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DDS Office of Human Rights

The Office of Human Rights (OHR) is committed to upholding and advancing the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). OHR serves as a valuable resource for these individuals, their families, provider agencies, and DDS.

OHR collaborates with individuals receiving services, their support teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that each person is supported to live a dignified life in the least restrictive environment with necessary safeguards in place to mitigate any identified unreasonable risk. Additionally, OHR provides training and consultation to individuals, families, DDS staff, and service providers by clarifying and explaining the rules and regulations that affect the human rights of those receiving services from the Department.

DDS Human Rights Networking Meeting

Human Rights Networking Meeting

September 9, 2025, from 2:30 pm-4 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/99498315469
Meeting ID: 994 9831 5469

You are invited to join the DDS Office of Human Rights (OHR) for a virtual human rights networking meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, from 2:30-4 pm. OHR is excited to welcome Pat Carney, M.Ed., Central West Director of Learning & Development, who will present on: “The Intersection of Human Rights Supports and the DDS Foundational Values.”  We are also honored to have DDS Commissioner Sarah Peterson joining us for opening remarks.

DDS Human Rights Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

HRAC Meeting Minutes March 2025

HRAC Meeting Minutes April 2025

For previous meeting minutes, please contact Joseph Weru at Joseph.W.Weru@mass.gov.   

HRAC Subcommittee Meetings

Microsoft Teams 

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 285 504 083 718

Passcode: X96B4hL7

Dial in by phone

+1 857-327-9245,776339081# United States, Boston

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 776 339 081# 

Agendas

HRAC Subcommittee Agenda 5.9.25

HRAC Subcommittee Agenda 7.17.25

Policy & Information

DDS Human Rights Policy

General Information Resources

OHR General Informational Resources 

Human Rights Resources

Human Rights Resources 

OHR Contact List

OHR Contact List

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