FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb 20, 2025

Lebanon, NH – On Wednesday, February 19th,  the Lebanon City Council unanimously passed a groundbreaking resolution affirming the city’s commitment to becoming a disability-friendly community. This resolution, developed in collaboration with the Special Needs Support Center (SNSC) and the Lebanon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, marks the first step in a certification process that could make Lebanon the first officially recognized Disability-Friendly City in the United States.

By adopting this resolution, the City of Lebanon recognizes that true community prosperity depends on ensuring that all residents—including disabled individuals—can fully and meaningfully participate in civic, economic, and recreational life. The resolution goes beyond minimum legal requirements by encouraging businesses, organizations, and city departments to adopt disability-inclusive best practices and proactively remove barriers to participation.

“This is about belonging,” said Dr. Kendra LaRoche, Executive Director of the Special Needs Support Center. “Lebanon is showing leadership in fostering a community where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.”

A Commitment to Inclusion

Key provisions of the resolution include:

  • Encouraging local businesses and organizations to become Certified Disability-Friendly, fostering a stronger culture of inclusion across the community.
  • Encouraging city departments, staff, and volunteer boards to adopt best practices in disability inclusion, ensuring that Lebanon serves as a model for accessibility.
  • Prioritizing inclusive and accessible public spaces and events, including improved signage, accommodations language on invitations, and proactive accessibility measures.
  • Conducting internal accessibility audits and developing long-term improvement plans in employment practices, recruitment policies, city facilities, and digital accessibility.

Next Steps

The passage of this resolution is just the beginning. Lebanon will now work with SNSC and ADA Coordinator David Brooks to develop disability-friendly policies that turn this vision into action. SNSC and the city will also collaborate on grant applications to fund accessibility audits and future improvements.

Meanwhile, the neighboring town of Hartford is considering a similar resolution, furthering the regional momentum for greater inclusion.

For more information on SNSC’s work and how to support this initiative, please visit https://snsc-uv.org/enabled-upper-valley/inclusive-businesses/ . Businesses looking to become a Certified Disability-Friendly Business can connect with Carmen Lachle, Director of Community Outreach, at carmen@snsc-uv.org to learn how certification can enhance accessibility, foster inclusivity, and strengthen community engagement. She can provide guidance on the process and next steps toward creating a more welcoming environment for all.

About the Special Needs Support Center (SNSC)
The Special Needs Support Center (SNSC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a more inclusive Upper Valley by supporting individuals with disabilities, their families, and the broader community. SNSC provides resources, training, and advocacy to ensure that every person—regardless of ability—can live with dignity and full participation in society.

Lebanon Resolution for Disability Friendly City

Media Contact:

Tony Strat
Director of Marketing and Development
 Special Needs Support Center
Tony@snsc-uv.org
603-448-6311

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