The Arc of New Mexico has a contract with the New Mexico Department of Health Long Term Services Division (LTSD) to implement self-advocacy initiatives and activities in New Mexico.  The Arc selected Susan Weiss to serve as the Statewide Advisor.  Her responsibilities are to:

1. Provide support to individuals with disabilities who serve as trainers alongside the Long Term Services Division training staff.  The self-advocate trainers assist with various trainings for direct care staff, case managers and program managers.

2. Assist with the development of and support of existing People First Chapters across the state.

3. Coordinate the activities of the Self-Advocacy Advisory Council (SAAC).  The Self-Advocacy Advisory Council is a sub-committee of the Statewide Adult Services Task Force, an advisory group to the Long Term Services Division.  Members of the Self-Advocacy Advisory Council are individuals with disabilities from around the state.  The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning Council provides funding for Self-Advocacy Advisory Council activities.