Healthy LifestylesHealthier Lifestyles for individuals with developmental disabilities promote healthier attitudes. We anticipate that individuals with disabilities will become more aware of the importance of healthy lifestyles and what this means in their daily lives. We believe that, despite the shortage of services for persons with developmental disabilities in southern Dona Ana County, there are many resources available in the community to enrich the lives of young people with developmental disabilities. El Poder de los Jovenes facilitates access to these resources and emphasizes person-centered planning and individualized approaches and will be committed to the principles of self-determination: freedom to live a meaningful life in the community; authority over resources needed for support; support to organize resources in ways that are life-enhancing and meaningful to the individuals; and confirmation of the important leadership role of the self-advocates. Healthy Lifestyles is a broad term and can enlist many activities to promote the idea. For example, a person interested in participating in working with children could be mentored by a teacher or day care provider, in return helping that person fulfill or experience their desire to accomplish such a goal. Participation in community service, by helping other community organizations to build their capacity to include young people with disabilities in their regular activities creates a sense of inclusion. Healthy activities such as performing dance, creating art, buying memberships to exercise clubs, walking in the park; things we take for granted, build a foundation for greater self-esteem and self- awareness. El Poder de los Jovenes promotes in their local communities include:I Can Do It, You Can Do It Study funded by the : Ease Into Fitness Activities & Exercise Videos Person Center Planning such as PATH Resources on Healthy Lifestyles:Community Map Project (MAP) Curves |
Vanessa and Leah at Albuquerque Convention Center 
Ease Into Fitness at Anthony Park 
Sack race at Chaparral's Dolores Wright Park |
The Arc of New Mexico
Advocates for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
