Top 10 Accessible Places in New Hampshire for Handicap Placard Holders

Top 10 Accessible Places in New Hampshire for Handicap Placard Holders

New Hampshire, known for its stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and charming small towns, is also a destination that strives to offer accessibility to individuals with disabilities. For disability tag holders, the state offers numerous places that are accessible, providing convenient parking, wheelchair-friendly paths, and facilities designed with mobility impairments in mind. Whether you’re exploring the state’s picturesque landscapes, visiting cultural sites, or enjoying a day out in nature, NH offers accessible options for all.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 accessible places in New Hampshire, ideal for handicap placard holders. These locations offer accessible parking, facilities, and accommodations for individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can experience the beauty and culture of the Granite State.

What Are Handicap Placards in New Hampshire?

Definition and Purpose

A disability tag (or placard) in NH is a special parking permit issued to individuals with disabilities that affect their mobility. These tags allow the permit holder to park in designated accessible parking spaces, which are located close to the entrances of buildings, facilities, and attractions. The purpose of the tag is to ensure that people with mobility challenges have easier access to public spaces by providing parking that reduces the distance they need to walk or roll.

Handicap permits in NH are issued by the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and must be displayed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle when parked in an accessible space.

Eligibility for a Disability Tag in New Hampshire

To qualify for a disability tag in NH, you must have a medical condition that limits your mobility, such as:

• Being unable to walk 200 feet without stopping.
• The use of assistive devices like a cane, wheelchair, or walker.
• Lung disease, heart conditions, or other chronic illnesses that impede movement.
• Vision impairments, including blindness.

How to Apply for a Disability Tag

Applying for a New Hampshire handicap placard is a simple process:

1. Medical Certification: Have a licensed HandicapMD healthcare provider complete a certification form confirming your disability.
2. Application Submission: Complete the Application for Walking Disability Privileges (Form DSMV 16) and submit it to the DMV by mail or in person.
3. Permanent or Temporary: Permanent tags are valid for five years, while temporary tags are issued for up to six months for short-term disabilities.
4. License Plates: If you prefer a disability license plate, the same application process applies, but the plate will be affixed to a specific vehicle.

Benefits for Disability Tag Holders

The benefits of having a disability tag in NH include:

• Access to designated accessible disabled parking spaces: These spaces are often located closer to building entrances, reducing the distance individuals need to travel.
• Convenience and safety: Disability parking spaces are designed to be wider, making it easier for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to enter and exit their vehicles safely.
• Access to facilities and attractions: Many public and private facilities in NH offer accessible parking and facilities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the state’s attractions.
• Recognition in other states: Disability tags issued in NH are valid in other U.S. states, allowing permit holders to access accessible parking when traveling.

How to Renew a Disability Tag

If you have a permanent disability tag in NH, it is valid for five years and must be renewed when it expires. Here’s what you need to know about the renewal process:

1. Notification: You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your tag’s expiration date. This notice will remind you to renew your disability tag in time to avoid any lapses in your parking privileges.
2. No Need for New Medical Certification: For permanent disability tags, you do not need to submit a new medical certification as long as your condition remains the same.
3. Renewal Application: Complete the Disability Placard Renewal Application (which can also be found on the DMV website) and submit it to the DMV by mail or in person. You can also renew at your local DMV office.
4. Temporary Tags: If you have a temporary tag, it cannot be renewed. If your condition persists beyond the expiration date of your temporary tag, you must reapply for a new one with a current medical certification.

License Plates Renewal

For disability license plates, renewal happens annually as part of your vehicle’s registration renewal process. No additional paperwork is required for the renewal of your license plate beyond the standard vehicle registration renewal.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of disability tags in NH, let’s dive into the top accessible destinations across the state that you can enjoy with your disability tag.

Top 10 Accessible Places in New Hampshire for Handicap Placard Holders

NH offers a range of accessible destinations that cater to individuals with disabilities. Here are the top 10 accessible places in the state for disability tag holders:

1. Mount Washington Auto Road

One of NH’s most iconic landmarks, Mount Washington Auto Road offers a unique experience for visitors with disabilities. This scenic drive takes you to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

• Accessibility Features: The Auto Road is fully accessible by car, allowing disability tag holders to drive to the summit without needing to hike. Accessible parking is available at the base and summit, and the summit building offers accessible restrooms and viewing areas.
• Highlight: The opportunity to reach the summit of Mount Washington without needing to trek the mountain’s steep trails.

