New Hampshire Disabilities Rights Center

As a result of the New Hampshire P&A, the Disabilities Rights Center of New Hampshire, model municipalities project, policies and practices related to people with disabilities were positively changed and the potential barriers for people with disabilities are more widely understood.

Working with key municipal staff members and the local Red Cross, the New Hampshire P&A provided guidance in developing criteria and priorities for ADA compliance. The P&A held an introductory session that established goals and process and additional sessions on the evaluation of physical sites, analysis of existing policies, completion of new draft policies, and a plan for increasing physical access.

The P&A also hosted a Disability Roundtable featuring local people with disabilities who explained their points of view and communicated their experiences dealing with emergency situations. Attendees included municipal personnel from human services, education, fire and police departments, public utilities and senior services. Attendees also represented the local Red Cross and independent living center. Emergency managers reviewed and developed policies to improve physical and communication accessibility in emergency planning and responses.