Educational Advocacy

The school has a working board consisting of staff and community. Many of the members have been active since the inception of the school. The board has always been committed to offering the right learning environment for any student who needs to learn in a different way. The Staff of DLD Sycamore School are trained and skilled in working with students with learning differences. They are committed, dedicated, and caring professionals who incorporate Christian values into their teaching strategies. Certified and non-certified personnel work in the intimate and nurturing environment of the school. Among our staff is a language therapist certified in Orton Gillingham for students needing one-to-one work and daily pull-out for dyslexia and reading help. DLD is listed in The Directory of Facilities and Services for Learning Disabled.

Through a spirit of collaboration and a passion and commitment to academic and social excellence for children with special educational needs and learning disabilities, Pathways Academy offers a one-of-a-kind school that delivers an innovative approach to evidence-based learning techniques that realize potential and change lives. Pathways Academy is a year-round school, open Monday through Thursday (No classes Friday). All students who graduate from Pathways Academy are eligible for a New Mexico State High School Diploma (the same diploma received if they attended a public school). We have graduates who have attended and are currently attending New Mexico colleges and universities such as CNM and NMSU.

Greetings Trans and Queer Lobos, Allies, Advocates, and Accomplices! Thank you for visiting the LGBTQ Resource Center. To promote a more inclusive campus, the LGBTQ Resource Center provides a number of services to students, staff, and faculty. Some of these are also available to community members. Services include:

a. Educational Programming;
b. Computer Pod (UNM affiliates only);
c. Counseling;
d. HIV Testing;
e. Library through the LIBROS system (UNM affiliates only);
f. Lounge Area;
g. Safer Sex Resources;
h. Safe Zone Trainings.

The Pride Guides® are corporately based in Arizona where we first launched, and we publish online and in print versions of our guides as a resource for the LGBT community and those wishing to connect with our community. We are a gay owned company, providing an LGBT resource guide state by state showcasing LGBT friendly businesses from Travel, Wedding and Business Listings. Currently we are providing Pride Guides® in Hawaii, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, & Colorado. We are also very proud to support and give back to the local communities we serve. For now, check out our other gay guides and feel free to drop us a line! We love hearing from you!

Albuquerque PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through:

a. support, to cope with an adverse society;
b. education, to enlighten an ill-informed public, and
c. advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.

NMCSAP leads the state’s efforts to reduce sexual abuse and sexual violence by providing training and technical assistance to service providers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, medical practitioners, and mental health professionals. NMCSAP also collects and analyzes sexual assault and domestic violence data and produces annual reports of the findings

We Are Rebuilding A Movement! We Will Work Toward LGBTQ Liberation Until Queer And Trans New Mexicans Are Represented Everywhere Decisions Are Being Made. To be a trusted partner, and to uplift the voices and leadership of our community in creating a reality of equity, full access, and sustainable wellness for LGBTQ New Mexicans. Provides: Statewide Movement Building

a. Trans Community Advocacy;
b. Political Advocacy + Leadership Development;
c. Community Wellness + Quality of Life; &
d. Financial Sustainability.

Interested parties can additionally call this toll free line: Toll free: (1-855-542-8766).

State and federal laws assure that persons with a disability have the same human and civil rights as everyone else, including equal access to services and employment. They also have a right to many services and benefits. When their rights are respected, people with disabilities have an opportunity to fully participate in society.

DRNM provides Client Advocacy, Group Advocacy, Training, Developmental Disabilities, Client Assistance Program, Mental Health, Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security, and Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights.

In a crisis? Crisis has no borders. There are millions of people struggling all over the world. And we want to help all of them. Everyone deserves free, 24/7, mental health support at their fingertips.

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.
US and Canada: text 741741
UK: text 85258 | Ireland: text 50808

As trained crisis hotline specialists, our volunteers are ready to provide compassionate, non-judgmental help for anyone in need of emotional support. Anyone is welcome to use our service, and you do not need to be "in crisis" to call or chat with us. At Agora, we won't tell you how to solve your problem, but we'll help you figure out what options you might have. Agora's services include:

a. Online Emotional Support (chat)
b. Information and referrals
c. Volunteer opportunities
d. Community education and training

Agora additionally provides referrals to community agencies and resources such as: Food, Housing, Health, Free/Low-Cost Counseling, Domestic or Sexual Violence and Abuse, LGBTQ+, Immigrant Support, Veterans, Transportation, and Senior Citizens., but does not provide it directly.

