March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to highlight the needs and potential of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Jennifer Rodriguez, director of the Health Care Authority’s (HCA) Developmental Disabilities Supports Division, emphasized that "people with intellectual and developmental disabilities want the same things as everyone else—choices, autonomy, meaningful relationships, and respect." She noted that by listening to individuals and families, HCA aims to provide the right supports through education, awareness, advocacy, and inclusion.
The HCA has been working on several initiatives to improve services for people with disabilities. These efforts include supporting House Bill 131 to enhance background checks for caregivers to ensure safety. Additionally, an emergency rule was issued to amend the Employee Abuse Registry to protect people with disabilities from abuse. The agency has also increased Medicaid provider rates for programs such as Developmental Disabilities, Mi Via, and Medically Fragile.
To further improve service delivery, HCA has resumed quarterly stakeholder meetings involving providers, advocacy organizations, and state partners. Moreover, they have conducted their first annual client and family satisfaction survey aimed at better addressing the needs of people with IDD.
Since 1987, March has been dedicated by organizations serving individuals with IDD as a month for raising awareness about this community's challenges and potential.
For more information on how HCA supports people with IDD and their families or details on offering services as a healthcare provider can contact the Pre-Service Intake Bureau.
Additionally, HCA provides written information in English and Spanish while offering interpretation services in 58 languages through CTS Language Link. For customers who are hearing or speech impaired, Relay New Mexico offers free 24-hour communication access via telephone.
