March 21, 2020
Office of Governor Christopher T Sununu
State House
107 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
Dear Governor Sununu,
These are indeed extraordinary times. Your leadership is deeply appreciated, thank you for your responsiveness to the threat of Covid-19 pandemic and caring for the well-being of NH citizens.
Our organizations represent families and individuals impacted by disability from across NH. As you know, these are the Granite State’s most vulnerable folks. Parents of children with significant disabilities and/or complex medical needs and/or complex behavioral needs are accustomed to creatively meeting the needs of their families, as such, school districts should see families as a resource. It is critical that schools remain technically open while recognizing the significant constraints they face due to the pandemic.
Governor Sununu, we ask you to remain consistent with NH’s values, and in collaboration with the Commissioner of the NH Department of Education, to take a public, firm position that NH remains committed to providing a Free Appropriate Public Education to all eligible children with disabilities, even if the federal government allows for a waiving of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Please let us know how we can support your efforts ensuring that families impacted by disability will receive the support they need to survive this stressful situation. We look forward to your public commitment to students with disabilities and their families.
Sincerely,
Lisa D. Beaudoin, Executive Director, ABLE NH
Michelle Lewis, Parent Information Center
Isadora Rodriguez-Legendre, Executive Director, NH Council on Developmental Disabilities
Stephanie Patrick, Disability Rights Center
Deb Ritchey, Granite State Independent Living
Jonathan Routhier, Executive Director, Community Support Network, Inc.
