Seana Hallberg

Testimony in Support of HB 1032 My name is Seana Hallberg and I am writing in strong support of HB 1032 on behalf of caregivers and disabled individuals across New Hampshire. I am both a caregiver and advocate for disabled individuals. HB 1032 is an equity bill. It recognizes a reality that many of us live every day: participation in government processes is not equally accessible to everyone. Caregivers of disabled children and adults often cannot attend in-person hearings due to medical needs, behavioral support requirements, lack of respite care, transportation barriers, or the unpredictable nature of disability itself. Many disabled individuals face similar barriers—mobility limitations, chronic illness, sensory sensitivities, immune compromise, fatigue, or communication access needs—that make physical attendance not just difficult, but impossible. When testimony is limited to in-person participation, the result is systematic exclusion. The voices of those most impacted by policy decisions—disabled people and their caregivers—are often absent, not because they lack opinions or expertise, but because the structure of participation is inaccessible. Online testimony provides a reasonable, modern accommodation that allows meaningful civic engagement. It does not replace in-person testimony; it expands access. It allows people to participate during limited windows of energy, between caregiving tasks, from rural areas, or from home when health and safety require it. Disabled people and caregivers are experts in their own lives. Our perspectives are essential to informed policymaking, particularly when legislation directly affects disability services, education, healthcare, housing, and public access. HB 1032 helps ensure that lived experience is not filtered out due to logistical barriers. New Hampshire prides itself on civic participation and local governance. HB 1032 aligns with those values by ensuring that participation is not limited to those with flexible schedules, physical stamina, transportation, or caregiving coverage. I urge the committee to support HB 1032 and affirm that disabled individuals and caregivers belong in the legislative process—not as an afterthought, but as full participants. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully, Seana Hallberg dover, NH caregiver / advocate