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, read more….

Here is the latest information on the implementation of Mi Via:

During the 2nd week of November, people who are currently receiving DD Waiver services were sent a letter announcing the availability of Mi Via.  This letter provides instructions on how to get more information if you are interested in this new program.  If you did not get your letter, it may have been sent to your guardian or case manager.  You can call Consumer Direct Personal Care (CDPC) for more information at Toll Free:  1-866-786-4999; In Albuquerque:  505-344-8182

November 15 and 16 was the first training for Mi Via Consultants.  When you decide to choose Mi Via, you will have a Consultant to help you.  This can be someone you know who you want to be your Consultant, or you can get help selecting a Consultant through Consumer Direct Personal Care.

Consumer Direct Personal Care is the consultant contract agency with the state.  They will train consultants and make sure every Mi Via participant has a Consultant.  If you want someone to be your Consultant, have them contact CDPC, Toll Free:  1-866-786-4999; In Albuquerque:  505-344-8182
so they can go through the training.

Once you have chosen Mi Via, you will get a Consultant to guide you through the process.  While you are planning your Mi Via services, your current services will continue.  Only when your Mi Via plan and budget are approved and you have providers in place will your current services stop.

Anytime during the first 6 months you can change your mind and return to the traditional Developmental Disability Waiver program.

Public Partnerships is the Financial Management Agency.  Once your budget is approved, they will process payments you authorize to staff or other’s that you purchase a service or a product from.

Making It Happen

The Arc is doing a number of things to help make Mi Via happen.  Here’s how we can help:

* Didn’t get a letter about Mi Via and want information?  Call us at 505-883-4630 or email

* You have chosen Mi Via and want some ideas about how you can use it to get the support you want.  We can meet with you, your Consultant and others who are helping you to explore ideas.  We know how to be creative and help you come up with new ways to get what you want.

* You can purchase facilitation of person centered planning from The Arc as a way to take your dreams and figure out what steps to take to make them real.  Person centered planning and Mi Via are tools for you to use to have the life you want, including where to live and with whom, how to earn money through work or business, developing relationships, and being involved in your community. 

* Got a great plan, but not sure how to budget your resources - all of your resources - to carry it out?  The Arc can facilitate creative individual budgeting.  Mi Via is only one of the resources you have to get the life you want.  You have others – your own income, other public programs, community resources, family resources.  Make them work together.  Facilitation of budgeting is a support you can purchase from The Arc.  This can help your Consultant do your Mi Via budget request, too.

* You and maybe others in your community need more information about Mi Via.  The Arc is doing presentations all around New Mexico and we can come to your community.  Through an informative and entertaining theatrical performance, “Mi Via:  Who’s in the Driver’s Seat?”, we can help people understand what Mi Via is and how it works. 

* Having trouble with Mi Via?  Maybe your plan or budget didn’t get approved and you need someone to help you get it approved.  Mi Via is, after all, a Medicaid funded program and the state will apply rules and policies to the program.  Sometimes, a rule or policy is applied in a way you don’t like.  The Arc can help you advocate to change the state’s decision.

To find out more about these ways we can help you with Mi Via, or to get any other assistance with Mi Via, call Rebecca Shuman at 505-883-4630 or email her at

To be on our email list of people interested in Mi Via, email Rebecca at