NH Governor's Commission on Disability

07/31/2026

It’s like Christmas in July! A FREE decal (sorry, not gift-wrapped) is available to businesses to remind customers that while service dogs are welcome, it is illegal to misrepresent a pet as a service animal and it carries a fine up to $1,200.
A FREE (7x8) decal is available for businesses. Peel off the backing to affix to a surface or display in a frame – great for countertops. A smaller size (approx. 4x5) is also available.
--Request a decal from the Secretary of State’s office at 603.271.3246 or send an email to [email protected].
-- You can also download/print a 7x8 poster size at https://bit.ly/3QKSEUg

07/30/2026

NATIONAL BLOOD SUPPLY CRISIS. A second-ever national blood supply crisis has been declared by the American Red Cross. Find a blood drive near you:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

Give blood. Save a life. Donation Tips & Eligibility:
--Use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or visit Red Cross finder

Local Blood Drives & Donation Centers Near You | Red Cross to schedule or view upcoming drives.

--Common eligibility criteria: must be in good health, over 17, weigh 110+ lbs; specific vaccine or illness intervals may apply—check the provider's site or call ahead.
All blood types are needed to stabilize the blood supply and donors are asked to take immediate action to help save lives.

07/30/2026

The Parent Information Center of NH is dedicated to providing families resources and training. An important workshop on Decision Making & Guardianship is offered on Aug 6th.
From Parent Information Center of NH and Monadnock Developmental Services
Hello Families!!
We all know that transition age and life altering events raise a lot of questions and concerns. During those times navigating Guardianship and Supported Decision Making can feel so overwhelming. This workshop was created to help participants understand the purpose, benefits and considerations of each option. There will be time at the end for questions.

Hello Families!!

We all know that transition age and life altering events raise a lot of questions and concerns. During those times navigating Guardianship and Supported Decision Making can feel so overwhelming. This workshop was created to help participants understand the purpose, benefits and considerations of each option. There will be time at the end for questions.
To register click on the link below or scan the QR Code
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rHUS_uELT4aGBbDyJkGJ8g?os=ipad #/

07/29/2026

Happy ADA 36th Anniversary – Let’s look at the ADA harvest in 2026. Living a Better Life Example. The NH ABLE Plan - https://savewithable.com/nh/home.html gives those with disabilities the ability to save for what matters without risking the loss of SSI or Medicaid. Here is a video about ABLE - https://bit.ly/3ThTzge

07/28/2026

Happy ADA 36th Anniversary – Let’s look at the ADA harvest in 2026. Design Example – living life! Here is a video of The Extreme Motus All-Terrain Wheelchair https://bit.ly/44TQnd6
Extreme Motus Wheelchairs@followers

07/27/2026

Happy ADA 36th Anniversary – Let’s look at the ADA harvest in 2026. Recreation Example. Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne Point State Park is committed to providing an accessible experience. Visit
https://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/visit/accessibility/
Science CenterNew Hampshire State Parks

07/23/2026

This July 26th marks the 36th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Over the course of time, the ADA has applied its force and intent
in many ways, confirming that Disability Rights are Civil Rights.

On a day-to-day basis, what that means in a practical way is that we all just want to live our lives.

This encapsulates what the ADA ensures.

Understandably, there was a time when the ADA focused on tasks as simple, yet very essential, as entering a building. Obstacles needed to be eradicated and replaced with ramps, lifts, and
accessible parking spaces. While attention to building accessibility remains crucial, the ADA is alive and well in a new technological era, unheard of or never imagined 36 years ago.

I’d like to share an example.

The Governor’s Commission on Disability recently worked with an individual who because of his specific disabilities, chose only to communicate by email. The trouble is, the way his medical
insurance company’s established method of communication was set-up with both AI and one-way encrypted messages, it was impossible for him to get questions answered or approved in a timely and secure way.



Bi-directional, secure email communication was not possible. That is, until the Governor’s Commission on Disability entered the discussion.

We at the GCD often collaborate with NH State Government sister agencies. In this case, the NH Department of Insurance offered resources to the GCD to assist this individual get the
attention and communication he required and deserved from his insurance company.

Now, thanks to technology, communication that so many of us take for granted, is also available to someone with a particular disability.


The individual knew about the ADA. The insurance company wanted to do the right thing. Obstacles were removed, and in the end, a better life experience was the result.

