Human Rights Day, Dec 10th, Our Everyday Essentials

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.

Why Human Rights Day Matters for the I/DD Community

1. 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.
   

2. 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.
   

3. 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.
   

📅 Events & Ways to Mark Human Rights Day Locally

• 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.

Volunteer & Inclusion-Oriented Organizations in the Region

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
  

Why It Matters Now

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, equality), social rights (housing, employment, education), and cultural rights (belonging, recognition) all matter. From Portland to Oregon City, every interaction—from the day-program, to the inclusive recreation league, the employer offering a job to someone with I/DD, the public transportation route someone uses, the neighbor who includes—counts.

🔧 Resource List for I/DD + Disability Rights in Oregon

• The Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) — Listed on the City of Portland Office of Equity’s disability resource page. Portland.gov

• Oregon’s “Local Disability Organizations and Resources” directory via City of Portland — covers housing, transportation, business, and recreation for people with disabilities. Portland.gov

• Internationally: the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) page on Human Rights Day outlines the global framework and why December 10 matters. United Nations Human Rights Office

• "15 Ideas to Celebrate Human Rights Day” article — helpful for brainstorming local event ideas (art, reflection, storytelling, vigilance) you could adapt for the I/DD community. Human Rights Careers

  
  

In Closing

On December 10, let us stand together for dignity, freedom and justice for all—including those in our communities who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The work of inclusion is both personal and systemic—it’s about relationships and community culture, policy and practice. Here in the Portland/Oregon City region, with the support of Northwest Mental Health Management Services and our network of partners, we can make the promise of human rights a lived reality for all.

Start a career that matters!

Apply Online