New Hampshire has made significant strides in supporting its residents with disabilities, offering a range of services and programs to promote inclusion, independence, and quality of life. The state’s commitment to disability rights and accessibility is evident in its ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, education, employment opportunities, and healthcare for individuals with disabilities. In recent years, New Hampshire has focused on enhancing person-centered planning approaches, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have greater control over their support services and life decisions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2024 298,418 adults in New Hampshire have a disability. This is equal to 27% or over 1 in 4 adults in New Hampshire. The state has been working to address the unique challenges faced by this population, including efforts to increase employment rates among people with disabilities and improve access to public transportation in both urban and rural areas.
New Hampshire’s educational system has also been adapting to better serve students with disabilities, implementing inclusive education practices and providing specialized support services. The state has been investing in assistive technology programs to help individuals with disabilities navigate their daily lives more independently. Additionally, there has been a growing focus on mental health services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, recognizing the importance of comprehensive care.
The state legislature has been actively involved in shaping disability policy, with recent bills addressing issues such as accessible voting, improved healthcare access, and increased funding for disability support programs. New Hampshire’s commitment to disability rights extends to its efforts in promoting community integration and reducing institutionalization, aligning with national trends towards more inclusive living arrangements.
Below is a helpful list of disability resources and service organizations available to New Hampshire residents, offering support in various aspects of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.
New Hampshire Disabled Employment Programs
Disabled Employment Programs are initiatives designed to support individuals with disabilities in finding, securing, and maintaining meaningful employment opportunities.
Granite State Independent Living – Provides employment services and support for people with disabilities to achieve their career goals.
NH Works – Offers resources and services to help individuals with disabilities find employment and training opportunities.
NH Employment Program – Assists individuals with developmental disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment.
NH Developmental Disabilities Council – Supports initiatives and projects that promote employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
Abilities NH – Provides employment services and support for individuals with disabilities to achieve their vocational goals.
Goodwill Northern New England – Offers job training and placement services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
The Moore Center – Provides employment services and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities.
New Hampshire Centers for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living are community-based organizations that provide services and advocacy to promote independent living and full participation of individuals with disabilities in society.
Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) – A statewide organization offering various services to support independent living for people with disabilities across New Hampshire.
Granite State Independent Living – Concord – The Concord branch of GSIL, providing independent living services to the local community and surrounding areas.
Granite State Independent Living – Dover – GSIL’s Dover location, serving the Seacoast region with independent living resources and support.
Granite State Independent Living – Keene – The Keene office of GSIL, offering independent living services to residents in the Monadnock region.
Granite State Independent Living – Littleton – GSIL’s Littleton branch, providing independent living support to the North Country area.
Granite State Independent Living – Manchester – The Manchester location of GSIL, serving New Hampshire’s largest city and surrounding communities.
Granite State Independent Living – Nashua – GSIL’s Nashua office, offering independent living services to the Greater Nashua area and southern New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Rehabilitation Programs
Rehabilitation Programs are structured services designed to help individuals with disabilities or injuries regain, maintain, or improve their physical, mental, and social abilities for independent living and employment.
New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation – State agency providing employment-related services to individuals with disabilities.
Bureau of Developmental Services – Offers support and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Rehabilitation Medicine – Comprehensive rehabilitation services for various conditions and injuries.
Crotched Mountain Foundation – Provides specialized education, rehabilitation, and community services for people with disabilities.
NH Healthy Families Rehabilitation Services – Offers various rehabilitation services for Medicaid members.
NAMI New Hampshire – Provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by mental illness.
NHTI Orthopaedic Technology Program – Trains professionals in orthopaedic rehabilitation techniques.
Southern New Hampshire Health Rehabilitation Services – Offers a range of rehabilitation services for various conditions.
Catholic Medical Center Rehabilitation Medicine – Provides comprehensive rehabilitation services in Manchester.
Elliot Health System Rehabilitation Services – Offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services in southern New Hampshire.
Concord Hospital Rehabilitation Services – Provides a wide range of rehabilitation services for various conditions and injuries.
NH Department of Corrections Medical and Forensic Services – Offers rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals with disabilities.
New Hampshire Assistive Devices For Disabled
Assistive Devices For Disabled are tools, equipment, or systems designed to help individuals with disabilities perform tasks and activities that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Institute on Disability at UNH – Assistive Technology – Provides information, resources, and services related to assistive technology for people with disabilities in New Hampshire.
ATECH Services – Offers assistive technology services, including assessments, training, and device demonstrations for individuals with disabilities.
New Hampshire Assistive Technology Partnership – Promotes access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services for people with disabilities.
New Hampshire Association for the Blind – Provides assistive technology services and devices specifically for individuals with visual impairments.
