If cafeteria trays are not available or necessary, the plates of food can be placed on a dycem mat directly on a table. For students with vision, the color of the dycem should be selected to provide contrast with the tray or table and the plates.
Individual preferences play an important role in enhancing motivation for the activity.
The student is presented with two entree samples, one at a time. The items from which a student is choosing should be two things which he or she is likely to want to eat. Administrators should work with cafeteria staff to ensure that appropriate alternatives are made available. Be aware that food preferences are influenced by a student's cultural and family background. For each sample of food, the student is moved through touching the plate, touching the food, smelling the food, and tasting the food.