COVID-19 and People with Disabilities

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COVID-19 and People with Disabilities

Even in a crisis, people with disabilities have the right to live, work, learn, and access their community without discrimination. Are unable to access critical information? Do you have questions about your legal rights during this time? Do you need to speak with an attorney about a disability-related legal issue?



Know Your Rights

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.  However, even in a crisis, people with disabilities have the right to live, work, learn, and access their community without discrimination.

Read our full statement on Covid-19 and people with disabilities


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:

Parents who have concerns about a child’s access to special education services can contact us to speak with an attorney free of charge.


Voting and COVID-19

Individuals with disabilities have the right to cast their vote privately and independently whether in-person or by absentee ballot.

Learn about your rights: drcnh.org/issue-areas/voting/drcnh.org/issue-areas/voting/voting-rights-covid-19

If you have questions or believe your voting rights have been violated, you can contact us to speak with an attorney free of charge.


Do you live, work, or have a loved one in a facility?

We need to hear from you about how institutions throughout the state are managing the impact of COVID-19.

  • Are staff being careful to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer?  Are they practicing social distancing (6 feet away) when possible?
  • Are they wearing protective gear when caring for someone who is ill?
  • Are there are staffing shortages at the facility?
  • Do you have access to medications, food, and other necessary items?
  • Do you have ways to communicate with friends, family and others, even if in-person visiting is limited?
  • Are you being abused or neglected, including extreme isolation, lack of human contact, and/or over–medicated?

Report An Issue Here



Information and Resources - New Hampshire Managed Care Organization COVID-19 Websites

If you have questions regarding your health care coverage and you use one of NH’s three Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), please see their COVID-19 specific websites below:


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If You Need Help

Contact us if you have a disability and you wish to speak with an attorney about a disability-related legal issue.

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