Public Policy Advocacy

Public policy directly affects access to services, community participation, and civil rights. The Arc of New Mexico engages in public policy advocacy to advance inclusion, accountability, and equitable systems across the state.

Our advocacy work is rooted in community input, coalition collaboration, and statewide engagement.

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Advocacy at the State and Local Levels

We work with policymakers, agencies, and community partners to influence legislation and systems that affect New Mexicans. This includes monitoring policy developments, participating in legislative sessions, and engaging in pre-legislative planning.

Our advocacy efforts have contributed to measurable progress in New Mexico, including:

  • Funding increases for Direct Support Professionals
  • Supported decision-making reform
  • Legislative coalition collaboration
  • Disability Rights Awareness Day
  • Pre-legislative planning sessions

Key Policy Topics and Actions

The Arc of New Mexico’s Leadership Team works collaboratively with others around the state, and stays involved in a variety of advisory committees and coalitions which impact change and progress for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The Arc of New Mexico sponsors events and participates in conferences which encourage public advocacy and actions for self-advocates, family members, and interested parties.

Civil Rights

Disability rights are human rights. Everyone deserves to be included in society and to live a full life in their community – with access to the same public spaces, housing opportunities, education, work, and treatment as everyone else.

Medicaid

Medicaid makes life in the community possible and is the primary source of health care and community-based supports for many people with IDD.

Direct Support Professionals

For years, our direct support workforce has been in crisis with an average annual turnover of almost 50%, resulting in a staggering vacancy rate. As such, the needs of people with disabilities, their families, and the support workers themselves are not being properly met.

Employment, Training, and Wages

Competitive, integrated employment is a key part of living a meaningful, independent, and inclusive life in the community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Get involved in public policy advocacy and current initiatives.

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