NH Council on Developmental Disabilities

The New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities is a federally-funded State Agency dedicated to “Dignity, full rights of citizenship, equal opportunities, and full participation for all New Hampshire citizens with developmental disabilities.” The Council supports public policies and initiatives that remove barriers and promote opportunities in all areas of life. The Council is independent of the agencies that provide services to people with disabilities.

Councils on Developmental Disabilities are agencies appointed by governors to represent and advocate for people with developmental disabilities. The 55 state and territorial Councils have authority to set priorities and develop strategies to improve the lives of the people with disabilities in their states.

The purpose of State Councils is to "engage in advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities that are consistent with the purpose of the DD Act and; contribute to a coordinated, consumer and family-centered, consumer and family-directed, comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive and be integrated and included in all facets of community life."

Councils are given powerful direction and broad authority to set priorities in their individual states by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). Councils work toward public policies that promote important goals for improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

The Council develops a State Plan every five years to establish specific goals, objectives and strategies to address the most important issues affecting people with developmental disabilities in New Hampshire. The Council carries out its mission through education, advocacy and the funding of innovative projects that make a difference in people's lives.