Toll-free outside of ABQ: 855-505-4505
National Lifeline: 800-273-TALK(8255)

Statewide Central Intake SCI is a hotline that receives reports of child abuse, neglect and exploitation. SCI is a unit within the New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department/Protective Services Division. SCI operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone who suspects that a child has been abused or neglected or is in danger of abuse or neglect is strongly encouraged to call SCI.

It is important for every person to take child abuse and neglect seriously, to be able to recognize when it happens, and to know what to do when you see it. Call CYFD’s Statewide Central Intake (SCI) at 1-855-333-SAFE [7233] or #SAFE from a cell phone if you suspect child maltreatment is occurring.

To establish a Family Advocacy Center where adult and child victims of interpersonal violence and sexual assault have access to comprehensive, multi-disciplinary services. The focus of the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center will be to decrease victim trauma and intimidation while providing supportive services in respectful and culturally appropriate ways.

Advantages of a Family Advocacy Center:
a. Victim friendly and victim safe environment (no suspects).
b. Reduces the investigation time for all agencies involved.
c. Reduces the number of interviews from as many as five to one per case, while at the same time increasing the quality of investigations.
d. Eliminates travel time for victims and significantly reduces travel for all service providers.
Improves coordination of multi-disciplinary teams: medical evaluation, forensic, interviews, law enforcement, child/adult protective service investigations, crisis counseling and prosecution.
e. Makes it possible to eliminate language and cultural barriers to service across all service systems.
f. Increases the number of convictions, guilty pleas and plea bargains through the appropriate prosecutorial divisions.

For after hours assistance:

FOR EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CALL 911
For Non-emergencies, please call (505) 243-2333
After hours, the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center phone number (505) 243-2333 will be answered by victim advocates who can assist or make referrals to address your crisis situation. For basic or non-emergency contact with service providers please call back Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

We are a Trauma Informed Agency whose main focus is to help Victims of Domestic Violence break the cycle of abuse in their lives. Each department, Advocacy, Case Management & Counseling are all here to provide resources, help, guidance and support to help victims get safe, become independent and heal. Our goal is to help a victim break the cycle of violence and heal in order to have healthy relationships in their future. DVRC, Inc. is here to Empower Victims of Domestic Violence and Engage the Community to End the Cycle of Domestic Violence through Education and Prevention. We work with multiple community organizations to help provide resources, legal help, financial resources and help in order to get a victim safe & work with them to rebuild their life after domestic violence.

Coordinates local and national responses to domestic violence, working closely with the New Mexico state legislature to enact policies, processes, protocol and laws. The New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NMCADV) provides support and assistance to domestic violence programs across the state.

The NMCADV does not provide direct victim services, and can only offer referrals for services and programs in the State of New Mexico. Referrals may include agencies who offer Immediate Shelter/Housing & transitional housing, mailing service to receive mail, Individual advocacy, legal advocacy, support groups, financial literacy, career programs, substance use counselors & counseling, and much more. NMCADV additional provides referral to "Offender Treatment Programs" to hold offenders accountable and change perpetrator behavior.

If you would like to speak with an advocate or need help for victim services, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224, or contact your nearest shelter.

The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, now in partnership with The New York Foundling, was founded in 1986 and is a nonprofit, national organization focused on meeting the needs of professionals engaged in all aspects of services for maltreated children and their families. Especially important to APSAC is the dissemination of state-of-the-art practice in all professional disciplines related to child abuse and neglect. On October 1, 2016, APSAC partnered with The New York Foundling, whose mission offers an expansive array of services for under-served children, families, and adults with developmental disabilities. The Foundling provides the resources necessary to rebuild lives and rebuild families. APSAC is Strongly Committed to:

a. Preventing child maltreatment

b. Eliminating the recurrence of child maltreatment

c. Promoting research and guidelines to inform professional practice

d. Connecting professionals from the many disciplines to promote the best response to child maltreatment

e. Ensuring that America's public policy concerning child maltreatment is well-informed and constructive

f. Educating the public about child abuse and neglect

The New Mexico Resource and Referral Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning/Queer (LGBTQ) Students was developed in collaboration with New Mexico Youth Education on Sexual Health (YESH) Advisory Council. The guide is intended to be a resource for teachers and school staff to help refer middle and high school students to services in New Mexico. The contents of this guide were developed under a grant from the Health and Human Services Department, Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

A national 24-hour, toll-free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth 13-24. Trained counselors are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, chat, text, and call the Trevor Lifeline. The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

The State of New Mexico has launched a support line specifically for healthcare workers and first responders.The line is available 24/7 to support those on the front lines of the state's pandemic response and connect them to a professional counselor. The reasons to call might include:

a. Facing challenges at work or home due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
b. Experiencing stress, fear, anxiety, sadness, or depression about the essential work you are doing to support people;
c. The emotional impact of isolation due to physical distancing;
d. Need to talk to someone about experiences you are feeling, seeing, and hearing about due to the pandemic.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any kind of emotional crisis, mental health or substance use concern, you can find help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the New Mexico Peer to Peer Warmline. Available hours are call 7:00am – 11:30pm / text 6pm – 11pm. If interested parties have a hearing and speech impaired disability, dial. 711 for relay. Peer to Peer Warmline text services are only available in English at this time.

