FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tony Strat, Director of Marketing | Special Needs Support Center | Tony@snsc-uv.org
Date: May 8, 2025
Lebanon Becomes First U.S. City to Begin Implementation Toward Certified Disability-Friendly Status
LEBANON, N.H. — In a bold move toward municipal inclusion, the City of Lebanon has taken its first official action to uphold the pledge it made earlier this year to become a Certified Disability-Friendly City—the first city in the United States to make such a public resolution.
Last week, Kendra LaRoche, Executive Director of the Special Needs Support Center (SNSC), led an intensive 3.5-hour Disability Awareness and ADA compliance training with every department head in the City of Lebanon—from police to public works—marking a major milestone in the city’s effort to become more accessible to all.
“This isn’t about meeting a requirement. This is about creating a culture of belonging in every city service, every department, and every interaction,” said LaRoche. “Lebanon is proving that words on paper can become action. They’re not just checking a box—they’re building a future.”
In January, the City Council unanimously passed a Resolution to Become a Certified Disability-Friendly City, pledging to uphold the principles of access, inclusion, and dignity for residents and visitors of all abilities. Last week’s training represents the first action step toward implementing that resolution—a commitment that advocates hope will set a standard for other cities across the nation.
Lebanon’s disability statistics underscore the urgency: about 2,000 residents in Lebanon live with disabilities, with a daytime population of over 4,450 due to its status as a medical, business, and transportation hub. The city also has a disability rate 3% higher than the national average, according to data provided by SNSC.
“This effort is not symbolic—it’s transformational,” said David Brooks, Deputy City Manager for the City of Lebanon. “By training every department, we’re embedding equity into the day-to-day operations of local government. That’s the only way to make lasting change.”
The training, led by SNSC, covered key areas such as:
- Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Inclusive public communication and signage
- Universal design in public buildings and spaces
- How to address both visible and invisible disabilities in public service
The Disability-Friendly Certification program is a new regional initiative developed by SNSC to guide municipalities, businesses, and organizations in becoming inclusive at all levels—from leadership to customer service to infrastructure.
Lebanon’s leadership in this area could inspire neighboring towns and cities to follow suit. LaRoche said several communities in the Upper Valley have already inquired about bringing the training to their municipalities.
“This is just the beginning,” said LaRoche. “Disability is part of every community, and inclusion should be too.”
For more information about Disability-Friendly Certification or to schedule an interview, contact:
Tony Strat
Director of Marketing and Development
Special Needs Support Center
Tony@snsc-uv.org| 603-448-6311| snsc-uv.org
