New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities – Concord, NH

Advancing Disability Rights and Inclusion

Mission and Federal Mandate

The New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities (NHCDD) is a federally funded, self-governing organization dedicated to promoting dignity, equal opportunity, and full community participation for individuals with developmental disabilities. Established in 1971 under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act), the Council operates independently of the agencies that provide direct services. This independence allows the NHCDD to function as an objective advocate for systemic change, working to eliminate barriers that prevent people with disabilities from exercising their right to self-determination. The Council serves as a catalyst for innovation, funding pilot projects and initiatives that can serve as models for statewide implementation.

Advocacy and Capacity Building

Unlike service providers that offer daily care or case management, the NHCDD focuses on ‘big picture’ improvements to the disability system. The Council engages in advocacy at the legislative and policy levels, educating lawmakers and the public about the needs and contributions of people with disabilities. A core part of their mission is capacity building—strengthening the ability of individuals, families, and communities to support inclusion. This includes funding leadership training programs for self-advocates, supporting family support networks, and collaborating with state agencies to improve employment, housing, and transportation options for residents with disabilities.

The Five-Year State Plan

The Council’s work is guided by a comprehensive Five-Year State Plan, developed with extensive input from the public and stakeholders across New Hampshire. This plan identifies the most pressing gaps in services and sets specific goals for the Council’s funding and advocacy efforts. Areas of focus often include inclusive education, healthcare access, quality assurance, and supporting individuals in transitioning from school to adult life. By focusing its resources on these strategic priorities, the NHCDD aims to create sustainable, long-term improvements in the quality of life for the state’s citizens.

Membership and Community Engagement

The Council is composed of members appointed by the Governor, the majority of whom must be individuals with developmental disabilities or their family members. This requirement ensures that the Council’s direction is driven by the lived experiences of those it serves. Representatives from key state agencies, non-profits, and protection and advocacy organizations also sit on the Council to ensure collaboration. Located on Beacon Street in Concord, the NHCDD is a central hub for disability rights information, offering resources, publications, and grants to organizations that share its vision of a fully inclusive Granite State.

• Systemic Advocacy: Working to change laws and policies.
• Grant Funding: Financial support for innovative inclusion projects.
• Leadership Training: Empowering self-advocates and families.
• Policy Research: Analyzing data to improve disability services.
• Community Education: Raising awareness about disability rights.