The Arc logo

Our Sexual Assault Response Trainer and Crime Victim Advocate specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)

/in , /by Mike

Our Sexual Assault Response Trainer and Crime Victim Advocate specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She provides trauma-informed training to law enforcement, hospital staff, therapists, and community organizations to improve response, accessibility, and care for survivors with I/DD. She is passionate about ensuring that every survivor feels valued and understood. She works hard to provide the right support and care they need, making certain they are treated with dignity and kindness throughout their journey across different systems.

The Arc logo

The Arc of New Mexico acts as administrators through our Self-Advocacy program

/in , /by Mike

The Arc of New Mexico acts as administrators through our Self-Advocacy program. The program is funded through grants, which are utilized to pay advocates for their work on various leadership projects. Participants must be enrolled in a state program, such as the DD waiver. The advocates mentor other upcoming advocates as they help facilitate trainings and programs. Participants submit time sheets for their work, which includes preparation and presentation time. One of the primary focuses of the program is to develop leadership skills as advocates gain experience and in turn uplift others, teaching the personal and practical skills needed to organize and facilitate meetings and activities.

The Arc logo

In 2025, New Mexico became the 28th state to pass a bill recognizing Supported Decision Making as a legal alternative or addition to guardianship.

/in , /by Mike

In 2025, New Mexico became the 28th state to pass a bill recognizing Supported Decision Making as a legal alternative or addition to guardianship. Supported Decision Making creates more independence and provides protected persons greater discretion over their lifestyle in matters such as housing, medical care, finances, and day-to-day personal choices. It makes I/DD clients better self-advocates, and can relieve those who assist them of fiduciary duties. The documentation putting Supportive Decision Making in place also makes life easier for everyone involved by specifying the parameters of support based on those which the individual has requested, and those which are retained within guardianship. It represents an improved quality of life for New Mexicans with disabilities, and a more dynamic and compassionate approach to care, empowering the people it serves, and those who provide them services.