If you are in a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

1. Additional resource: NMConnect Mobile App. NMConnect is here to close the gap by engaging people with immediate access to mental health professionals and resources. Interested parties can directly connect to a counselor, peer support worker, up-to-date resources for substance use, mental health services, and other community resources.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any kind of emotional crisis, mental health or substance use concern, you can find help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line.

Interested parties can also call this TTY number: 1-855-227-5485. If interested parties have a hearing and speech impaired disability, dial. 711 for relay. Interpretation is available for more than 200 languages on both the Crisis and Access Line and the Peer to Peer Warmline

If you are having a life threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

1. Additional resource: NMConnect Mobile App. NMConnect is here to close the gap by engaging people with immediate access to mental health professionals and resources. Interested parties can directly connect to a counselor, peer support worker, up-to-date resources for substance use, mental health services, and other community resources.

The 5-Actions Program™ is based on scientific research that has shown that the best outcomes from addiction treatment come from three factors:

a. Healing relationships;
b. Having the right expectations about the nature of the problem and the solution;
c. Engaging in the right interventions, at the right time, over a long enough period of time.

The 5-Actions Program™ is a FREE program funded by New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division.

If you are having a life threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

Additional resource: NMConnect Mobile App. NMConnect is here to close the gap by engaging people with immediate access to mental health professionals and resources. Interested parties can directly connect to a counselor, peer support worker, up-to-date resources for substance use, mental health services, and other community resources.

The Counseling Center's mission is to support the emotional, intellectual, and social development of students at New Mexico Tech. We help students resolve existing problems, prevent potential problems, and develop new skills to enrich their lives.

At the local, regional, and state levels, the UNM Early Childhood Services Center collaborates to promote a complete and aligned quality early care, education, and family support system that is equitably available to all children and their families in New Mexico.

This website serves as a great tool for families to search and identify agency program and resources that provide Home-Visiting, Home-Based Child Care, Early Intervention Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start, NM PreK, and Special Education Preschool.

The New Mexico Center for Self Advocacy is a place where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities go to meet, organize, work and train others on how to improve their quality of life. Our goal is to help and support people with developmental disabilities in becoming empowered, making their own decisions, speaking up for themselves and others, taking control of their own lives, creating awareness about disability issues and achieving maximum independence and quality of life.

The purpose of the NDSC is to promote the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information. When we empower individuals and families from all demographic backgrounds, we reshape the way people understand and experience Down syndrome.

The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement.

New Mexico Allies for Advocacy, Inc. (NM Allies) is a non-profit organization run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. Our mission is to unite and educate the general public about disability issues. To unite, NM Allies brings together all stakeholders including self-advocates, advocates, and community members from across the state through social media, conferences and telecommunications. Our results are to improve inclusion, decrease discrimination, enhance quality of life and community participation with full access to effective and qualified communication.

No website available, but do have a Facebook page.

By advancing worldwide research, promoting risk reduction and early diagnosis, and enhancing quality treatment and support, the Alzheimer's Association is leading the charge to eliminate Alzheimer's and all other dementias.

(*Note: There are multiple chapters throughout NM, go to "contact us," for more more information; For help 24/7: 1 (800) 272-3900 - the number provided initially is for Albuquerque (also are nationwide, as well). You can also mail at this address: PO Box 21400, Albuquerque, NM 87154 - the address for Albuquerque, please do not send mail).

By advancing worldwide research, promoting risk reduction and early diagnosis, and enhancing quality treatment and support, the Alzheimer's Association is leading the charge to eliminate Alzheimer's and all other dementias.

(*Note: There are multiple chapters throughout NM, go to "contact us," for more more information; For help 24/7: 1 (800) 272-3900 - the number provided initially is for Albuquerque (also are nationwide, as well). You can also mail at this address: PO Box 21400
Albuquerque, NM 87154 - the address for Albuquerque, please do not send mail).

