Some additional questions are listed below. You are welcome to refer to any of these if you have the opportunity to meet with candidates:
Transportation:
Many people who are seniors and/or have disabilities report difficulties finding reliable, affordable, and accessible transportation, which affects their ability to fully participate within their communities. This is especially problematic in rural parts of the state where public transit and rideshare options are limited. Would you seek to expand accessible and affordable transportation options for people who are seniors and/or have disabilities in our state, and if so what solutions would you pursue?
Employment:
According to the University of New Hampshire (UNH), the employment gap between people with and without disabilities in New Hampshire is 34.9 percentage points. This means that 46.8% of adults with a disability in New Hampshire have a job, compared to 81.7% of people without a disability. How do you think people with disabilities can be part of the workforce in New Hampshire? What actions would you take to make that happen?
Oral Healthcare:
Oral healthcare has recently been added as a benefit under NH Medicaid. However, many people with disabilities are still reporting considerable waitlists for services or a lack of dental professionals in their area accepting Medicaid as a primary insurance. Do you have a plan to support an increase in dental access?
Healthcare cost:
32% percent of parent participants in CYCC’s 2022 Needs Assessment reported that high out of pocket costs were the top barrier to accessing the services and supports their child/family needs. What ideas do you have to reduce the financial burden that many families face when caring for a child with a chronic health condition?
Mental Health:
Granite Staters continue to have difficulties accessing mental health services within their communities. As Governor, what steps, if any, would you take to expand access to mental health services, including for those with dual diagnoses or complex support needs?
Community Inclusion:
People with disabilities encounter numerous barriers to being meaningfully included in their communities throughout their lifespan. These challenges include a lack of service availability, accessible transportation poverty, or ableist attitudes among the general public. What steps would you take to eliminate these barriers so that people with disabilities are able to live inclusively in their communities?
Voting Rights:
People with disabilities experience many difficulties in exercising their right to vote, including ease of access to documentation that will soon be required to register to vote. What steps will you take to ensure that people with disabilities are able to fully participate in this activity which is such an important part of being a fully participating and contributing member of one’s community?
