Policy
The NHCDD policy page contains legislative bill updates and tips and tools for testifying in legislative hearings.
Civic Engagement and Advocacy
The NHCDD has identified civic engagement and advocacy as one of their new five year plan goals. The council aims to build stronger relations with policy makers by engaging in legislative and administrative education. The council will provide training and information in best practices to inform policies that have a positive impact on the lives of all individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families across the lifespan.
The Council uses a non-partisan approach in activities to promote change. Our emphasis is to be a source of information and advice in helping legislators and other policymakers to identify and evaluate the available alternatives for meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
The NHCDD also supports the Bi-Partisan Disability Caucus, a group of legislators from both sides of the aisle who believe in ensuring that the disability community is represented when discussing proposed legislation.
The Council is also a partner and sponsor of the NH Leadership Series, a program dedicated to advocacy training for people with ID/DD and their families, giving NH citizens an opportunity to develop skills necessary to engage in policy advocacy.
The Council identifies Legislative Priorities every year to direct Council efforts in creating systemic change at the highest level in New Hampshire. The main objective of our public policy efforts is to create system change in New Hampshire for persons with DD and their families.
Legislative Successes
Informing Students with Disabilities on Rights while Participating in the Education Freedom Accounts Program
HB446—This bill clarifies the responsibility of a scholarship organization under the education freedom accounts program for explaining rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Public Playground Accessibility
HB467—Public playgrounds built in New Hampshire now are required to have resilient, solid surface materials for accessibility to the playground and each piece of equipment.
Contact Person to Assist Law Enforcement for Individuals with Mental/Physical Disabilities
HB560—It is now mandated for the state police to establish a contact person notification program to assist law enforcement personnel who have contact with a person with mental or physical disabilities.