Policy

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

Establishing a Committee to Study the Impacts of the Housing Crisis on People with Disabilities

HB 1168—This bill established a committee to study the impacts of the Granite State housing crisis on people with disabilities and aims to develop solutions for the crisis. 
 
Accessible Voting Systems

HB 1264—For town and municipal elections, all New Hampshire polling locations must offer the option to vote using an accessible voting system. 

State Oversight of Residential Treatment Programs for Children

HB 1573—Court-ordered residential treatment programs for children must be licensed and certified by the NH Department of Health and Human Services. The placements are now subject to monitoring visits to ensure compliance. 

Reporting on Bias Crimes

SB 315—Law enforcement operating within the state are now required to report information concerning hate and bias crimes to the Department of Safety. The Department must publish statistical information on these crimes to their website.