The Special Education Division will work with districts, parents, and SWDs to ensure that kids protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act get a free and adequate public education (IDEA). We'll use data to make judgments on how to help SWDs fulfill college and job readiness criteria by providing equal access to demanding courses and high-quality training. Their website includes more information and resources on Data reports for transparency within the agency, Autism Spectrum Disorder, PreK, and much more.
(*Note: Please click on "Special Education Division Staff," to specifically get in contact with someone within the agency for more information).

The New Mexico Public Education Department collaborates with educators, communities, and families to ensure that ALL children are healthy, confident in their identities, and well-prepared for college, profession, and life; and believe that New Mexico students are part of a culturally and linguistically sensitive educational system that caters to all students' social, emotional, and academic needs. PED provides a wide range of services and supports regarding education in the state of NM such as: College and Career Readiness, Early Education, Licensure, Special Education, Policy and Legislative Affairs, and much more (please see their website and click on "About Us: Departments/Bureaus" for more information.

The Ombudsman Specialist advocates for your rights by using Medicaid guidelines and BCBSNM resources to help you with the following:

Reviewing and addressing your concerns regarding services
Addressing your concerns about benefits you feel should be covered but were denied
Helping you understand or clarifying your rights and responsibilities
Helping understand covered services that are available to you
Helping you reach appropriate BCBSNM personnel
Helping you understand the pros and cons of your possible options
Helping you understand BCBSNM policies and procedures
Helping research claims issues
Helping you with the appeals and grievance process

The Advisory Council on Quality Supports for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (ACQ) advises the New Mexico Department of Health on the systems guiding the provision of services and supports that assist people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) of all ages and their families to be fully included in New Mexico communities. The purpose of the ACQ is to provide advisory counsel to the Department about the needs of people with IDD, their families and support networks.

The IEP Specialist Liaison is responsible for directing programs that give educational help to students with mental, psychological, learning, behavioral, or physical challenges as part of a school's instructional leadership team.

New Mexico Legislature created the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and was launched on July 1, 2020 with the purpose of creating a childhood system that is more unified, equitable, and successful. This entails organizing a range of programs from conception to age five, as well as ensuring that families in all parts of the state have access to the resources they require such as: Child Care Services, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Head Start, Families FIRST Program, Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program, Family Nutrition Bureau, Home Visiting, and NM PreK.

The University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability Information Network Library contains the largest collection of disability-related books, eBooks, and DVDs in New Mexico. The library is open to anyone who lives in New Mexico.

Down Syndrome Families of Las Cruces is a place where families can find love, hope, encouragement, and support. We want to provide opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to grow, learn skills that will help them be self-sufficient, and provide a community where they can have friends and activities. We also strive to educate the community on Down syndrome and special needs.

Provides early childhood and adult services.

Adult Services:
Living Supports - Family Living
Community Integrated Employment
Customized Community Supports
Living Supports - Supported Living
Respite Services

Child Services:
Special Instruction & Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Service Coordination
Speech & Language Therapy
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Vision Services
Hearing Services
Nutrition Services
Social Work Services
Psychological Services
Family Education & Counseling
Medical-Related to Diagnosis & Evaluation
Nursing Services
Health Services
Transportation Services
Respite
Center-Based Playgroup - Ages 2-3 years of age

The Native American Disability Law Center is a private nonprofit organization that advocates for the legal rights of Native Americans with disabilities. Through advocacy and education, we empower Native people with disabilities to lead independent lives in their own communities.

Contact the DD Preschool Coordinator at (575) 746-3585 for a Child Find screening.

Contact School Psychologist for Child Find screenings.

San Juan College was founded with the commitment that anyone with a desire to succeed should have access to education.

Our Disability Services team is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have the same access as other SJC students to the variety of educational programs, opportunities, and activities offered at SJC. Our approach is to coordinate our services with you, faculty,
and staff to remove any barriers to learning you might encounter while maintaining the highest level of academic integrity.

Our vision is to be a resource to SJC employees and all members of the community by promoting access and disability awareness through
workshops, resources, and outreach.

Please contact us for assistance with accessing college-related activities occurring outside the classroom, and outreach.

Call 575-548-2299 to contact the Special Education Director for Child Find screenings.

Pegasus Legal Services for Children is a nonprofit agency that provides free or sliding scale civil legal services to children, youth, and their caregivers, including direct representation, community legal education, and systemic advocacy.

Best Buddies in New Mexico offers One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without disabilities.

