Advocacy is defined as the act or process of advocating or supporting a cause or proposal; in this case, that cause or proposal has to do with disability rights. New Hampshire has a number of groups focused on advocating for individuals with disabilities, many of which you can read about below.
According to two leaders in New Hampshire self-advocacy, Kathy Bates and John Fenley, there are several reasons why advocacy matters:
For more information on why advocacy is so important, check out Kathy and John's presentation here.
Waiting For Service:
Adults With Developmental Disabilities Still Struggle To Find Care
The Exchance from NHPR
Adults with developmental disabilities are entitled to government assistance, including services they used to get from the school system as children. But for years, there's been a waiting list for that help, despite political promises and attempts at reform. We ask why the state keeps falling short for these adults and their families.
Chick here to listen to the podcast, featuring the Council's own Policy Committee Vice-Chair, Jennifer Bertrand.
Self-Advocacy Groups
Self-advocacy is especially important, because its purpose is to have individuals with disabilities understand (1) what they need and (2) how to go about getting it. Although people with disabilities (like everyone else) may need support from others, self-advocacy promotes the idea that individuals are entitled to make life decisions without undue influence or control by others.
Self-Advocacy Leadership Team (SALT)
SALT began as a task force of the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities, and has since taken on a life of its own. The group is currently made up of eleven adults with disabilities who are committed to ensuring that disability does not prevent them or anyone else from living life to the fullest.
Mission:
The Self-Advocacy Leadership Team (SALT) serves as consultants for the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities and other Advocacy Organizations. Our group's members are talented citizens who want to effect positive change in New Hampshire. We are committed to supporting people who experience disabilities by tackling big issues that keep us from living quality lives in the community.
Projects & Events:
Abuse and Neglect Prevention
Transportation
Learn it! Live it! Love it!
In the News:
Foster’s Daily Democrat: Judi Currie, "Disabled advocate for themselves"
New Hampshire Challenge: Kathy Bates, "SALT Advocates and Healthy Families Listens"
More Information :
Download SALT's 2018 Annual Report
Donload SALT's 2016 Annual Report
Visit SALT's Facebook page
SALT’S translation of the Protective Services to Adults law can be found here.
We really want people with disabilities to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Feel free to download the Adult Protective Services Law Bochure here .
People First of New Hampshire
People First of NH has been around since 1992, and consists of 14 chapters, with 2 members from each chapter participating on the board of directors.
Mission:
We believe that people with disabilities should be treated as equals. We should be given the right to make the same decisions, and to have the same choices and responsibilities as anyone else. We should be allowed to make new friends and renew old friendships and be as independent as we are able. We should be able to live where we want to live and work where we want to work. We should also be included in society and not be singled out as being different. We will work to accomplish these ends in New Hampshire.
Projects & Events:
Voting Rights Awareness
More Information:
Visit People First of NH's Facebook page
Advocate NH
Founded in 2011, Advocate NH was originally a project group of the US Administration on Developmental Disabilities, called the NH Allies in Self-Advocacy. The group was formed to provide information and recommendations to the US Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The team was made up of representatives from the Institute On Disability, Disabilities Rights Center, Developmental Disabilities Council, Bureau of Developmental Services, and State and local chapters of People First of NH. In March 2012, the NH Team attended a Self Advocacy Summit in Baltimore. As a result of the summit, the NH Team decided to organize a statewide self advocacy conference - and so the annual “Advocate: Learn it! Live it! Love it!” conference was started.
Projects & Events:
Annual “Advocate: Learn it! Live it! Love it!” disability rights conference
More Information:
Visit Advocate NH's Facebook page
Other Advocacy Groups
ABLE NH
ABLE NH is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to working toward equality & advocating for the civil and human rights of individuals and families with disabilities.
Mission:
ABLE (Advocates Building Lasting Equality) advocates for the human and civil rights of all children and adults with disabilities and promotes full participation by improving systems of supports, connecting families, inspiring communities and influencing public policy.
Projects & Events:
Annual ABLE/Leadership Golf Tournament
More Information:
Visit ABLE NH's website
Visit ABLE NH's Facebook page