ABLE NH

03/20/2026

Recent reporting is raising serious concerns about safety in New Hampshire’s disability system.

According to a recent article from New Hampshire Bulletin, 25 people died and there were at least 81 confirmed cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in the disability system in the second half of 2025 alone.

https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/12/25-deaths-and-81-abuse-neglect-or-exploitation-cases-in-disability-system-in-second-half-of-2025/According

These numbers represent real people, families, and communities. They also raise important questions about accountability, transparency, and how we support people with disabilities.

People First of New Hampshire and ABLE NH invite you to join a community conversation:

Protected Because I Am Connected

This conversation will focus on questions like:

• What changes need to happen to make the system more responsive?
• What should our community be watching out for?
• How do we lift up the people and programs that are doing things right?

When our community connects, we create accountability and strengthen safety and dignity for everyone.

📅 Tuesday, March 24
⏰ 6–7 PM
💻 Zoom

Register here to receive the Zoom link:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-JX8cJgtBXigYzgK_0fzGA

03/20/2026

What happens to students with IEPs under open enrollment?

Because right now… There aren’t clear answers.

Services. Responsibility. Transportation. Access.

We need answers before this moves forward.
📣 Take action:
https://fastdemocracy.com/campaigns/mEQ4TP4NI/SB-101--Open-Enrollment

03/19/2026

Hundreds of people across New Hampshire stepped up and spoke out on disability issues so far this session.

They shared their stories.
They submitted testimony online
They played the game they were being asked.

But when the results came in, many outcomes didn’t match how people showed up. Across the board, people are playing the game—and seeing the same results.

This article takes a closer look:

https://www.citizenscount.org/news/want-influence-votes-nh-house-dont-count-online-testimony

It shows that online testimony often has little to no impact on how legislators vote. Some legislators may not be reading it at all.

So what does that mean?

It doesn’t mean speaking up doesn’t matter.
It means the system isn’t set up to respond as people expect.

Submitting testimony matters. It’s one way people speak up and share their experiences.

And it can be even stronger when it’s combined with other ways of showing up.

Showing up in person.
Calling legislators directly.
Building relationships.
Working together.

Because real change often comes from people using many approaches.

03/17/2026

Disability in the BIPOC and Immigrant Communities (That's Inclusive! Ep. 36)

In this episode, Isadora sits down with Louis Esposito, the Executive Director of ABLE-NH, and Sarah Georges, Community Organizer at ABLE-NH, discuss the invisibility of people with disabilities in minority cultures.

Link to video, which is a 34 minutes and 23 seconds long: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLPufRBSNBQ

Transcript:https://www.nhcdd.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt411/files/inline-documents/sonh/episode36-transcript.pdf

03/17/2026

Recent reporting is raising serious concerns about safety in New Hampshire’s disability system.

According to a recent article from New Hampshire Bulletin, 25 people died and there were at least 81 confirmed cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in the disability system in the second half of 2025 alone.

https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/12/25-deaths-and-81-abuse-neglect-or-exploitation-cases-in-disability-system-in-second-half-of-2025/
These numbers represent real people, families, and communities. They also raise important questions about accountability, transparency, and how we support people with disabilities.

People First of New Hampshire and ABLE NH invite you to join a community conversation:

Protected Because I Am Connected

This conversation will focus on questions like:

• What changes need to happen to make the system more responsive?
• What should our community be watching out for?
• How do we lift up the people and programs that are doing things right?

When our community connects, we create accountability and strengthen safety and dignity for everyone.

📅 Tuesday, March 24
⏰ 6–7 PM
💻 Zoom

Register here to receive the Zoom link:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-JX8cJgtBXigYzgK_0fzGA

03/16/2026

Sharing this great event coming up in Concord. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resource Roundup brings together families, role models, educators, and community organizations for a day of learning, connection, and fun.

The event includes presentations on self-regulation, family networking, kids activities, access technology, and opportunities to connect with Deaf and Hard of Hearing role models. Events like this help families find resources, build community, and see what’s possible.

If you are a family with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing child, this looks like a welcoming and resource-rich space to connect with others.

The countdown is on for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resource Roundup!

We have a packed schedule of presentations, activities, and opportunities to connect with our role models, and other families. We can't wait to see you there!

Register Now! https://form.jotform.com/251314466870155

Need an accessible version of this schedule?
ndhhs.org/event/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-resource-roundup-2/

Image Description: Blue and cloudy sky background, with rolling green grass. At the top of the page where "Resource Roundup" is, there is a lasso, and a two green leaves on the right corner. At the bottom left there are also two green leaves, a Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services logo, and a New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services logo.

03/14/2026

SAVE THE DATE: Join us on July 18th for the 2026 Disability Pride Parade and Festival in Concord, NH! The festivities will last from 10 AM-1 PM and the parade will begin at 11 AM. Mark your calendars for this one-of-a-kind, family friendly event!

03/12/2026

Twenty-five people died within New Hampshire’s intellectual and developmental disability care system in the final six months of 2025, according to newly obtained documents. Additionally, there were at least 81 founded instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation during that time in the system, the...

03/11/2026

At the 2025 Soaring to the Stars gala, guests collaborated on an inclusive art project led by Maureen Rashidifard of Atomic Beet Hair Studio. Here's the long awaited final product, which will be proudly displayed at the ABLE office!

03/10/2026

The legislative session is moving fast, and crossover day is right around the corner. That means many bills affecting the disability community are about to face critical decisions.

In Part 5 of Of His Own Words, Ian Howes shares a quick update on several important bills currently moving through the legislature, including HB 1316, HB 1337, and HB 1593, and what these decisions could mean for people with disabilities and our families.

Staying informed is one of the most powerful tools we have in advocacy. When communities understand what’s happening in the legislature, we are better prepared to speak up and shape the policies that impact our lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVUJIjnWFF0&list=PLzg1MKw3TGaltt0zwP6otcsHNxgyagKUx&index=1

Disability justice reminds us that real change happens when those most impacted lead the conversation. Our voices matter. Our leadership matters. And together we continue pushing New Hampshire toward systems built on access, dignity, and belonging.

03/10/2026

Our Nashua Chapter meets tonight at 6 PM virtually via Zoom. Check out the Community Calendar at ablenh.org/events/ for the link to join, or email organizer@ablenh.org for more information.

03/10/2026

Today is Election Day throughout many towns and cities in NH.

The decisions made at the local level affect our schools, housing, transportation, public spaces, and the services people rely on every day. For many people with disabilities and their families, these decisions directly impact whether our communities are inclusive, accessible, and supportive.

That’s why voting matters.

Your voice matters. Your vote should be accessible.

In New Hampshire, voters can request the One4all Accessible Voting System at the polls. This system allows people to vote privately and independently using tools like a touchscreen, keyboard, or audio headset. It prints a paper ballot that is counted the same as every other vote.

Accessible voting helps ensure everyone can participate in shaping our communities.

Learn more about the One4all Accessible Voting System here:
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents2/one4all-accessible-voting-system.pdf

Voters with disabilities also have important rights:

✔ Your vote is private
✔ You can bring someone to help you vote
✔ Polling places must be accessible
✔ You can use the One4all accessible voting system
✔ Having a guardian does not remove your right to vote

For more information about voting rights, visit: https://drcnh.org/disability-issue-areas/voting/

For Election Day Assistance, if you run into accessibility issues at the polls or think your voting rights have been violated because of your disability, call DRC-NH's Election Day Hotline to speak with an attorney free of charge at (603) 410-5200