“Enabled Upper Valley” collaborates with businesses and organizations to create inclusive practices that support everyone in the community, regardless of disability. They provide expert training, recommend simple accommodations, and offer consulting services to ensure all individuals can fully participate in their community.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of social engagement for people with disabilities, as it enhances both mental and physical health. By encouraging local organizations to broaden their services, Enabled Upper Valley fosters inclusion, involvement, and community engagement.
Equity is about access—both physical and social. Enabled Upper Valley ensures physical access by recommending solutions like noise-canceling headphones at venues or picture menus at restaurants. They also promote social accessibility by training staff to understand and support individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone is welcomed and treated with respect.
Embarking on the journey to obtain a Disability-Friendly Certification is an empowering experience! It starts with a self-assessment followed by a comprehensive evaluation from the Special Needs Support Center (SNSC), aimed at uncovering any accessibility barriers. SNSC then offers thoughtful recommendations to enhance both infrastructure and communication. Organizations are encouraged to implement these improvements with dedicated support, alongside customized training. Once certified, SNSC proudly showcases the organization as a champion of inclusivity, beginning this meaningful path with a heartfelt pledge to uplift the disability community. Let’s make a difference together!
To begin the process, you should first complete a simple self-assessment. Following this, SNSC will conduct a thorough evaluation of your physical spaces, digital platforms, and communication channels. This evaluation involves experts, stakeholders, and staff touring the area and answering relevant questions. The goal is to identify any barriers and areas for improvement to enhance overall effectiveness.
During the implementation phase, the business decides which recommendations to pursue and collaborates with relevant teams such as facilities, IT, and HR as needed. Resources are allocated, and timelines are established to ensure the successful execution of the chosen actions. Regular progress tracking is conducted to monitor and ensure the project stays on course.
The training component includes a two-hour session titled “Creating a Space where Everyone Can Belong.” This training can be tailored to focus on working with staff, customers, or both. It is conducted live, either in person or remotely, by a disability expert to ensure participants gain valuable insights and skills.
Once you have finished your Disability-Friendly Certificate, the Special Needs Support Center will promote your organization through an array of marketing and communication channels including, digital, print, and press.
Become a leader in our community for inclusivity and belonging—partner with us today!
Take the first step in becoming Certified Disability-Friendly by signing our Pledge! Join us in creating an Upper Valley built around belonging and inclusion for the disability community. By signing, you’re declaring your support and beginning your Disability-Friendly journey.
Make the leap towards a more inclusive future today!
We believe that as a society, we cannot thrive until each and every one of our citizens have the support and accommodations needed to fulfill their potential.
We recognize that ableism—the systemic stigma and discrimination against people with disabilities—is a core barrier to equity and inclusion.
We commit to embark on a disability inclusion learning journey, and to pursue the following preliminary disability inclusion actions, which will take us beyond the minimum legal requirements.
Pricing varies based on the size and needs of your organization. Reach out to Carmen Lachle (carmen@snsc-uv.org) for a free, personalized quote and to learn what the process would look like for your team.
Being Disability Friendly Certified means your organization is committed to both physical and social accessibility. Enabled Upper Valley supports this by recommending practical solutions—such as noise‑canceling headphones at events or picture menus in restaurants—and by providing staff training that builds confidence, understanding, and respect. The goal is simple: every person feels welcomed, supported, and able to belong.
Any organization can participate—businesses, nonprofits, community groups, and more. Our hope is to see every organization in the Upper Valley join the movement toward greater inclusion.
The certification looks at five key areas:
– Auditory
– Communication
– Physical
– Sensory
– Employment
Most organizations complete the process in 3–6 months, depending on staff and capacity.
SNSC offers hands‑on, ongoing support, including:
– A full observation of your space
– Written recommendations tailored to your environment
– Collaborative goal‑setting based on those recommendations
– Check‑ins 1–2 times per year to review progress, troubleshoot barriers, and set new goals
SNSC staff and Lived Experience Consultants walk through your space, take notes, and discuss what they observe. Together, the team develops a set of recommendations. Once finalized, these are shared with your organization, and the next step—staff training—begins.
Becoming Disability Friendly isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision. Today’s customers and employees value equity and inclusion. Certification strengthens your culture, enhances your reputation, and helps you stand out as a leader in accessibility.
SNSC provides support throughout the entire journey. After initial certification (typically 3–6 months), organizations receive check‑ins at 6 months and 1 year to review progress and renew their commitment.
Certification signals to your community that your organization is committed to belonging and inclusion. Certified organizations are also featured on our website, helping community members identify spaces that are actively working to be welcoming for all.
Getting started is easy. Reach out to Carmen Lachle by email (carmen@snsc-uv.org) or complete our interest form on our website (www.snsc-uv.org) to begin your Disability Friendly Certification journey today!
