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The Health Care Authority’s mission is: We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Enabling Technology
Vision
DDSD supports a system-wide culture across waiver services that embraces person-centered, equitable access to a range of enabling technology that has the flexibility to promote independence, individual choice, and respects rights and privacy for people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities, regardless of level of disability.
What Is Enabling Technology?
The use of various forms of devices and technology to support a person with disabilities to live as independently as possible. These types of technologies include sensors, mobile applications, remote support systems, and other smart devices. Enabling technology can support a person in navigating their jobs and communities, gain more control of their environment, and provide remote support and reminders to assist a person in living more independently. Enabling Technologies include off-the-shelf and customized devices and services that empower independence, embody self-determination, and enhance quality of life.
What is Technology First?
A framework for system changes where technology is considered first in the discussion of support options available to individuals and families through person-centered approaches to promote meaningful participation, social inclusion, self-determination, and quality of life. Two primary goals include technology as a natural support and reducing the number of direct support hours.
How is Enabling Technology Funded?
Enabling Technology is available in the Mi Via, DD and Supports Waiver Programs through various service titles and codes.
Mi Via Waiver
- Personal Emergency Response System
- Technology for Safety and Independence
DD Waiver
- Assistive Technology Purchasing Agent
- Remote Personal Support Technology
Supports Waiver
- Assitive Technology
Service providers may also fund and use enabling technology in combination with Direct Support Professionals in the provision of their services.
Where to Find Technology Vendors
New Mexico has started working with a number of vendors. Find a list here: Technology Vendors Resource List
Need help from DDSD? Contact DDSD Technology Champions
| Name | Phone | DDSD Bureau |
| Anysia Fernandez | 505 629-7476 | Supports Waiver |
| Christina Hill | 505-690-4094 | Community Programs and Co – Chair |
| Elaine Hill | 505-506-6103 | Mi Via Waiver |
| Jacob Archuleta | 505-452-6883 | Training & Knowledge Management Unit |
| Angie Brooks | 575-915-8345 | Regional Offices and Co – Chair |
| Aaron Joplin | 505-478-3035 | Northwest Regional Office Director |
| Katherine Herrera | 505-592-2672 | Community Inclusion |
| Robin Leinwand | 505-239-1768 | Occupational Therapy |
| David Naranjo | 505-551-2509 | Northeast Regional Office |
| Krystal Barela | 505-592-2672 | Northeast regional Office |
| Cara Latil | 505-819-7346 | Community Programs Bureau |
Technology First Community of Practice and Monthly Spotlight Series
DDSD has embarked on the Technology First Initiative. Technology Spotlight Series and Community of Practice meets virtually on the first Wednesday of the month. Technology Spotlight Series and Community of Practice Meeting
Meetings will showcase national leaders in the technology first movement, exciting technology demonstrations from national vendors, and success stories for individuals benefiting from enabling technology in New Mexico.
Resources from the series along with other important technology first information will be gathered into a New Mexico DDSD Technology Community of Practice.
Meetings
- July 2024 (No meeting – Summer Break)
- New Mexico Tech First Series Flyer – June 2024
- New Mexico Tech First Series Flyer – May 2024
- New Mexico Tech First Series Flyer – April 2024
- New Mexico Tech First Series Flyer – March 2024
- New Mexico Tech First Series Flyer – February 2024
- January 2024 (No meeting – Winter Break)
- New Mexico Tech First Series Flyer – December 2023
- New Mexico Tech First Series Flyer – November 2023
- New Mexico Tech First Series Flyer – October 2023
Toolkit
Are you ready? Are you Ready for a Technology Screening Tool?
Task Prompting Service Example How to use technology task prompting and applicable vendors.
Medication Service Example How to use technology to increase independence with medication and applicable vendors.
Home Sensor System Service Example How to use home sensors for independence.
Remote Support Service Example How to have staff operate from a remote location.
ETIP Form Enabling Technology Integration Plan
ETIP example Sample completed ETIP
Transition Milestones & Timelines A tool to help you think about steps to include in an ETIP
Provider Workflow / Implementation Timeline Steps for working with a team and Circle of Support to identify tech solutions and implement a plan with a vendor
Remote Staffing Requirements Interim Standards for Remote DSP/Staffing
DDW- SW Agency Based Payment DDW and Supports Waiver Agency Based Tech Vendor Payment Process
Remote DSP DDW Remote DSP Payment Process
Self-Direction Payment Process Mi Via and Supports Waiver Self-Directed Tech Vendor
NM Project Checklist Check list for Provider agencies to organizational transformation and SHIFT Accreditation