June 6, 2009 Press Release

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NH Leadership Series Now Accepting Applications

DURHAM, N.H. – The NH Leadership Series is a leadership development program for individuals with disabilities and parents/family members of individuals with disabilities. The series provides state-of-the-art information about all disability issues. Participants come together monthly over a seven-month period and receive intensive training on a wide variety of educational and community topics.

Leadership strives to teach through a variety of educational methods. We include discussions, web based learning, small and large group learning, independent research and application, as well as video and audio resources. Each session combines educational information and direct experience. Professionals in the field, parents, and individuals with disabilities join together not only to provide information, but to offer strategies for collaboration and implementation as well.

The goal of the New Hampshire Leadership Series is to support the development of advocacy and leadership skills in NH citizens who wish to grow at a personal level to achieve community and statewide change that supports the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their schools and communities.

The New Hampshire Leadership Series is produced by the UNH Institute on Disability in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Education, the Bureau of Developmental Services, the Developmental Disabilities Council of New Hampshire, New Hampshire’s Area Agencies, Friends of Leadership, and many other state organizations, businesses, foundations, and individual donors. In addition to providing financial resources, representatives from these agencies are involved in the nomination, application, and selection process for participants. Many are also involved as presenters or group facilitators.

The tuition costs for each New Hampshire Leadership Series participant totals approximately $6,000, a majority of which is subsidized through contributions from the generous collaborators named above as well as private donations. Each participant is asked to contribute only $250.00 toward their total tuition costs. When necessary, individuals may find it helpful to seek sponsorships from local community organizations or employers to help cover the $250.00 costs. We ask that you consider an additional gift for the scholarship fund so that anyone, regardless of economic means, can attend the New Hampshire Leadership Series. People needing additional supports (e.g., transportation, interpreter, physical assistance) will be assisted in every way possible to facilitate their attendance and participation. No applicant will be denied due to lack of funds.

The 2009-2010 Leadership Series will take place in several areas of the state – the Seacoast, the Lakes Region, Monadnock Region, and Concord. Each two-day session will begin at 12:30 pm on Friday and end at 4:00 pm on Saturday. Most will include Friday evening workshops. Attendees are requested to stay overnight at the hotel unless you live nearby. One-day sessions commence at 9:00 AM on Saturdays and end at 4:00 PM. All expenses (hotels, meals, materials) are covered for participants. Reimbursement is available for travel and childcare expenses for those who need it.

We are particularly eager that members of the group represent diverse backgrounds, ages, and different geographic regions of the state. Thirty-five participants will be selected on the basis of their degree of motivation to become well informed about and active in, policymaking and systems change for individuals with disabilities in our state. All applications are reviewed by a selection committee that will choose this year’s participants based on the content of the application and the above criteria. Graduates of the NH Leadership Series belong to a statewide network of over 700 citizens creating inclusive lives for people with disabilities.

To apply online, click here. If you would like to complete a paper application, click here (pdf) to download a copy and send it to:

NH Leadership Series
Institute on Disability
56 Old Suncook Road, Suite 2
Concord, NH 03301
attn: Beth Dixon

The application includes a list of dates, topics, and expectations for participation in the New Hampshire Leadership Series. The application deadline is July 24, 2009. All applicants will be notified of their status by August 28, 2009.

For more information call the NH Leadership Series coordinator Beth Dixon at 603.228.2084 or 800.238.2048, or e-mail: Beth.Dixon@unh.edu

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