NH Department of Health and Human Services Equipment Distribution Program – Offers specialized telecommunications equipment for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities.
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence – Provides assistive technology resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence with disabilities.
NH CarePath – Offers information and resources on assistive technology for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Financial Aid For Disabled Individuals
Financial Aid For Disabled Individuals refers to various forms of monetary assistance, grants, loans, or programs designed to help people with disabilities meet their financial needs and improve their quality of life.
New Hampshire Employment Security – Provides unemployment benefits and assistance for individuals with disabilities seeking employment.
New Hampshire Area Agencies on Developmental Disabilities – Offers financial support and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation – Provides scholarships and grants, including some specifically for students with disabilities.
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority – Offers housing assistance programs, including support for individuals with disabilities.
Governor’s Commission on Disability – Provides information and resources on various financial assistance programs for people with disabilities in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Legal Assistance – Offers free legal services to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, to help secure benefits and financial assistance.
New Hampshire Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation – Provides financial support and services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, secure, and maintain employment.
New Hampshire Accessible Transportation Services
Accessible Transportation Services are specialized transportation options designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can travel safely and comfortably to their destinations.
New Hampshire Department of Transportation – Statewide Transportation Program – Coordinates and provides accessible transportation services across the state for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Manchester Transit Authority – Offers paratransit services for individuals with disabilities in the Manchester area who are unable to use regular fixed-route bus services.
Nashua Transit System – Provides accessible fixed-route and paratransit services for residents of Nashua, including those with disabilities.
Belknap-Merrimack Community Action Program – Offers accessible transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Belknap and Merrimack counties.
Tri-County Community Action Program – Provides accessible transportation services for residents, including those with disabilities, in Carroll, Coos, and Grafton counties.
Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) – Offers ADA paratransit services for individuals with disabilities in the Seacoast region.
Community Rides NH – Coordinates volunteer drivers to provide accessible transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities across New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Special Needs Childcare
Special Needs Childcare refers to specialized care services designed to support children with disabilities or developmental challenges, providing tailored assistance and accommodations to meet their unique needs.
New Hampshire Child Care Licensing Unit – Regulates and provides information on licensed childcare facilities, including those serving children with special needs.
New Hampshire Child Care Resource & Referral Network – Offers resources and referrals for families seeking special needs childcare options across the state.
Parent Information Center of New Hampshire – Provides information and support for families of children with special needs, including childcare resources.
Southern New Hampshire Services Child Development Program – Offers inclusive early childhood education and care services, including support for children with special needs.
The Family Place – Provides family support services, including resources for special needs childcare in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire.
NH Family Voices – Offers information and support for families of children with special healthcare needs, including guidance on childcare options.
NH Connections – Provides resources and support for early childhood professionals, including those working with children with special needs.
New Hampshire Disability Rights & Legal Services
Disability Rights & Legal Services refer to organizations and resources that provide legal assistance, advocacy, and support to protect and advance the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire – The state’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency, providing legal representation and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities – A federally funded agency working to promote the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in their communities.
603 Legal Aid – Offers free civil legal advice and representation to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
New Hampshire Bar Association – Provides legal resources and referrals, including services for individuals with disabilities.
Governor’s Commission on Disability – Promotes equal opportunity for people with disabilities through information, education, and advocacy.
New Hampshire Legal Assistance – A non-profit law firm offering legal services to seniors and eligible low-income persons, including those with disabilities.
Institute on Disability at UNH – Promotes full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons by strengthening communities and advancing policy and systems change.
New Hampshire Statewide Independent Living Council – Promotes a philosophy of independent living for all people with disabilities in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Disability Help Groups
Disability Help Groups are organizations or communities that provide emotional support, resources, and shared experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire – Offers support groups for individuals with brain injuries and their families across New Hampshire.
National Alliance on Mental Illness New Hampshire – Provides various support groups for individuals with mental illness and their loved ones throughout the state.
Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter – Offers support groups for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers in New Hampshire.
Muscular Dystrophy Association – New Hampshire – Provides support and resources for individuals with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.
Autism Society of New Hampshire – Offers support groups and resources for individuals with autism and their families across the state.
New Hampshire PBS Autism Resources – Provides a comprehensive list of autism support groups throughout New Hampshire.
United Spinal Association New Hampshire Chapter – Offers support groups and resources for individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence – Provides support groups for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including those with disabilities.
New Hampshire Disabled Housing
Disabled Housing refers to residential accommodations specifically designed or modified to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessibility, safety, and independence.
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority – Provides housing assistance and resources for individuals with disabilities throughout the state.
Southern New Hampshire Services – Offers housing assistance and supportive services for individuals with disabilities in southern New Hampshire.
