The Vital Lessons From the International Day of Persons With Disabilities Let’s Build a More Inclusive World Whether it’s after an accident or a lifelong condition, disabilities can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. But it shouldn’t have to. I have had the privilege of witnessing resilience in many forms. Because of this, I feel a deep connection to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) on Dec. 3. Organized by the United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO), IDPwD is a call to action to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and actively remove the social stigma that too often shadows those with disabilities. These efforts are crucial in promoting a community where every person, regardless of their abilities, is recognized for their inherent dignity and potential. It echoes the lessons of compassion and resilience instilled by my mother, a dedicated special education teacher. Growing up with a mother who taught children with special needs, I quickly learned that disabilities are not a mark of shame but a facet of human diversity that enriches our community. Like many others facing similar challenges, her students exhibited a kind of perseverance and strength that many of us might never have to summon. In my practice, I often meet clients who are facing short or long-term disabilities after an accident. Sometimes, their disabilities aren’t even visible. But they navigate a world designed for the non-disabled, meeting expectations that disregard their daily challenges. It’s a stark reminder that inclusion is not just about physical accessibility but about understanding and support. We all have a role in ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone. The lessons of IDPwD are lessons of action and empathy. They remind us to support our neighbors and celebrate the achievements of those who overcome obstacles many of us can scarcely imagine. In our community, laws, and practices, we must strive to uplift each other, not out of pity but out of a deep-seated recognition of our shared humanity. As we observe this important day, let us recommit to building a world that truly values all its people. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I want us all to recognize the strength, resilience, and potential within every member of our society.
For many Americans, the holiday season is all about family and tradition. We decorate our homes with garlands and lights that bring us holiday cheer, prepare for family visits, go ice skating, and maybe even send a letter to Santa. However, another special tradition spans generations and excites every family member — baking holiday cookies! Many will bake cookies just for their immediate family to enjoy along with their favorite holiday movie, while others will bake up a huge batch to bring to the big family get-together of the season. If you want to try something fun and unique this year, consider hosting a holiday cookie swap with your loved ones. This tradition will allow you to try all sorts of new and delicious cookies — there are so many different kinds of holiday cookies, and every baker has their own specialty. Start by determining whom you want to invite, setting a budget, and determining how many cookies everyone should bring to the event. This ensures that nobody outshines anyone else through sheer volume or expensive ingredients alone. It’s a time for bonding, not competition. Once you have the ground rules and guestlist set, you need to get the decorations for the event. Treat it like a party. At your local party store, pick out decorations that fit the season’s theme. You can get unique napkins, mugs, stirring spoons for hot drinks, and anything else you think captures the holiday spirit. This is also a good time to procure all your baking essentials, such as chocolate chips or unique cookie cutters. All that’s left is hosting the party and ensuring everyone has a good time. If you want, you can even hold little contests to increase the excitement — each guest can vote on the prettiest or tastiest cookies and offer small prizes to the winner. As long as those attending enjoy themselves, your event will be a success. Plus, everyone who attends will have plenty of delicious cookies to get them through the rest of the holiday season! Leave Your Guests Smiling and Satisfied Sweeten the Season With a Cookie Swap!
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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