Community Inclusion (CI) is the umbrella term used by the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) to describe equal, diverse, and inclusive, opportunities for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to access and participate in activities, employment, and functions of community life. Each waiver offers services that support employment and day services.
Employment First and Informed Choice
The DDSD adopted an Employment First Policy in 2016 to establish procedures for supporting working age adults to have access to valued employment opportunities as the preferred service in New Mexico. Every person has the right and ability to work given opportunity, access and informed choice. Access to competitive integrated employment enables the person to engage in community life, control personal resources, increase self-sufficiency, and is a proven method for creating community inclusion, equality, diversity, identity, status, and roles. Employment should be the first consideration.
Day Services
Each waiver offers services that support day services. Day services for adults are designed to assist a person to increase their independence and potentially reduce the number of paid supports, to establish or strengthen interpersonal relationships, to join social networks, and to participate in a diverse, inclusive, and equal community life.
Transition Services
Transition services are a coordinated set of activities designed to help a child move from school to post-school activities/supports, including employment. DDSD is committed to supporting young adults and families with transitioning from school to Home and Community Based Waiver Supports. DDSD collaborates with other state entities such as school systems, NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and contracted providers to assure that support needs of the young adult are being met and all involved are committed to successful outcomes.
Contact Information
Supported Employment and Community Inclusion Lead
Frank Gaona
505-795-2821
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Technical Assistance
DDSD Community Inclusion Coordinators at the DDSD Regional Offices are available to assist with developing new ideas and breaking down barriers for individuals with developmental disabilities to build a personalized, diverse, equal and inclusive community role.
Partners for Employment
Partners for Employment is a collaboration between the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division, the University of New Mexico/Center for Development and Disability and the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Partners for Employment works with provider agencies, state personnel, family members, self-advocates, employers, and others to provide training opportunities, technical assistance, and support with evidence-based best practices in employment.
Division of Vocational Rehab
New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehab (DVR) provides services such as Benefit analysis, Job Development and short- term Job supports.
