IDDC is committed to its Values and Principles which uphold inclusive ways of working, both internally and in all its development activities, and which seek the participation of all members and both encourage and respect diversity. These are:

Human Rights for all

Human Rights for all means the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and respect for their inherent dignity

Persons with disabilities experience frequent violations and deprivations of their rights

Solutions to eliminating poverty and achieving development lie in a human rights based approach, ensuring participation, autonomy, accountability, non-discrimination, empowerment and are linked to human rights standards

We, as IDDC and as individual organisations, work to ensure that all of our programmes, research, projects, advocacy, evaluations and other operations are implemented using a human rights based approach

Inclusion & Diversity

Inclusion is both a process and a goal

Diversity is a richness from which we all benefit that needs to be nurtured and respected

Environments, information, systems and processes must be fully accessible

Disability is an evolving concept and results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

We, as IDDC and as individual organisations, acknowledge and respond to diversity and intersectionality in communities and within the disability community and work to ensure that no groups are left behind.

Sustainable Development & Social Justice

Development is defined by its respect for, protection of, and fulfilment of all human rights

Poverty elimination and inclusion are preconditions for sustainable development
Development must strive to promote equity, equality, justice and respect for diversity

Resources need to be utilised creatively and efficiently

We, as IDDC and as individual organisations, strive to be a model of inclusion, transparency, social justice and respect for full human rights

Partnership, participation and collaboration

Effective and efficient partnership grounded in human rights principles is essential in order to achieve inclusive development

Collaboration should be transparent, flexible, and respectful to ensure mutual trust

We, as IDDC and as individual organisations, work in partnership with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations and networks as well as with families, communities, and strategic stakeholders, such as inter-governmental organisations, mainstream civil society actors, donors, and governments, to promote respect for the human rights of persons with disabilities