2. The Flume Gorge

Located in Franconia Notch State Park, the Flume Gorge is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. This stunning site features waterfalls, glacial pools, and incredible rock formations.

• Accessibility Features: While some parts of the Flume Gorge trail are steep and may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs, the Visitor’s Center and surrounding areas offer accessible parking, restrooms, and exhibits. The park provides information on accessible paths for those with mobility challenges.
• Highlight: The accessible Visitor’s Center with exhibits that showcase the natural beauty of the White Mountains.

3. Strawbery Banke Museum

Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth is an outdoor history museum that tells the story of the area’s 400-year-old history. The museum’s preserved houses, gardens, and exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into NH’s colonial and modern past.

• Accessibility Features: The museum offers accessible parking, and many of the historic buildings and outdoor areas are accessible for wheelchairs. A free accessible shuttle is also available to transport visitors between different sections of the museum.
• Highlight: The opportunity to explore historic homes and gardens, many of which are accessible to visitors with disabilities.

4. Hampton Beach State Park

Hampton Beach State Park is one of the most popular beach destinations in NH. The park features long stretches of sandy beach, a bustling boardwalk, and facilities for picnicking and recreation.

• Accessibility Features: The park offers accessible parking, restrooms, and beach access points. Beach wheelchairs are available for individuals who need assistance navigating the sand, and accessible picnic areas are located along the waterfront.
• Highlight: The availability of beach wheelchairs, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the beach.

5. Currier Museum of Art

Located in Manchester, the Currier Museum of Art is an internationally renowned museum with collections ranging from European and American paintings to contemporary art.

• Accessibility Features: The museum is fully accessible, with accessible parking spaces, elevators, and accessible restrooms. The museum also offers wheelchairs and strollers for visitors and provides assistive listening devices for guided tours.
• Highlight: The museum’s fully accessible exhibits, featuring works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Monet, and O’Keeffe.

6. Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountains and offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and scenic drives. The park’s natural beauty is accessible to all, with specific trails and areas designed for individuals with disabilities.

• Accessibility Features: The park offers accessible parking and picnic areas. The Bald Mountain Knob Trail is a paved, wheelchair-friendly path that offers stunning views of the mountains. The Flume Gorge Visitor’s Center is also accessible.
• Highlight: The breathtaking mountain views and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities.

7. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Named after astronaut Alan Shepard and teacher-turned-astronaut Christa McAuliffe, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord is a science museum and planetarium dedicated to space exploration and aviation.

• Accessibility Features: The museum offers accessible parking, ramps, and elevators. The planetarium’s seating is designed to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments, and accessible restrooms are available throughout the facility.
• Highlight: The immersive planetarium experience, which is accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities.

8. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

For history and maritime enthusiasts, the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse offers a fascinating glimpse into NH’s nautical past. Located at Fort Constitution in New Castle, the lighthouse is still in operation today.

• Accessibility Features: While the lighthouse itself is not fully accessible due to its historic design, the surrounding areas, including the fort and parking lots, offer accessible parking and paths. The scenic views and interpretive exhibits are accessible for those with disabilities.
• Highlight: The scenic views of Portsmouth Harbor and the historic fort, with accessible pathways for exploration.

9. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness is a nature-based educational center that features live animal exhibits, walking trails, and lake cruises. The center is dedicated to showcasing NH’s wildlife and natural environments.

• Accessibility Features: The center offers accessible parking, restrooms, and many of the exhibits and trails are wheelchair-accessible. The Gephart Exhibit Trail is designed to be accessible for individuals with mobility challenges, and the center also offers accessible boat cruises.
• Highlight: The opportunity to see native wildlife up close and explore accessible trails through the natural beauty of NH.

