Welcome to the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities
We are dedicated to working alongside New Hampshire residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities to strengthen access and expand choices for all people in New Hampshire communities.
The New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities is a federally funded agency that supports public policies and initiatives that remove barriers and promote opportunities in all areas of life. The Council is independent of the agencies that provide services to people with disabilities. The Council develops a State Plan every five years to establish specific goals, objectives and strategies to address the most important issues affecting people with developmental disabilities in New Hampshire. The Council carries out its mission through education, advocacy and the funding of innovative projects that make a difference in people's lives.
NHCDD projects, publications, programs, and informational outreach sources are 100% federally funded through the US Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington DC., under grant 2501NHSCDD-02 totaling $526,312. Points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent official ACL policy.
Looking Back on the D RAPP
Today we look back on the Summer 2011 when parent advocate and Leadership graduate, Lois Pincince wrote about supporting her disabled child in obtaining her first job.
“Will my daughter ever work?” This was one of the many questions that poured forth when we met with the geneticist who had diagnosed our 20-month-old daughter. My husband and I were struggling to understand what life would hold for our dear sweet Madeline. As we learned more about her diagnosis, we saw the dreams we had for her slipping away. We wondered would she ever be able to work and be productive? How could someone who has a global developmental delay, is nonverbal, and would need lifelong supports, ever get a job?”
Read this article and the entire issue here.
Join us as we revisit the full archive of the Disability Rapp
First Edition of The DD Council’s Newest Magazine: NH for All
The DD Council welcomes you to check out the first edition of the Council’s new magazine: NH for All. This issue focuses on transportation access and barriers, and includes interesting information on adaptive cooking, disability-focused media recommendations, and more!
NHCDD Draft 5-Year Plan for 2026–2031
The NHCDD develops and follows a state plan every five years to determine specific goals, objectives and strategies to address the most vital issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Hampshire. We invite you to review our 2026-2031 5-Yr Plan draft and provide feedback.
Disability Leaders Mark Major Milestones Amid Growing Threats to Disability Rights
Both the ADA and DD Act were turning points in the nation’s history, affirming that people with disabilities have the right to live free from discrimination, to access public spaces and services, and to be fully included in community life.
“These rights were hard-won, born out of segregation, exclusion, and abuse—including the horrors experienced at institutions like New Hampshire’s Laconia State School,” said Isadora Rodriguez-Legendre, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Want To Show Off An Accessible or Inclusive Aspect Of Your Community?
The NH Council on Developmental Disabilities (NHCDD) is looking for nominations for the NHCDD Community Inclusivity Showcase of the Month from communities throughout the Granite State.
Submission steps:
- Download and fill out the Community Inclusivity Showcase Nomination Form
- Either:
- Email the completed form to Chase.G.Eagleson@DDC.NH.Gov, or
- Mail the form to 2½ Beacon Street, Concord, NH 03301
That's Inclusive Podcast - Technology First with 3DA and Eyegaze
Sam Shepard from 3DA and Preethi Vaidyanathan from Eyegaze discuss the concept of Technology First and how technology can benefit people with varying disabilities.
DD Partners Introduce the Stop Special Campaign
Breaking News!
Disability Rights Organizations Across the Nation Commit to “Stop Special”
In anticipation of Disability Pride Month, disability organizations join advocates in launching Stop Special, calling for an end to the word “special” to describe people with disabilities. The campaign is grounded in feedback received from people with disabilities and reflects their opinions and preferences. Although still used in law and public policies, the term “special” is increasingly considered condescending and offensive to disabled people and their allies.
“We are not special. We are brave and we are cowards. We are strong and we are weak. We are kind and we are cruel. We are persistent and we are lazy. We are human. We are not special. We deserve equitable access to our schools, communities, health care and housing. Not special spaces and programs that continue to segregate and ostracize us. No more special!” said Jim and Pat Piet, members of the disabled community.
Calling disabled people “special” sets them apart from others and can imply they are somehow broken, less than, or deficient. Language is evolving, and like the R-word before it, the time has come to honestly discuss and understand how euphemisms like “special needs”, “special education” and “special” more generally, harm and undermine the long-term fight for disability rights, equality, and justice.
“We recognize that this may not be an easy change, especially for those of us who regularly work with laws and regulations that contain this term. Mainstream rejection of the r-word has taught us that it can take years for the law to catch up to the community,” said Stephanie Patrick, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Center - NH.
“It comes down to this, people with disabilities have asked us not to call them ‘special’ and that is reason enough for us.” said Isadora Rodriguez Legendre, Executive Director of the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities.
The Stop Special campaign is supported with funding from the New Hampshire DD Act partners – the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, Disability Rights Center – NH, and the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities. Together, these partners support people with disabilities as they participate in all aspects of community life.
Visit StopSpecial.org to access tools and resources and Take the Pledge to get the word out and end the use of this harmful term.
The Directors of the DD Act Partnership, Isadora Rodriguez-Legendre, Stephanie Patrick, and Kelly Nye Lengerman have taken to the airwaves to launch the Stop Special Campaign, advocating for evolving the language we use when talking about disability.
See which organizations in New Hampshire and across the country have already signed the pledge!