TACIL’s mission is to provide and(or) locate necessary support services for persons with disABILITIES that promote their independence and full integration in their community as active equal citizens. TACIL serves Catron, Dona Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero, and Sierra counties.

Choices ILC assists people with legal rights, personal attendants, accessible housing, money management, education/employment, resource assistance on disability law, equipment and devices, and problem solving.

New Vistas provides disability support and advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, early intervention, and Information & Referral Services in the nine northern New Mexico counties (Colfax, San Miguel, Harding, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Taos, Rio Arriba, Union, and Mora).

San Juan Center for Independence is a community based non-profit agency that was established by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. The Agency serves as a consumer driven community action program that provides services which help maximize independent living choices for all people regardless of the individual’s disability.

Providing effective leadership, education, advocacy and programs to reduce barriers to the social, economic, educational, cultural and intellectual well-being of Deaf and Hard of Hearing New Mexicans and their families, friends and colleagues.

The ILRC provides services for individuals with disabilities aimed at independence and serves Bernalillo, Cibola,
De Baca, Guadalupe, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties.

Services include Technical Services Program, Technical Assistance Program, Education and Awareness, Attendant Services Program, Nursing Home Transition, and Independent Living Services.

Physical sites include the Albuquerque Main, East Mountain, Alamagordo, and Socorro offices.

We are an affiliate of the Autism Society of America and follow their mission statement: “Improving the lives of all affected by autism.” Advocacy, education, support, services and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of ASA’s activities. We are a community of acceptance support and connection. We strive to create a community of acceptance, support and connection for those affected by autism in New Mexico!

Specifically in New Mexico we:
Meet monthly – There is a different activity for the autism community monthly. Please check our event calendar frequently to keep up-to-date on our events.
Support autism groups around the state of New Mexico.
Provide and promote autism related educational programs and conferences for the community.
Form committees to work on autism related projects.
Publish flyers and newsletters to keep interested parties informed about meetings and activities occurring around New Mexico.
Advocate and educate regarding state and federal legislation to assist families and individuals with autism.
Plan activities to promote FUN and emotional support for families and individuals concerned with autism.
Work on state and local committees with other agencies and organizations to further goals and to improve resources.
Work with the Autism Society of America.
Work with the Autism Programs at the Center for Development and Disability at UNM.
Work with autism providers throughout the state.

We are a Community Parent Resource Center serving families who have Native American children with disabilities or developmental delays in NM, including those with special healthcare needs, and the professionals that work with them.

TRAINING
We provide FREE community training for families in several topical areas such as Overview of IDEA, the IEP & IFSP Process, Record Keeping, Transition from Part C to Part B, Transition from High School, Transition from Middle School, Bullying, Parent Rights in both Part C & B, and Advocacy. Parents and Professionals can request training.

ADVOCACY
We provide ongoing advocacy support, helping families make informed and relevant decisions best for their children and their family.

PARENT-TO-PARENT CONNECTION
We provide parent-to-parent connections by matching parents with others who have or share similar experiences to provide advice, support, generate ideas, and create a stronger support system.

RESOURCE & REFERRAL
Resource library with computers. We can also provide information on resources, topics, and networks.

Committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in post-secondary education. Website resources include civil rights, legal resources, DSS professionals.

Affiliate programs Utah AHEAD, New Mexico AHEAD

The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit, §501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization of attorneys, advocates, parents and related professionals. COPAA focuses on the rights of children who receive special education services and supports, and who are eligible to be served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other statutes. This includes working to ensure that children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). COPAA endeavors to improve the quality and quantity of legal assistance for parents of children with disabilities. COPAA does not represent individual parents but provides a network to assist, train, and inform advocates, attorneys, parents, and related professionals.

Member Search: Parents who are looking to find a special education attorney, a special education advocate, or a related professional may look up referrals in the COPAA Member Directory. This directory is to serve as a resource for members and the public to find attorneys, advocates and other professional who belong to COPAA and advocate on behalf of children with disabilities.

Department of Education is committed to:

• Developing policies for federal educational financial aid, as well as disbursing and monitoring such monies.
• Data about America's schools is being collected, and research is being disseminated.
• Bringing critical educational concerns to the attention of the entire country.
• Discrimination is prohibited, and all students have equal access to education.
• Provides information and information for those wanting more information Student Loans, Grants, Laws & Guidance, and Data.

*Note, contact info page lists multiple contact emails for different inquiries, please read thoroughly.

Provides an informational website that is ran by the US Department of Education and discusses more in-depth about IDEA, which is a law that ensures all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.