01/12/2026
We are thrilled to share that our 2026 Disability Justice Star of the Year is Kelly Ehrhart! Be sure to join ABLE NH at our annual community appreciation event, Soaring to the Stars, on January 31, 2026 from 6-8 PM for the full awards ceremony. Register: ablenh.org/soaring-2026/
Kelly was enthusiastically chosen as the Disability Justice Star of the Year in recognition of her work building bridges between organizations, representing the disability perspective at the state level, and participating in various task forces. Her work with ABLE NH's Oral Health Task Force and beyond reflects her vision of a system that is responsive, person-centered and holistic. She has also donated her time and expertise to the Housing and Mental Health task forces over the past year. In particular, she has developed and delivered presentations with Julie Lago of Connections All Ways, PLLC about the need for quality mental health supports for people with IDD and mental health diagnoses.
As a member of the New Hampshire Quality Council, Kelly has worked with the Executive Director of ABLE NH to address self-advocacy opportunities throughout the state. This work has informed joint presentations on advocacy between People First and ABLE NH. She is a strong advocate in her community who has successfully urged provider organizations to bring back local self-advocacy groups for the purpose of educating and training advocates. She pushes for systemic change to address the needs of every individual, especially those who may not be able to depend on family supports.
Kelly sits on many Boards and Councils, making immeasurable contributions to these organizations as a person with lived experience of disability who receives services. Some of these include: the NH Developmental Services Quality Council, NH Council on Developmental Disabilities, the New Hampshire Disability and Health Program. She also serves as a Brand Ambassador for Stop Special, an initiative supported by the 3 DD Act partner organizations to eliminate the use of the word 'special' as a euphemism for disability, which can further segregate and isolate people with disabilities, especially in school and healthcare settings. Finally, Kelly is a source of inspiration to all of us in the disability community, and we are proud to recognize her as the 2026 Disability Justice Star of the Year.
