Dear Community Members,
We want to create a place where people of all abilities feel safe, valued, and supported, and we think you want that too. Today, on Giving Tuesday, we’re reaching out to you with an opportunity to join us on this mission.
The Urgent Need for Inclusivity in the Upper Valley
This region is home to a vibrant community, yet people with disabilities often experience our home as isolating, unwelcoming, and, at times, unsafe. In Vermont and New Hampshire, 18% of citizens live with a disability, 3% higher than the national average. Regardless of people with disabilities having a higher representation in our community, both states rank in the lowest third on the inclusivity index, leading to one too many of our neighbors feeling marginalized.
Research illuminates this reality: people with disabilities are less likely to feel a true sense of belonging and often feel invisible to their community. The result of marginalizing this community creates a higher risks of poverty, mental health challenges, and, heartbreakingly, disproportionate risks during emergencies.
SNSC’s Work to Foster Inclusivity
The Special Needs Support Center’s recent partnership with the Regional Emergency Management Committee is our next step in creating a more inclusive and safe community for those with disabilities. In this collaboration, we aim to amplify the voices of those with disabilities to shape an inclusive emergency preparedness plan. These plans will focus on protecting vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals with disabilities who live independently, and families who need assurance that their children’s needs are considered. With your support, we can expand these critical initiatives, building a safer, more inclusive community for everyone.
How You Can Help
A contribution on Giving Tuesday will enable us to continue expanding our ongoing initiatives that make a tangible difference in the everyday lives of people with disabilities. Together, we can make our community safer and more inclusive for everyone. We invite you to join us in creating a community where everyone belongs. With your support, we can break down barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive Upper Valley for all. Every gift, large or small, brings us closer to that vision.
Thank you for your support,
The SNSC Team
