Individual and Family Information and Resources
Information and resources from the Bureau of Developmental Services for families, with the mission to support citizens with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders
Bureau of Developmental Services Sharing What We Heard:
Moving Forward Together
On May 8, 2024, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) held a virtual community webinar to discuss the work to strengthen the developmental services system. We shared a summary of what we heard during the recent BDS community listening sessions and surveys. Your feedback is guiding BDS’ planning and vision for a system that meets each individual and family’s needs. Please view the following below for more information.
Upcoming Engagement
See the schedule of BDS Systems Work Stakeholders Engagement sessions.
BDS Systems Work Compliance Webinar Series, Spring 2023
BDS has developed the webinar series "Introduction to Direct Bill and Conflict-Free Case Management in New Hampshire's Developmental Disabilities Service System" to provide individuals and families an overview of the changes that have been completed regarding Compliance and Direct Bill that went into effect July 1, 2023. Please view the series links below.
- Session 1: Introduction to Compliance (3:43)
- Session 2: History of Compliance Initiatives (3:10)
- Session 3: Path to Compliance (5:01)
- Session 4: Direct Bill Process (3:57)
- Session 5: Conflict Free Case Management (4:57)
- Session 6: Conclusion & Key Takeaways (1:25)
BDS Service Options in the DD Waiver Webinar Series, Summer 2024
The Bureau of Developmental Services is pleased to announce a series of presentations on the current services available on the Developmental Disabilities waiver. Below is the presentation we have to date that is updated to include additional presentations, accordingly.
- Service Options in the Developmental Disabilities Waiver (7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14)
BDS is currently developing a webinar Series "BDS Service Options in the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver" to accompany the above powerpoints and provide individuals and families an overview of the services that are available within the DD Service System.
BDS Focus Group - Individuals and Families
- Developmental Services Forms Focus Group (08/08/24)
- PDMS Focus Group (08/15/24)
Other Resources
- NH DHHS SIS-A (2nd Edition) FAQ (09/2024)
- Provider List by Service (updated 09/2024)
- BDS Stakeholder Engagement Summaries (07/2024)
- BDS Regional Liaison List (06/2024)
- BDS Area Agency Map (06/2024)
- NH's Rights & Responsibilities (01/2024)
Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) Newsletters
Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) Newsletters
- Subscribe to the BDS Newsletters.
- Visit our Newsletter Archives to read past issues.
Know Your Voting Rights
State and Federal laws protect the voting rights of people with disabilities. In New Hampshire, eligible voters who can make or express a choice, have the right to vote. Below are resource documents to learn more. Additional information may be found at Disability Rights Center - NH.
- Voting Rights at a Glance
- Derechos de Voto de un Vistazo (Spanish)
- Absentee Voting
- New Voter Rights and Transition Planning
- One4all - Accessible Voting System
- One4all - Sistema de Votación accesible (Spanish)
- Know Your Voting Rights - Toolkit
- Conozca Sus Derechos de Voto - Kit de Herramientas (Spanish)
- Register to Vote
- Registrarse Para Votar (Spanish)
Opportunities to Advocate
with People First of NH
Protecting - Encouraging - Advocating
Protecting the rights of people with disabilities to make choices and decisions in their own lives. Encouraging everyone to find their passion and voice to live up to their fullest potential. Advocating for a more accessible and inclusive world.
Founded in 1992, People First of NH is a 501c3 Non-profit organization led by people with disabilities.
People First Annual Report:
People First Meeting Dates
People First Meeting Dates
Are you a New Hampshire advocate? People First would love to have you join! Meetings are held on Zoom the fourth Saturday of the month, from 10:30am to 1:00pm. Every 3 months March, June, September and December meetings are held in person in Concord NH from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8246256002?pwd=NWtWS2ZZNVFwa0FEajFWVWhGNSs0Zz09
Meeting ID: 824625 6002
Passcode: 267807
Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
The Advocate NH Conference is Back!
Beginning in 2013, the Advocate New Hampshire Conference was an annual networking and skill-building event by and for people involved in disability advocacy in New Hampshire. This event was a day for people with disabilities in New Hampshire, and their family members and other individuals who support them, to come together and join a network of advocates who care about making our communities inclusive and supportive.
In partnership with the Institute on Disability at UNH and with collaboration from People First of New Hampshire, they have facilitated the return of the Advocate NH Conference on Friday, October 4th, 2024 in Concord. They have built an exciting lineup of presenters and will host breakout sessions on the topics of Housing, Employment, and Financial Fitness. Register to attend in-person or virtually at www.ablenh.org. More information may be found on the 2024 Advocate NH Conference flyer.
Partner Resource Spotlight
The Bureau of Developmental Services is excited to spotlight valuable resources from our community partners. 
New Hampshire Housing
- Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program - offers employment and financial coaching to housing choice voucher participants to help them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Gateways Community Services