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

National Special Education Day and Meeting Children's Nutritional Needs

Special Education Day marks the anniversary of our nation’s first federal special education law which was signed by President Gerald Ford on December 2, 1975. This law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

IDEA made education available to all American children and this day honors the progress that has been made in special education

National Special Education Day was first celebrated in 2005 which was the 30th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

In recent years, we have seen increasing emphasis on the importance of ensuring children with disabilities have the same opportunities as other children to receive an education and education-related benefits, such as school meals.

My son Jake, has cerebral palsy and requires someone to feed him. He was brought into the cafeteria with his aid and they sat alone. He asked if he could eat in the classroom because he was embarrassed the children would make fun of him. The school said no. Jake started to refuse to eat - he said he wasn't hungry. Sometimes he would come home with food all over his clothes and face. There is still time to learn how to meet nutritional needs for Special Needs Children.

Florida State Receiver Travis Rudolph Eats

Lunch With An Autistic Boy Sitting By Himself

Autistic kindergartner denied school lunch

References

Handbook for Children with Special Food and Nutrition Needs 

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. 

World Pear Day

Pears are nutrient-dense and an excellent source of fiber. One medium pear provides 4 grams of fiber and can help you feel satisfied longer between meals and snacks. 

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the average American adult should consume approximately 2 cups of fruit per day. One medium-sized pear is about one cup, so you’re halfway there with just one pear! Pear Bureau Northwest

Recipe: Ginger Roasted Beets, Sweet Potatoes and Pears
A perfect way to celebrate the bounty of fall and winter produce. @USAPears Recipe development and photography by Alexandra Aldeborgh (@daisybeet).

The Many Ways to Enjoy Pears

1. Grilled Cheese and Pear. Add thinly sliced pears to a grilled cheese sandwich or your favorite panini.
2. Chutney & Salsa. Pears can be a perfect partner for savory dishes. Create a refreshing salsa with diced pears, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve with grilled chicken or fish.
3. Pear Salads. Combine sliced pears with mixed greens, candied nuts, and crumbled feta or blue cheese. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette.
4. Bake pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of honey.
5. Preserve. Try your hand at canning pears. They’ll be waiting for you in your pantry anytime!
6. Pears Instead of Apples. For a change in flavor, use pears in any way you would usually use apples.
7. The Perfect Snack. Have a delicious fresh pear as a sweet, juicy snack.
8. Sweet Soup. Ever tried pears in soup? Magnifique!
9. Pear Cobbler. Substitute pears for apples in your favorite low-fat cobbler recipe.
10. Poach Your Pears. Ever tried it? They’re delicious! Poach pears in red wine or sweet syrup with spices like cinnamon and cloves for an elegant dessert. Serve poached pears with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
11. Grill pear halves for a caramelized flavor. Drizzle with balsamic reduction or honey for added richness. Serve grilled pears with a sprinkle of goat cheese for a delightful appetizer.
12. Pear Smoothie. Blend ripe pears into a smoothie with yogurt, spinach, and honey for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
13. Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza. Top pizza dough with sliced pears, Gorgonzola cheese, and a balsamic glaze for a unique and tasty pizza.
14. Pear and Ginger Tea. Infuse your favorite tea with slices of fresh pear and a hint of ginger for a soothing beverage.
15. Pear and Walnut Oatmeal: For a hearty and flavorful breakfast, add diced pears and chopped walnuts to your morning oatmeal.

Recipes
1. Pear Snacking, USA Pears

December Health, Nutrition, and Food Events

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is up-dated daily. To view the entire Newsletter online click here .

December Highlights

December Produce

A Happy & Healthy Holiday from

All of Us at Dietitians-Online and Wellness News

Thank you for your support.

Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday.

Sandra and Jake.

Prepared by
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN
Jake Frank