Southwestern Community Services – Provides affordable housing options and support services for individuals with disabilities in southwestern New Hampshire.
Belknap-Merrimack Community Action Program – Offers housing assistance and support for individuals with disabilities in Belknap and Merrimack counties.
Tri-County Community Action Program – Provides housing support and services for individuals with disabilities in Carroll, Coos, and Grafton counties.
Housing Partnership – Develops and manages affordable housing options, including units for individuals with disabilities, in the Seacoast region.
New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority – Supports affordable housing initiatives, including projects for individuals with disabilities, across the state.
Families in Transition-New Horizons – Offers housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including those with disabilities, in Manchester and surrounding areas.
New Hampshire Disabled Students Services
Disabled Students Services are support systems and accommodations provided by educational institutions to ensure equal access and opportunities for students with disabilities.
University of New Hampshire Student Accessibility Services – Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities at UNH.
Plymouth State University Campus Accessibility Services – Offers support and accommodations for students with disabilities at Plymouth State.
Keene State College Office of Disability Services – Provides services and accommodations for students with disabilities at Keene State.
Granite State College Student Accessibility Services – Offers support and accommodations for students with disabilities at Granite State College.
Southern New Hampshire University Disability Services – Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities at SNHU.
Community College System of New Hampshire Accessibility Services – Offers support and accommodations for students with disabilities across New Hampshire’s community colleges.
Colby-Sawyer College Access Resources – Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities at Colby-Sawyer.
Antioch University New England Disability Support Services – Offers support and accommodations for students with disabilities at Antioch University New England.
New Hampshire Disabled Medical Services
Disabled Medical Services are specialized healthcare providers and facilities that offer comprehensive medical care tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation – Provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities across New Hampshire.
NH Family Voices – Offers information and support for families of children with special healthcare needs, including assistance in navigating medical services.
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services – Oversees various medical services and programs for individuals with disabilities throughout the state.
NH Healthy Smiles – Provides dental care services for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association – Represents community mental health centers providing services to individuals with mental health disabilities.
New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association – Supports professionals providing substance abuse treatment services, including those for individuals with co-occurring disabilities.
New Hampshire Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – Provides end-of-life care services, including support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
New Hampshire Medical Society – Represents physicians and works to improve healthcare access and quality for all New Hampshire residents, including those with disabilities.
New Hampshire Job Training Programs For Disabled Adults
Job Training Programs For Disabled Adults are specialized services designed to equip individuals with disabilities with the skills and support needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment.
Southern New Hampshire Services Employment and Training Programs – Offers job training and placement services for individuals with disabilities in southern New Hampshire.
Crotched Mountain Foundation Vocational and Workforce Development – Provides vocational training and employment support for adults with disabilities.
Gateways Community Services Employment Services – Offers job training and placement assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities in the Greater Nashua area.
Community Bridges Employment Services – Provides employment support and training for individuals with disabilities in central New Hampshire.
One Sky Community Services Employment Services – Offers job training and placement assistance for adults with developmental disabilities in Rockingham County.
Lakes Region Community Services Employment Services – Provides vocational training and job placement support for individuals with disabilities in the Lakes Region.
New Hampshire Disability & Training Institute – Offers training programs and resources to support employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the state.
NH Works for Job Seekers with Disabilities – Provides job training and employment resources specifically tailored for individuals with disabilities throughout New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Disabled Mental Health Services
Disabled Mental Health Services are specialized programs and resources designed to address the unique mental health needs of individuals with disabilities, providing tailored support and treatment options.
Riverbend Community Mental Health – Offers comprehensive mental health services, including support for individuals with disabilities, in the Greater Concord area.
West Central Behavioral Health – Provides mental health and substance use disorder services, including support for individuals with disabilities, in the Upper Valley and Sullivan County.
Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester – Offers a wide range of mental health services, including specialized programs for individuals with disabilities.
Seacoast Mental Health Center – Provides comprehensive mental health services, including support for individuals with disabilities, in the Seacoast region.
Northern Human Services – Offers mental health and developmental services for individuals with disabilities in northern New Hampshire.
Monadnock Family Services – Provides mental health services, including support for individuals with disabilities, in the Monadnock region.
Center for Life Management – Offers comprehensive mental health services, including support for individuals with disabilities, in southern New Hampshire.
Lakes Region Mental Health Center – Provides mental health services, including specialized support for individuals with disabilities, in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Blind And Visually Impaired Services
Blind And Visually Impaired Services are specialized programs and resources designed to support individuals with vision loss, providing assistance with daily living, education, employment, and adaptive technologies.
Future In Sight – Offers comprehensive services for blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages across New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired – Provides vocational rehabilitation services to help blind and visually impaired individuals achieve employment goals.
