March is National Disability Month
- Be Aware
- Be Mindful
- Be Proactive
- Be Kind
Pledge with us to have open conversations about our mental wellness with our friends, family and loved ones this month. Let’s work together to build healthy families and healthy communities.
March is National Disability Awareness Month
New Mexicans of all abilities deserve access to comprehensive health and housing services.
John’s Story: A Veteran’s New Lease on Life with HSD Disability Services
John, a 37-year-old veteran from Socorro, struggled with the transition to civilian life. After being injured during active duty, he had to learn to manage a physical disability. His recovery path was hard until he learned about the General Assistance Program for Disabled Adults by the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD). Through HSD’s support, John got the financial assistance he needed and help finding healthcare coverage through Medicaid. This support helped him address both his physical and emotional well-being. HSD also helped John find work that accommodates his disability. John’s story shows how much these specialized assistance programs can improve the quality of life for disabled veterans.
A disability is a part of life and human diversity. It can be any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for someone with the condition to do certain activities. March is recognized across the U.S. as National Disability Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the diversity of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life.
A disability is a part of life and human diversity.
Disability Statistics in New Mexico
About 1 in 3 adult New Mexicans live with a disability. More than 25 percent of our state’s veterans report having a disability from their service in the armed forces. We all have a role in supporting everyone with disabilities.
The most common types of disability in New Mexico include:
- Vision
- Movement
- Thinking
- Remembering
- Learning
- Communicating
- Hearing
- Mental health
- Social relationships
- Self-care
How To Find Help And Support
In New Mexico, many resources are available to help people with disabilities access state and local benefits and qualify for assistance services that help them find stable employment and access life’s necessities. The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has a page directing information on how to apply for General Assistance for Disabled Adults. The General Assistance program aims to provide cash assistance to dependent children and disabled adults who are not eligible for other financial assistance programs.
The Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) works to address and improve the mental health needs and services of all New Mexicans, including those with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Mental illness qualifies as a disability, and BHSD supports providers across the state who offer comprehensive mental and behavioral healthcare as well as substance use treatment and prevention. BHSD also partners with local agencies on the ground to provide Supportive Housing and housing assistance programs to help New Mexicans secure and maintain affordable housing. Linkages Rental Assistance is a tenant-based permanent supportive housing program for homeless adults who are diagnosed with serious mental illness. The Special Needs Housing Program partners with Local Lead Agencies to provide Special Needs tenant support.
For the last five years, the New Mexico Medicaid program has helped improve program benefits, provider payments, and access to care. Under Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s leadership, HSD worked to eliminate the waitlist for developmentally disabled services and removed barriers for older adults, among many other expansions to the program. Additionally, Medicaid is now covering more care for Seniors and community members with Long-Term Services and Supports needs. It has expanded pilot programs to home-deliver meals to people in need. Medicaid is available to people who are blind and living with other disabilities.
Ava’s Path to Independence through Supportive Housing
Ava, a 42-year-old woman from Española, faced the challenges of living with a developmental disability and the worry of homelessness after losing her job. Her journey took a turn for the better when she discovered the Supportive Housing program offered by the Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) of New Mexico. With the help of BHSD, Maria secured a safe apartment through the Linkages Rental Assistance program, which is designed for individuals like her who seek independence but require some support. The program provided her with affordable housing and connected her to essential support services, including counseling and job training. These resources empowered Maria to live on her own, manage her health and find a job she enjoys. Today, Maria has a sense of security and community she hadn’t known before.
This month and beyond, take the pledge to listen to people who live with a disability to learn about their condition, how it impacts their life, and who they are as human beings—aside from their disability. Be open to having more conversations with your friends, families, neighbors, and coworkers about the importance of inclusivity, proper accommodations, and accessibility in our communities. Remember that not all disabilities are visible by looking at someone’s appearance and make an effort to be inclusive and kind with your language and interactions. Together, we can take a dose of wellness and build healthy, thriving communities.
Resources
- HSD – General Assistance for disabled adults – Apply for Benefits
- New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD)
- BHSD Supportive Housing Resources – Supportive Housing and housing assistance programs in New Mexico help New Mexicans secure and maintain affordable housing. Through supportive housing, subsidies are often available in which the tenant holds an individual apartment lease. This evidence-based practice provides links to client-driven support services that help the tenants live successfully as independent tenants. Supportive Housing and housing assistance promote resiliency and self-determination.
- ADA.gov: The Americans with Disabilities Act – From answers to common questions to official legal documents, ADA.gov has everything you need to understand your rights and responsibilities under the ADA
- Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) – The ADRC is here to assist elders, persons with disabilities and caregivers to find services and resources to help them live well and independently.
- NM Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Support Division– Community Resources Contact and Referral Information
- New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR) – Disability Determination Services
Thank you for taking the #DoseofWellness pledge.
- I pledge to BE AWARE of the lived experiences of my friends, family, & loved ones.
- I pledge to BE HEALTHY in my daily lifestyle choices.
- I pledge to BE PROACTIVE in getting help for myself and others who need it.
- I pledge to BE HELPFUL in every interaction with other people.