Virtual Backgrounds

On Dec. 3, communities around the world observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global United Nations observance that highlights disability inclusion and human rights. This year’s theme is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”

At CalHR, we recognize that all people—across every identity, background and lived experience—contribute to stronger, more inclusive workplaces and communities. Disability, in all its forms, is an important part of what makes our state workforce so strong.

We also honor the recent passing of Alice Wong, a groundbreaking disability activist from San Francisco. Her Disability Visibility Project continues to inspire deeper understanding of disability culture and advocacy.

Rather than focusing on individual challenges, International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us to strengthen systems, remove barriers and advance accessibility so everyone can fully participate and thrive.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities Resources:

• Resources for People with Disabilities | California Department of Justice
• California Department of Rehabilitation
• International day of persons with disabilities – WHO
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities – 3 December | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)
• Alice Wong – MacArthur Fellow (2024)

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month, a time to recognize how seasonal changes—especially reduced daylight and colder weather—can affect mood and energy.

The National Institute of Mental Health notes that these mood changes usually occur during the shorter days of fall through early spring and seem to be more widespread among women than men.

Symptoms can include: 

• Poor concentration
• Oversleeping (hyperinsomnia)
•  Social withdrawal
• Changes in appetite
• Low energy

Research shows that changes in brain chemicals like serotonin and melatonin can disrupt the body’s internal clock. As daylight decreases with the changing seasons, it becomes harder for the body to adjust. For people with SAD, shorter days can lower serotonin levels, which may affect mood, sleep, and behavior.

We are invested in the health and wellbeing of California’s state workforce.  

State employees may also access the Employee Assistance Program for resources and support related to coping with seasonal changes. Additional information is listed in our resources section.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month Resources:

• Employee Assistance Program – CalHR
• Coping with Seasonal Changes – Magellan Health – Liferay DXP
• Mental Health Awareness – California Department of Public Health
• Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month – NAMI Guilford
• Seasonal Depression or Winter Blues? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Explained by a Psychologist – UC Davis Health

In the wake of World War II, the United Nations established a list of universal human rights. Eleanor Roosevelt, then First Lady, chaired the committee that drafted more than 30 rights inherent to all people—including the rights to education, freedom from enslavement, privacy, and freedom of expression.

California has a longstanding commitment to upholding these universal human rights and the protection of individual freedom. Governor Newsom recently reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding these fundamental rights by convening a special legislative session focused on strengthening civil rights protections statewide.

Each December, we observe Universal Human Rights Month, and Human Rights Day is on Dec. 10. This year’s theme, “Human rights, our everyday essentials,” encourages us to consider how these rights influence our daily lives and how we can work to preserve them.

Universal Human Rights Month Resources:

• California Governor Newsom 2024 Proclamation
• Governor Newsom convenes a special session of the Legislature to protect California values | Governor of California
• 2015: AB-15 Limitation of actions: human rights abuses         
• California Civil Rights Department
• Human Rights Day | United Nations
• United Nations Celebrates 76 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights | United Nations (2024)
• What are the universal human rights? – TED-Ed
• Celebrate Universal Human Rights Month – End Slavery Now