10. Canterbury Shaker Village

Canterbury Shaker Village is a historic site that preserves the legacy of the Shakers, a religious community known for their simple living, craftsmanship, and innovative practices. The village offers guided tours and exhibits that showcase Shaker history and culture.

• Accessibility Features: The village provides accessible parking, restrooms, and pathways that allow individuals with mobility challenges to explore many of the historic buildings and outdoor spaces. Accessible tours are available upon request.
• Highlight: The chance to explore a historic Shaker village with accessible exhibits and tours that bring the past to life.

How to Use a Handicap Placard in New Hampshire

Proper Display and Use of the Tag

When using your handicap placard in NH, it’s important to follow the correct procedures to ensure that you comply with state regulations:

• Hang the Tag from the Rearview Mirror: The disability tag should be hung from the rearview mirror of your vehicle whenever you are parked in an accessible space. Make sure the front of the tag, displaying the permit number and expiration date, is facing outward.

• Remove the Tag When Driving: The tag must be removed from the rearview mirror while the vehicle is in motion, as leaving it hanging can obstruct your view and may result in a traffic citation.

• Use the Tag Only When the Permit Holder Is Present: The disability tag is valid only when the individual to whom it was issued is in the vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger. Allowing someone else to use your tag without you being present is considered misuse and can lead to penalties.

Where to Find Accessible Parking

In NH, accessible parking spaces are clearly marked with the international symbol of accessibility and are often located near the entrances of public buildings, parks, and other facilities. When visiting state parks, museums, or other public attractions, look for designated accessible parking areas, which are designed to provide easy access for individuals with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use my NH disability tag in other states?

Yes, disability tags issued in NH are recognized in all other U.S. states under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can use your tag to park in designated accessible parking spaces when traveling in other states. However, be sure to check local parking regulations, as some states may have different rules regarding time limits or parking fees.

2. How long is a disability tag valid in NH?

• Permanent disability passes in NH are valid for five years. You must renew your tag before it expires, and no new medical certification is needed unless your condition has changed.

• Temporary disability passes are valid for up to six months. If your temporary condition persists, you will need to apply for a renewal with updated medical certification.

3. What should I do if my disability tag is lost or stolen?

If your disability tag is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement by submitting a new application to the New Hampshire DMV. You will need to provide proof of identity, and there may be a small fee for replacing the tag.

4. How do I apply for a disability tag in NH?

To apply for a disability tag in NH, you will need to complete an Application for Walking Disability Privileges Placard (Form DSMV 16), available on the state's DMV website. The form requires medical certification from a licensed healthcare provider, confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements for a disability tag. Submit the completed form to your local DMV office or by mail.

5. Can someone else use my disability tag without me?

No. A disability tag is non-transferable and can only be used when the person to whom it was issued is present in the vehicle. Allowing someone else to use your tag without you being present is illegal and can result in fines or the revocation of your tag.

6. How long is a permanent disability tag valid in NH?
A permanent disability tag is valid for five years and must be renewed by submitting a renewal application before it expires.

7. Are there accessible transportation options available in NH?
Yes, several cities and towns in NH offer accessible public transportation services, and companies like Uber and Lyft often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles upon request.

8. Can temporary disabilities qualify for a disability tag in NH?
Yes, individuals with temporary disabilities, such as those recovering from surgery or injury, can apply for a temporary disability tag valid for up to six months.

9. What is the process for applying for a disability tag in NH?
To apply for a disability tag in NH, you need to complete the Application for Walking Disability Privileges (Form DSMV 16), have it signed by a licensed physician, and submit it to the DMV.

10. Are there fees for obtaining a disability tag in NH?
No, there are no fees for either temporary or permanent disability tags in NH.

Conclusion

New Hampshire offers a wealth of accessible destinations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the state’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the summit of Mount Washington to the sandy shores of Hampton Beach, there are countless places that accommodate the needs of disability tag holders, making travel and exploration more accessible and enjoyable.

By following the guidelines for using your disability tag and taking advantage of the state’s many accessible parking spaces and facilities, you can make the most of your time in NH. Whether you’re visiting a museum, hiking a scenic trail, or enjoying a day at the beach, NH has something for everyone, regardless of physical ability.