Back To School Resources

August is here, and many students are returning to school or transitioning to college life. Community Bridges has provided a list of resources below regarding these transitional periods and how to navigate them with the individuals you love and care for.

• Community College System of New Hampshire: hub for accessibility services for in-state community colleges.
• Next Steps New Hampshire: hub for accessibility services for colleges in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
• Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR New Hampshire): hub for student services such as counseling, employment, self-advocacy, college planning, and more.
• Learning Disabilities Association of America: Short list of tips and tricks for students going back to school.
• Disability Rights Center NH: Knowing your rights in an educational setting regarding discipline and students with disabilities.
• New Hampshire Department of Education: Back to School Guidance Packet

More resources can be found at the end of this newsletter.

Mark Your Calendars!

The first Community Bridges Fundraiser Gala will be taking place on October 8th, 2026, at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord. We will be celebrating the impact of our work, holding a silent auction and honoring the legacy of our President and CEO Ann Potoczak.

Proceeds from this event will support the Family Grants initiative, helping

individuals fully participate in their communities.

Currently, early bird tickets are available for a discounted price! Tickets can be purchased through our donation page. The price goes up September 1st, so secure your spot for this special evening!

Formation of the New Hampshire League for an Equitable and Accessible Future (NH-LEAF)

ABLE NH and ten other organizations, along with individuals and their families with lived experience, are thrilled to announce the formation of NH-LEAF, the New Hampshire League for an Equitable and Accessible Future! These parties are collaborating to advance inclusive community spaces across the state of New Hampshire, through education, advocacy, and civic engagement. With goals of modernizing systems and providing policy information with person-centered approaches, the group believes  all people with disabilities have a right to full access of opportunities, services, and decision-making spaces.

Abundant information on NH-LEAF's mission, vision, values, and goals can be found through this link and their website on the New Hampshire Council for Developmental Disabilities website.

Statewide Rollout of the Blue Envelope Program!

As of July 17th, the New Hampshire Department of Safety's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has rolled out the Blue Envelope Program. New Hampshire drivers who are diagnosed with autism, or stressor- or trauma-related disorder, can utilize this Blue Envelope to assist 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.”

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

“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.”

Information on how to obtain a Blue Envelope, including eligibility criteria, is available on the DMV website.

Join us for our August Walk or Roll on Thursday, August 20th!

We are meeting up at Rollins Park at 9:00 AM. We will be taking a short walk on a paved path, and you do not need to RSVP to this event. Come if you would like, our Family Support Specialists would be thrilled to see you!

Dance & Karaoke Night by Concord Regional Arc

Concord Regional Arc is excited to host a dancing and karaoke night on Sunday, August 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Doors open at 12:30 PM, and it costs $10 per person.

The registration fee MUST BE PAID to attend the event. They are required for admittance in order to keep The Arc running and cover the event costs.

Individuals ages high school and above are welcome. The RSVP and due date for payments is August 16th, direct any questions to Sue at sjd328@aol.com.

Around the Special Education World in One Day

The Parent Information Center hosts numerous workshops to help parents navigate raising their children. On August 22nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, they are hosting a seminar called "Around the Special Education World in One Day". This comprehensive seminar is aimed at integrating participants into their child's Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Team with confidence.

Register for free and learn more about the PIC through this link.

Message from the New Hampshire Bureau of Developmental Services

"The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is preparing for changes to Medicaid eligibility based on the passage of the federal House Reconciliation Bill (HR 1). HR1 updated SNAP work requirements and includes work or other community engagement requirements for people who have Medicaid coverage through the Granite Advantage Health Care Program. Visit Stay Covered New Hampshire | New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to learn more about upcoming changes and find resources."

Thank You Interns!

Community Bridges has been grateful to host multiple interns over the past three months. Their dedication, hard work, willingness to learn, and community engagement has been stellar, and we could not thank them enough!

We know they will excel in their future endeavors, and we wish them the best of luck for the future.