Happy Anniversary, ADA!

07/21/2026

Not to be missed announcement about the Blue Envelope Program in NH from the NH Division of Motor Vehicles!


ALT:
NEWS RELEASE: BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM, FOR DRIVERS WITH AUTISM, NOW AVAILABLE AT NEW HAMPSHIRE DMV BRANCHES
CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announces the statewide rollout of the Blue Envelope Program. The program, established by RSA 265:3-c, provides New Hampshire drivers who have been diagnosed with autism, or a trauma- or stressor-related disorder, with a tool to improve communication during traffic stops.
“A Blue Envelope may contain written guidance for law enforcement about a driver, including important medical information and emergency contacts,” said New Hampshire DMV Director John C. Marasco. “The envelope does not identify a person's medical condition and participation is voluntary.”
Information on how to obtain a Blue Envelope, including eligibility criteria, is available on the DMV website at http://www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers.../blue-envelope-program.
“Roadside stops can be stressful for those who may communicate differently,” said New Hampshire State Police Capt. Vincent Grieco. “The Blue Envelope Program helps bridge that gap. When a driver hands a law enforcement officer the envelope, it signals that we should slow down, communicate clearly, and reduce sensory demands. My advice is to keep it accessible and present it right away, as it helps us understand each other faster and makes the interaction calmer and safer for everyone.”
Once obtained, Blue Envelopes should be attached to the driver's-side visor, facing the driver when lowered.
“The Blue Envelope Program is a powerful tool, as it reduces the risks of a misunderstanding between drivers with disabilities and law enforcement,” said Executive Director Charles J. Saia of the Governor’s Commission on Disability. “We fully appreciate the strong effort of the DMV’s leadership, along with so many others, who are responsible for bringing this program to life.”
Blue Envelopes are free and available for qualifying drivers throughout the state.

NEWS RELEASE: BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM, FOR DRIVERS WITH AUTISM, NOW AVAILABLE AT NEW HAMPSHIRE DMV BRANCHES

CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announces the statewide rollout of the Blue Envelope Program. The program, established by RSA 265:3-c, provides New Hampshire drivers who have been diagnosed with autism, or a trauma- or stressor-related disorder, with a tool to improve communication during traffic stops.

“A Blue Envelope may contain written guidance for law enforcement about a driver, including important medical information and emergency contacts,” said New Hampshire DMV Director John C. Marasco. “The envelope does not identify a person's medical condition and participation is voluntary.”

Information on how to obtain a Blue Envelope, including eligibility criteria, is available on the DMV website at www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/blue-envelope-program.

“Roadside stops can be stressful for those who may communicate differently,” said New Hampshire State Police Capt. Vincent Grieco. “The Blue Envelope Program helps bridge that gap. When a driver hands a law enforcement officer the envelope, it signals that we should slow down, communicate clearly, and reduce sensory demands. My advice is to keep it accessible and present it right away, as it helps us understand each other faster and makes the interaction calmer and safer for everyone.”

Once obtained, Blue Envelopes should be attached to the driver's-side visor, facing the driver when lowered.

“The Blue Envelope Program is a powerful tool, as it reduces the risks of a misunderstanding between drivers with disabilities and law enforcement,” said Executive Director Charles J. Saia of the Governor’s Commission on Disability. “We fully appreciate the strong effort of the DMV’s leadership, along with so many others, who are responsible for bringing this program to life.”

Blue Envelopes are free and available for qualifying drivers throughout the state.

07/20/2026

Great reminder from EAP that we gladly pass along: ”Be sure to take advantage of local summer events or activities to support your physical, emotional and social well-being.” EAP even included a few fun suggestions
--Enjoy the outdoors https://nhaudubon.org/
--Visit a State Park https://www.nhstateparks.org/
--Find a Farmer’s Market in your area https://nfmd.org/
The State of NH Employee Assistance Program is designed to offer assistance to all State employees and their family members in developing problem resolution strategies and in linking to community resources. Contact information: 603.271.4336 or [email protected]

07/17/2026

It’s not too late! You can still order from the NH Division of Motor Vehicles the 250th Anniversary plate. Display it on your vehicle in place of your normal license plate until July 4, 2027. Details on cost, how to display, and how to order, are found on the DMV website at https://services.dos.nh.gov/mos/copl