The Arc of New Mexico is excited about hosting the 2008 National Convention of The Arc.  We look forward to people visiting our city and enjoying our state.  We want to share information with you about your visit to Albuquerque that you might find interesting.  Maybe it will entice you to come!  Here is our top ten list of things about Albuquerque that you probably don’t know:

When you come to the 2008 National Convention of The Arc in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to enjoy New Mexican cuisine, which features red and green chilies from our state. 

On April 15, 2007 The Arc of New Mexico was officially approved by Medicaid and the Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) to offer Personal Plan Facilitation.  Personal Plan Facilitation offers individuals receiving waiver services the opportunity to utilize a variety of person-centered planning techniques and processes to explore and identify their vision and goals for the future. 

Mi Via is here!  Mi Via is New Mexico’s self-directed waiver program.  If you currently are receiving services through the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program or on the waiting list for this program, you will want to look at Mi Via as an option.  Here are reasons why people are going to select Mi Via:

* I live in a rural area and it has been difficult for me to get services through provider agencies – I’d rather hire my own staff.

* I’m getting services now that I don’t want but have to have.  I’d like to select the services I want and stop getting services I don’t want.

* My team and my providers control my life and I don’t want that to happen anymore.

* I want support for things that aren’t available through the waiver today.

If that sounds like you, ...............

The Arc of New Mexico has been awarded another three-year Project of National Significance grant from the United States Administration on Developmental Disabilities.  The proposed project will be a continuation and expansion of the Youth Information, Training and Resource Center known as “El Poder de los Jovenes” (Empowerment of Youth) in southern Dona Ana County.  Southern Dona Ana County is a rural area and includes the communities of Anthony, Berino, Chamberino, Chaparral, Del Cerro, La Mesa, La Union, Mesquite, San Miguel, Santa Teresa, Sunland Park and Vado. 

There are always a variety of interesting and informative events happening around New Mexico that relate to the developmental disability community. Explore our Calendar of Events to find an event that may interest you or a friend in the community.

October 1-3, 2008
The Albuquerque Convention Center
For more information visit
or call 505-272-6247

NOTE: Deadline for proposals is May 30, 2008.

May 30-31, 2008
Howard Johnson Center, 10300 Hotel Avenue NE (near Eubank and I-40).

This year’s theme is “Circle of Life: Journey to Wellness”.  Topics will include 1) Health and wellness for people with disabilities, 2) Body, mind and spirit supports, 3) Improving accessibility to employment, 4) Faith communities and 5) Improving relationships.  The event is free to self-advocates, family members and support staff.  There is a $75.00 registration fee for professionals (does not include hotel).

Please register by May 15, 2008.  For more information contact Randy Costales at 505-883-4630 or .