(CSNI), established in 1995, is the association of the ten Area Agencies in New Hampshire providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders. At the heart of what we do is a core belief that the system of supports and services to individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders functions best when all of its elements are working together. CSNI provides support to the area agencies through:
• Legislative Advocacy and Education to families, staff and legislators
• Intensive Treatment Services Oversight Coordination
• Centralized eligibility reviews
• Centralized purchasing of group benefits and online learning management systems
• Centralized coordination of many business and regulatory functions affecting all 10 Area Agencies
Our Mission:
It is the mission of CSNI to promote, support and advance the local area agencies in their efforts to maintain and evolve the comprehensive community-based system of long term supports and services. Our Vision:
It is the vision of CSNI that all individuals who experience developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorders will experience a life of full community inclusion. Our Values:
• Collaboration, bringing together the collective power of families, agencies and government to fulfill our mission.
• Empowerment, strengthening the ability of those we serve to determine their own best course.
• Inclusion, where nobody is left out of the community and all are valued equally. Change Belief Statements:
• The Area Agency System was developed as part of the service delivery system in NH, ensures person centered planning is at the core of the system, and provides the only safety net for individuals and families, and should remain intact.
• Service Delivery System evolution is necessary and should encompass the needs of the individuals and families we serve as evidenced by their input (nothing about us without us).
• Service Delivery System evolution should improve the quality of life and choice of services for individuals experiencing a developmental disability or acquired brain disorder.
• The use of information technology in both the administration of services and service delivery itself is vital to the sustainability of our service delivery system. Data Integration between the Area Agency and the Bureau of Developmental Services should be a fundamental goal of information technology projects and spending by BDS/DHHS.
• When regulatory and administrative changes threaten the quality of services, choice of services and control of services, and increase the costs for providing services, individuals and families must be engaged to advocate and impact law, regulations and government relations.
