Developmental Disability Program Manager

December 10 marks Human Rights Day , the annual observance of the date in 1948 when the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations.

It is a time to reaffirm that every person—regardless of background, ability, identity or geography—deserves the full spectrum of rights: freedom, equality, justice and dignity.

For those of us working in the I/DD ( intellectual/developmental disabilities ) space—especially here in the Pacific Northwest—Human Rights Day isn’t just symbolic. It’s a call to action, a reminder that the rights guaranteed on paper must translate into meaningful, everyday inclusion and respect for people with I/DD.

Equality and dignity are foundational. The
UDHR states
that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” For a person with I/DD, this means the basic truth: they are full persons, with inherent value and rights—not defined by their disability.

Rights that too often go unfulfilled. People with I/DD may still face barriers to full participation: in employment, education, healthcare, community life, decision-making, or simply being heard. Ensuring human rights in this context means an active effort to eliminate stigma, remove structural obstacles, and create pathways for inclusion.

Local commitment, global values. While the UDHR sets an international standard, living those standards happens in our neighborhoods—schools, workplaces, services, homes, communities. For organizations such as Northwest Mental Health Management Services (NMHMS) and other support providers here in Oregon, it means aligning day-to-day work with human-rights-based practice: person-centered planning, self-advocacy, community integration, and empowering individuals with I/DD.

The Oregon Education Association lists an “International Human Rights Day” event on December 10 in Oregon (for educators) — a good tie-in for awareness.
Oregon Education Association

The UNA‑USA national site offers virtual programs and advocacy tool-kits for Human Rights Day.
UNA-USA

The Oregon Jewish Museum & Center for Holocaust Education had offered free admission in honor of Human Rights Day (Dec 8-10) — this suggests museum / cultural-venue ties in the region.
Ojmche

For digital rights & access, the City of Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability listed a “2025 Digital Rights Days Celebration” on Dec 10.
Portland.gov

Human Rights Day reminds us that this isn’t peripheral—it’s fundamental. The rights to dignity, autonomy, participation, and equality guide everything we do.

Here are organizations you can highlight (for “how to participate locally”):

Abilities at Work (Portland area) — They partner with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to engage in volunteering and community service opportunities.
Abilities At Work

On‑the‑Move Community Integration (Portland) — Supports adults with I/DD to access the community. They are always looking for partners & volunteers.
On-the-Move Community Integration

Independent Living Resources (Portland) — Offers services for people with disabilities, and has volunteer opportunities like peer support, teaching, etc.
ILR Work Incentives Portland

Easterseals Oregon (Portland) — Strong volunteer program, working with children and adults with disabilities, including I/DD.
Easterseals

The Arc Portland Metro — Advocacy and inclusion organization for children and adults with I/DD; good partner for inclusion work.
Idealist

Community Vision, Inc. (Portland) — Supports people with disabilities; offers volunteer project opportunities.
Community Vision

In many parts of the world—and yes, in the U.S. and Oregon—progress is real, but so are threats: stagnation in inclusive policy, funding shortfalls, isolation of people with I/DD in congregate settings, limited voice in planning. The world-wide observance of
Human Rights Day
reminds us: human rights are universal, indivisible , and interdependent .

For the I/DD community, that means that civil/political rights (choice, voice,…