AFP is united in its commitment to the successful inclusion of people with developmental disabilities into the mainstream of American life. By bringing together the many voices in our organizations dedicated to this cause, we will work together to make this vision a reality.

The AFP also has a network of state teams and the New Hampshire Alliance For Full Participation (NHAFP) was formed by People First of New Hampshire last February, 2010.  The NHAFP follows the mission and the goal of doubling the employment rate for people who experience developmental disabilities by 2015.

Last week, we learned that the National AFP has three founding member organizations that are not fully embracing or adhering to this mission. Such organizations continue to provide segregated, pre-vocational readiness training, and sub-minimum wages, thereby exploiting the work of people with disabilities. They are also in favor of pre-vocational training without a time limit.

The NHAFP sent this message to the AFP:

In reaction to the recent national concerns regarding the divide of the board of the Alliance For Full Participation (AFP) over integrated employment, the New Hampshire Alliance For Full Participation calls for the following action:  

The New Hampshire Alliance For Full Participation (NHAFP) request that ALL members of the board of the National Alliance For Full Participation (AFP) be dedicated to integrated work.   Furthermore, the NHAFP agrees with and supports the AFP Advisory Council's request to the Alliance that the three agencies of the AFP board (NISH, The Arc of the United States, and United Cerebral Palsy) clarify why they have advocated for center-based and pre-vocational employment, given their commitment to the Alliance for Full Participation.  Until such clarification is received, and ALL members of the board of the AFP are fully committed to its own mission, the NHAFP will refrain from ongoing involvement with the National Alliance For Full Participation.