December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities 

From United Nations Enable
"Persons with disabilities make up an estimated 15 percent of the world’s population. Almost one-fifth of the estimated global total of persons living with disabilities, or between 110-190 million, encounter significant difficulties. Furthermore, a quarter of the global population is directly affected by disability, as caregivers or family members. 

U N I T E D   N A T I O N S

2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)

Since 1992, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been observed annually on 3 December worldwide. This year's theme is "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future." This theme recognizes the vital role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of their participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

This year's theme reflects the current international political and policy context, in particular the Pact for the Future and the upcoming 2025 World Summit for Social Development, and the need to create momentum for achieving the 2030 Agenda. The theme seeks to amplify the centrality of the leadership role of persons with disabilities in all of these efforts—from the global to the local.

The UN calls on domestic and international public health officials, political representatives, advocates, supporters, and every citizen in every community to learn from the experiences of people living with disabilities and push for more meaningful investments into the socioeconomic building blocks that will reduce the barriers faced by people with disabilities in every community on earth.

Assistive technology to facilitate

independent eating and drinking

The first video describes the feeding challenges of persons with disabilities and the advances in assistive technology. It does not endorse the Mealtime Partner Dining System, but the video shows good examples of challenging eating/feeding situations. 

Quadriplegic Eating Utensils

Resource.

United Nations Enable, International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Zucchini Fritters, on the Lighter Side

Zucchini Fritters are a great way to incorporate ​vegetables into your diet while enjoying a satisfying snack or side dish. Here's a general outline of the recipe to help you get started:

Ingredients
2 medium zucchini
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini to remove as much moisture as possible. You can use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth for this.
3. Transfer the squeezed zucchini to a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and lightly beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form fritters. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
7. Serve the fritters warm as a side dish or a snack.

Remember that providing nutrition analysis is an approximate value, and it may vary based on the specific ingredients used and the cooking method. Nonetheless, zucchini fritters are generally considered a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks or sides and can be a nutritious addition to your meal.