Developmental Disabilities

Disability Rights Center - NH is committed to ensuring access to appropriate services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through representation at Administrative Appeals and in state and federal courts, the DRC assists individuals who have been inappropriately denied eligibility for services or have been found eligible for services but are not receiving the services to which they are entitled.

Special Topics:

Lakeview Investigations of Abuse and NeglectMedicaidPublications about your rights

 

Disability Rights Center - NH is a member of Advocate NH

Developmental Services Quality Council

2011: White Paper: Examining Preventable Deaths in the Developmental Service System: A Call to Action - Keeping Vulnerable Citizens Safe from Harm

2009 Powerpoint Presentation: Right To Prompt and Quality Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Presented by Richard A. Cohen at the Advanced Leadership Series of ABLE NH.Roberta Gallant posing with Ted Kennedy

2008: SB 138 Quality Improvement Report: Initial Findings

2007: SB 138 Workforce Development Committee Report: This report includes numerous recommendations relative to compensation for direct support providers.

2006: Governor's Study Commission on Area Agencies

Roberta Gallant's Memories of Laconia State School

 

 

Individual Advocacy - Access to developmental services
2011: The DRC represented “Sam” after an area agency failed to find him eligible for services. Stuck at New Hampshire Hospital, Sam could not get out until he had community based services. The DRC attorney filed an appeal of the decision with the DHHS Administrative Appeals Unit. Before the hearing, the area agency reversed itself and determined he was eligible. He is now out of the hospital and living in the community.

Policy Work
2011: White Paper: Examining Preventable Deaths in the Developmental Service System: A Call to Action - Keeping Vulnerable Citizens Safe from Harm

Investigation
2009: Review of the Circumstances Surrounding the Death of VH, Former Client of NH's Health and Human Services/Area Agency System

Advocacy - NH Supreme Court
2009: NH Supreme Court AFFIRMS the Rights of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
2004: DD Waitlist Case NH Supreme Court decision: Nonsuit without Prejudice
2003: Supreme Court Case: Eligibility for DD Services The NH Supreme Court ruled that an individual with a specific learning disability is eligible for area agency services when his ability to function is substantially impaired. The court stated that such a person was eligible even when other non-developmental disabilities such as mental health or alcohol problems may also be contributing to his functional impairments.

Call Disability Rights Center - NH at 1-800-834-1721 if you have questions or concerns about your legal rights, or apply for an intake appointment online.