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NH HB 1685 (2026): Technology First in NH Overview


What is Technology First? 


Technology First is a framework for systems change where technology is considered first in the discussion of support options available to individuals and families through person-centered approaches to promote meaningful participation, social inclusion, self-determination and quality of life.”1


Technology First supports "technological solutions” that expand on assistive technology; Examples of technological solutions are the following:

  • Remote supports offered in Medicaid waivers 

  • Having assistive technology included in every individual’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to support independent living, working, etc. 

  • Enabling technology programs 


Where Does New Hampshire Stand with Technology First Initiatives?


  • According to the State of the States, there have been zero reported benchmarks in New Hampshire. However, there are great assistive technology related things in New Hampshire already.6  


  • ATinNH is New Hampshire's state assistive technology program; every state has an assistive technology program under the Assistive Technology Act.2 ATinNH is responsible for assisting all people with assistive technology needs in the state by providing device demonstrations, device loans, device refurbishments, and more. 


  • The 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the following regarding assistive technology under Sec. 300.105:3


(a) Each public agency must ensure that assistive technology devices or assistive technology services, or both, as those terms are defined in §§300.5 and 300.6, respectively, are made available to a child with a disability if required as a part of the child’s—

(1) Special education under §300.39;

(2) Related services under §300.34; or

(3) Supplementary aids and services under §§300.42 and 300.114(a)(2)(ii).

(b) On a case-by-case basis, the use of school-purchased assistive technology devices in a child’s home or in other settings is required if the child’s IEP Team determines that the child needs access to those devices in order to receive FAPE.


Assistive technology must be considered for every student that has an IEP at least on an annual basis. If a need is found, they must be provided with the assistive technology and the related services (assessment, device demonstration, etc).4


Technology First builds even further upon these already existing laws and programs. 



Leading States in Technology First 


Continuing, it's important to note what other states are doing in their work in Technology First as well as point out that most states do things differently. Ohio and Tennessee are two of the leading states in technology first initiatives. Ohio began their Technology First work in 2018 when Governor Kasich created a task force by executive order, which made Ohio the first state to commit to technology first. Currently, Ohio does the following in regards to Technology First:5


  1. Requires every individual with an ISP to be considered for remote supports that are supported by waivers 7 

  2. Online resources on their Department of Developmental Disabilities website 8

  3. Initiatives for increased AT and remote supports usage among their served IDD population 9 



Tennessee was also early in their Technology First Work, beginning around the same time. Some things Tennessee does in regards to Technology First include:



There are additional states that the State of the States has indicated as “expert states” or “advanced states” in Technology First, including the following:6 


Minnesota:


Maryland


Missouri 


2026 New Hampshire Legislation  


In 2026, HB 1685 (if passed) is set to create a Technology Commission under the Department of Human Services to explore all elements of implementing technology first initiatives and frameworks in the state. This commission will help support individuals with families with disabilities in the following areas: 

  • Have direct feedback from AT users and families in the commission

  • Better understand how to serve individuals with disabilities with technological solutions

  • Implement technology first frameworks into New Hampshire



Key Takeaways for Technology First


Technology First is a non-partisan collaborative effort. It is vital that every stakeholder involved be invested in shaping this framework. There is no one organization responsible for everything related to Technology First. While the initiative may be housed under one organization, it will be a collaborative effort to accomplish technology first goals.  


It will take time. Technology First is not an overnight change, but a systematic framework that takes years to build. Nonetheless, it’s the time to begin getting Technology First initiatives in New Hampshire!  






Sources


[1]: Tanis, E. Shea. "Technology First." State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, University of Kansas, 2019, stateofthestates.ku.edu/technology-first.


[2]: Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs. ATAP, 2024, https://ataporg.org/.


[3]: United States, Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. "Assistive Technology." Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, sec. 300.105, 2017. LII / Legal Information Institute, www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/300.105.


[4]: United States, Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. "Development of IEP." 34 Code of Federal Regulations, part 300, subpart D, 12 Jan. 2026, www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR7501aba42a83252.


[5]: Ohio, Governor. "Executive Order 2018-06K: The Establishment of the Technology First Initiative and the Ohio Technology First Council to Expand the Use of Supportive Technology for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities." Signed by John R. Kasich, 24 May 2018. Nisonger Center, Ohio State University, nisonger.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Technology-First-State-Signed-Executive-Order.pdf. 


[6]: State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. "Technology First." University of Kansas, Life Span Institute, 2026, stateofthestates.ku.edu/technology-first.


[7]: “OH Self Empowered Life Funding (SELF) Waiver (0877.R03.00).” Medicaid.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/OH#0877.


[8]: “Technology First.” Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, 2024, dodd.ohio.gov/about-us/resources/tech-first/Technology-First/.


[9]: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. “Ohio Tech Goals.” Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, 19 Aug. 2019, dodd.ohio.gov/about-us/resources/tech-first/Tech-Goals.  


[10]: Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. “Enabling Technology.” TN.gov, 2024, www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/disability-aging-programs/enabling-technology.html.


[11]: “Medicaid Alternative Pathways (MAPs).” Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging, 2024, www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/disability-aging-programs/maps.html. 


[12]: “Minnesota Technology First Advisory Task Force.” Minnesota Agencies, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, 13 Oct. 2021, www.lrl.mn.gov/agencies/detail?AgencyID=2393. 


[13]: Maryland Department of Health. “Technology First.” Developmental Disabilities Administration, 2025, health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Technology-First.aspx.


[14]: “Maryland Technology First Day Proclaimed 2025.” Maryland Department of Health, 4 Aug. 2025, health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland-Technology-First-Day-Proclaimed-2025.aspx.


[15]: “Community Pathways Waiver.” Maryland Department of Health, 2025, health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/community%20pathways.aspx.


[16]: “Technology First Initiative.” Missouri Department of Mental Health, dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/technology-first/initiative.


[17]: “State Medicaid Waivers.” AT3 Center, 2024, https://at3center.net/state-medicaid-waivers/. 

 
 
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