Every third week of July is celebrated as the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week per Proclamation No. 1870, which was issued on 22 June 1970 to culminate the birthdate of one the country’s national heroes, The Sublime Paralytic: Apolinario Mabini.

The United Nations identify Persons with Disabilities (PWD) as those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Based on the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people globally, or approximately 15% of the world’s population, have some form of disability. About 80% PWDs in the world live in low-income countries, wherein majority are poor and cannot access basic services. With their conditions, they need greater attention and considerations in terms of health needs, without discrimination.

The results of the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) of the Philippine Statistics Authority show that population of PWDs totals to 1.443 million Filipinos or 1.57%. Region 10 has approximately 67,000 PWDs. For age groups, in every five (5) PWDs: one is aged 0 to 14 years, three are in the working age group (15-64 years old), and one is aged 65 years and above.

PWDs are more likely to face numerous barriers including protection risk, heightened violence, abuse and exploitation risk, and a high level of stigma. Thus, they have difficulties accessing assistance, education, livelihoods, health care and other services. Further, they may be denied of certain legal rights, and are often excluded from decision-making processes and leadership opportunities.

The type of physical disability among PWDs dictates the quantity of food and nutrients that a patient requires. The following are tips as discussed by Ms. Jacqueline P. Vitug, a clinical dietitian of the Nutrition Management Services of the Medical City during the Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon Year 9 entitled “Nutrition for Persons with Disabilities”:

• Right consistency – caregivers should always make sure to give the right consistency suitable to the patient’s ability to swallow food, because choking or coughing while swallowing are indications that the food consistency is not right for the patient. Liquids can be thickened using ingredients like cornstarch or gelatin and blend the food if necessary to improve consistency.
• Balance – follow the Pinggang Pinoy guide in the right amount of food taken by the PWDs. Patients need more than vegetables and fruits to have a balanced diet. Their diet must also contain adequate energy from carbohydrates such as rice, corn, root crops (kamote, potato or cassava) and protein such as meat, fish, poultry, milk and milk products, legumes and nuts. Fat or cooking oil is also added for increased energy content. Avoid fatty, sweet and salty foods.
• Quantity – consult a dietitian to know the right amount of food to be consumed.
• Family members or caretakers must have a lot of patience. Knowing that proper feeding and care means improved health, less complication and healthier life.
• Do simple exercise as applicable. Light or short walks can also be utilized as an aerobic exercise. Doing exercise will help them control their weight, combats health and diseases, improves mood, boost energy and promotes better sleep.

A person with disabilities has the same right and privileges as other individuals, too. Let us continue to provide them the assistance and support as One Region in Nutrition. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi, RND)

References:

Department of Health. Persons with disabilities: health and wellness program for persons with disabilities. Retrieved on 25 July 2021 from https://doh.gov.ph/persons-with-disabilities

Guillen, W. (2016, July 26-28). Household population and persons with disability by region: Philippines 2010 [PowerPoint slide]. Retrieved on 25 July 2021 from https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/meetings/2016/bangkok--disability-measurement-and-statistics/Session-6/Philippines.pdf

Radyo mo sa Nutrisyon. (25 September 2018). Episode 16 “Nutrition for persons with disability”. Retrieved 24 July 2021 from

https://web.facebook.com/radyomosanutrisyon/posts/2091280254215382

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Persons with disabilities. Retrieved on 25 July 2021 from https://emergency.unhcr.org/entry/43586/persons-with-disabilities

United Nations Human Rights. Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. Retrieved on 25 July 2021 from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CRPD/Pages/ConventionRightsPersonsWithDisabilities.aspx#2