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
- Supported Decision Making as an Alternative to Guardianship
HB540 establishes that supported decision-making is a process which preserves the self-determination of adults with disabilities by providing them with accommodations and supports to enable them to make life decisions.
- Oral Health Care
HB103 requires the commissioner of the department of health and human services to solicit information and to contract with dental managed care organizations to provide dental care to persons under the Medicaid managed care program.
- Burden of Proof in Special Education
HB581 provides that the burden of proving the appropriateness of a child's special education placement or program is on the school district or other public agency. This bill also establishes a committee to study special education dispute resolution options and the burden of proof in due process hearings conducted by the department of education.
Congratulations to the NHCDD 2021 Legislators of the Year
This award is presented annually to policy makers who have made significant contributions to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