New Hampshire PBS Audio Description – Offers audio description services for television programs to enhance accessibility for visually impaired viewers.
New Hampshire Talking Books Library – Provides free library services, including audio books and braille materials, for individuals with visual impairments.
National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire – Advocates for the rights and interests of blind individuals in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Vision Coalition – Collaborates with various organizations to improve services and support for individuals with vision loss in the state.
New Hampshire Legal Assistance Disability-Related Services – Offers legal assistance and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments.
New Hampshire Association for the Blind – Provides rehabilitation services, adaptive technology training, and support groups for blind and visually impaired individuals throughout New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Services
Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Services are specialized programs and resources designed to support individuals with hearing loss, providing assistance with communication, education, employment, and adaptive technologies.
Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services – Offers a wide range of services and support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals across New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Provides vocational rehabilitation services to help deaf and hard of hearing individuals achieve their employment goals.
New Hampshire Association of the Deaf – Advocates for the rights and interests of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Hands & Voices – Supports families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing through education and advocacy.
New Hampshire Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students – Provides educational support and resources for deaf and hard of hearing students in New Hampshire schools.
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services – Offers various programs and resources to support deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the state.
New Hampshire Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf – Provides a directory of qualified sign language interpreters and promotes professional standards in interpreting services.
Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center – Offers training and resources for healthcare providers to better serve deaf and hard of hearing patients.
New Hampshire Speech And Language Therapy
Speech And Language Therapy is a specialized service that assesses, diagnoses, and treats communication disorders and swallowing difficulties in individuals of all ages.
University of New Hampshire Communication Sciences and Disorders – Offers speech and language therapy services through their on-campus clinic while training future speech-language pathologists.
New Hampshire Speech-Language-Hearing Association – Supports speech-language pathologists and audiologists in the state, providing resources and professional development opportunities.
Elliot Health System Speech-Language Pathology – Provides comprehensive speech and language therapy services for patients of all ages in southern New Hampshire.
Catholic Medical Center Speech-Language Pathology – Offers speech and language therapy services for adults and children in Manchester and surrounding areas.
Concord Hospital Speech-Language Pathology – Provides speech and language therapy services for patients with various communication and swallowing disorders.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Speech-Language Pathology – Offers comprehensive speech and language therapy services for patients throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.
New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification – Speech-Language Pathology – Regulates the licensing of speech-language pathologists in the state and provides information on professional requirements.
New Hampshire Department of Education Speech-Language Pathology – Provides resources and support for speech-language pathology services in educational settings across the state.
New Hampshire Autistic Resources
Autistic Resources are organizations, services, and support systems designed to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families in various aspects of life, including education, social skills, and daily living.
Autism Society of New Hampshire – Provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families across New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Family Voices Autism Resources – Offers information, resources, and support for families of children with autism in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Office of Autism at the UNH Institute on Disability – Coordinates statewide efforts to improve services and supports for individuals with autism and their families.
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Autism Services – Provides information on state-funded services and supports for individuals with autism.
Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) New Hampshire Resources – Offers support groups, workshops, and resources for individuals with Asperger’s and autism in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Autism and Abuse Resources – Provides specialized resources and support for individuals with autism who have experienced abuse.
NH Family Ties Autism Resources – Offers a comprehensive list of autism resources and support services available in New Hampshire.
NH CarePath Autism Resources – Provides a centralized hub of information and resources for individuals with autism and their families in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Early Intervention Services
Early Intervention Services are specialized programs designed to support infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, providing timely assistance to promote their growth and development.
New Hampshire Early Supports and Services – Provides statewide early intervention services for children from birth to age three with developmental delays or disabilities.
Community Bridges Early Childhood Services – Offers early intervention and family support services in central New Hampshire.
Lakes Region Community Services Early Intervention – Provides early intervention services for children from birth to age three in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
One Sky Community Services Early Supports and Services – Offers early intervention services for children in Rockingham County, New Hampshire.
Monadnock Developmental Services Early Supports and Services – Provides early intervention services for children in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Developmental Disabilities Council Early Intervention Resources – Offers information and resources related to early intervention services in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Family Voices Early Intervention Resources – Provides support and information for families navigating early intervention services in New Hampshire.
Southern New Hampshire Services Early Head Start – Offers early intervention and support services for low-income families with infants and toddlers in southern New Hampshire.
This comprehensive guide to disability services in New Hampshire showcases the state’s commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities across various aspects of life. From employment and housing to healthcare and education, New Hampshire offers a wide range of resources and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of its residents with disabilities. By utilizing these services, individuals with disabilities and their families can access the support they need to lead fulfilling and independent lives within their communities.