Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire Homepage
We envision an inclusive, accessible, and just society:
Where all are treated with dignity and respect.
Where people with disabilities live the lives that they choose, lives that are free from abuse, neglect, and discrimination.
Where people with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate fully in their community and enjoy their lives.
Our office is open 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00am – 4:00pm on Friday. Office visitors should ring the doorbell to be let in. Masks are required.
You can also call us at (603) 228-0432 or email us anytime at mail@drcnh.org to schedule an appointment to speak to an attorney.
Learn more: Download our flyer here
Si desea obtener más información sobre DRC-NH: Descargue aquí nuestro folleto informativo
How Can We Help?
Are you or a loved one newly diagnosed with a disability? Are you being discriminated against because of your disability and don't know where to turn?
Call Us. We Can Help.
New Issue!
Winter/Spring 2023: Words Matter
Words Matter
In this issue we look at how the language we use when talking about disability affects the way we see ourselves and each other. Learn how the systemic use of ableist language has cultivated exclusionary policies and how the evolution of language can help us break down barriers to inclusion and foster a sense of dignity for people with disabilities.
View Issue On-line
Legal Update
Special Education Eligibility Extended to Age 22
Time-sensitive information for students who left school without earning a regular diploma but are not yet 22: If you want to return to school and receive school-based supports and services until your 22nd birthday, you can. Contact your school immediately to re-enroll and request an IEP team meeting as soon as possible to plan services for this summer and/or upcoming school year.
Get Involved
American Rescue Plan School Relief Funds
NH school districts are receiving over $315 million in federal ARP ESSER funding to address the impacts of COVID-19. We looked to see if school districts are distributing their funding in an equitable manner to assist the students who need it the most, including students with disabilities.
We know districts can do more to engage families and stakeholders in this process but they need to hear from you. Parents, students, and advocates can use one of our Template Letters as a guide as they consider what their school district should be prioritizing. Review plans from some of the largest districts in the state and use our templates to reach out to your district.
COVID-19 and People with Disabilities
People with disabilities are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 as many have fragile health situations, receive school-based supports and services, depend on direct care staff for support with activities of daily living, and live in congregate settings where the risk of exposure is greater. Even in a crisis, people with disabilities have the right to live, work, learn, and access their community without discrimination.
Watch Now! Available in English and en Español.
People With Disabilities Can Access the COVID-19 Vaccine / Personas con discapacidad tienen acceso a la vacuna del COVID-19
People with disabilities have the right to access the Covid-19 vaccine. In most cases, if you want to get the vaccine, you can. No one can keep you from getting it just because you have a disability or need extra help. If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing the vaccine in NH, go to https://drcnh.org/covid-19/ or call us at (603) 228-0432 for assistance.
In English
En Español
Learn About Supported Decision-Making
Unlike guardianship, which involves the substitution of the guardian’s judgement for that of the person who is subject to the guardianship, the use of Supported Decision-Making maintains the person’s autonomy by providing supports so that the person can make their own decisions. Supports might include the use of plain-language materials, the presence of a supporter in meetings, and assistance in choosing from among a range of alternatives.
Watch Now!
Know Your Employment Rights: A Series of Q&A with Samuel Habib & Jen Eber
Have you ever wondered what employment discrimination really means, what you should do if you are asked about your disability during an interview, or what you should do if you are retaliated against for requesting an accommodation at work? Samuel did.
Watch as Samuel Habib, college student, documentary filmmaker, newspaper columnist, and disability advocate asks DRC-NH employment law expert, Jen Eber, about these and other employment related questions.
Watch Now
Special Education and COVID-19
Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable students in the COVID-19 public health crisis. Students with disabilities across the state have missed significant instructional time as well as related services such as counseling, speech language, occupational, and other therapies.
Learn More:
- Special Education and COVID-19: drcnh.org/issue-areas/childrens-issues/education/special-education-covid-19
- Your Special Education Rights: drcnh.org/issue-areas/childrens-issues/education/special-education
- Know Your Rights – School Masking: drcnh.org/covid-19-and-special-ed/know-your-rights-school-masking
Parents who have concerns about a child’s access to special education services can contact us to speak with an attorney free of charge.
A Long Fought For Homecoming
After over twenty years living in an institution, we helped Toni access the supports she needed to live at home in her community.
“Knowing I could reach out and speak to a knowledgeable professional literally gave me the strength to get through this latest challenge.”
-Previous DRC-NH Client
We Welcome Your Suggestions
Website Accessibility
We are actively working to ensure that our website is accessible to all. We invite you to contact us to report a problem with the website or to suggest ways that we can increase its accessibility.
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Support DRC With a Donation
Help us advance the civil and human rights of thousands of New Hampshire residents with disabilities.