Family Support Services

The UNM Center for Development and Disability (UNM CDD) serves children and adults with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities throughout New Mexico. Programs include Autism Programs, Clinical Evaluations Programs, Early Childhood Programs, and other disability programs. The CDD also houses the Mi Via and Supports Waiver Consultant programs, the UNM CDD Information Network that provides resources to the community, and the Information Network Library. Services include home visits, screenings, evaluations, early intervention services, case management services and trainings.

Alta Mira provides a range of services to individuals who have been diagnosed with a disability, or who may be experiencing conditions which could cause a significant delay in their development. Families receive help and support to assist them in making sure their loved one reaches their full potential. Alta Mira provides both Early Childhood Services (for children age zero-three) and Family Support Services. Family Support Services include respite, family living, in-home living supports, community supports, Mi Via Waiver and exceptional family member program.

Navajo Family Voices is the Family Voices Affiliate Organization (FVAO) and Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2FHIC) on the Navajo Nation. They are families of children and youth with extra health needs, providing help and support to other families on the Navajo Nation. They find resources & build partnerships among Diné families, health providers, schools, non-profits, and extended families. They also provide direct services in connecting families with resources and have an attorney on staff who can help with legal information.

CARC offers child and adult services including FIT and child development services, adult habilitation, work services, supported employment, nursing, money management, socialization, and opportunities for the Special Olympics. CARC also supports individuals throughout their life span and improves quality of life by providing transportation, therapy pool, on-call services, case management, crisis intervention, and other activities and life skills.

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. 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. We provide ongoing advocacy support, helping families make informed and relevant decisions best for their children and their family. We also 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. We also have a resource library with computers and information on resources, topics, and networks.

Parents Reaching Out (PRO) is a non-profit organization that works with parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals to promote healthy, positive, and caring experiences for families and children. They provide support, training and tools for families and youth with disabilities or complex medical needs. They invite individuals to explore the many ways they can support and guide families through early childhood, educational, and healthcare needs.

The CDD Supports Waiver program provides a Community Support Coordinator (CSC) for Medicaid Support Waiver participants of all ages as they manage their budget and plan for services. Supports Waiver services include assistive technology, customized community supports, employment supports, environmental modifications, homemaker/personal in-home care, non-medical transportation, respite, and vehicle modification. CSCs clearly explain the Support Waiver process, provide guidance as participants develop and implement their plan and budget, teach participants how to use computer systems and complete paperwork, help participants make informed decisions and troubleshoot issues.

Mi Via, which means “my path,” “my way” or “my road,” is a Medicaid waiver service designed to assist participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in managing their own services and supports. Mi Via is about participants choosing self-direction over home and community-based services, supports and goods within their approved plan and budget. Upon meeting medical and financial eligibility for Medicaid waiver services, a participant may choose Mi Via. UNM Center for Development and Disability (CDD) Mi Via Consultants program provides consultant services for Mi Via participants of all ages as they self-direct their plan for services and budget. Mi Via Consultants work with participants to clearly explain the Mi Via process, listen to needs, find options, and help participants make informed decisions. They provide guidance, support, and assistance as participants develop and implement their plan and budget, and teach participants how to use the computer systems and complete paperwork, trouble-shooting any issues that arise.

The Autism Family and Provider Resource Team is part of the Autism Programs at UNM CDD . The statewide program focuses on supporting and serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families, caregivers, educators, and communities. Through phone or email, team members can assist with topics ranging from problem-solving individual issues to helping find resources online. In addition Autism Program trainings are available for a wide range of topics around ASD.

The Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to provide support to military family members with Medical or Educational needs. The Air Force EFMP is comprised of a medical component (EFMP-M), community support element (EFMP-FS), and assignments (EFMP-A).

Provides emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs. This site highlights state's organizations that have parent to parent support as a core program and are committed to implementing evidence-based practices.

Provided advocacy and expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works in coalition with 18 disability organizations. A significant Learning Center, Resources, and specifically for Students and Young Adults.

A national program dedicated to the interests of brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs.

Services Include:

• Books and publications
• Online communities for teen and adult siblings
• Workshops and training
• Sibshops

Promotes quality health care for all children and youth, particularly those with special health care needs. Working with family leaders and professional partners at the local, state, regional, and national levels since 1992, Family Voices (a family-led organization) has brought a respected family perspective to improving health care programs and policies and ensuring that health care systems include, listen to, and honor the voices of families. See Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment Tool at http://familyvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fcca_FamilyTool.pdf.

Family Voices does not provide financial aid and is not a direct service provider. Contact Family Voices in your state.

Works to ensure that input is obtained from all relevant stakeholder groups including older adults, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), family members, advocates, professionals and providers.

Services Include:

• Locator map to identify Developmental Disabilities statutes
• Presentations
• Policy Discussions
• Resources library: Guardianship and Alternatives, Education and Transition Planning

• Planning/Coordinating/Advisory Groups

Provides services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that children with disabilities are given full access to quality education, support, and resources.

Services Include:

• Early Intervention
• Early Childhood Education
• Make the First Five Count Childhood Development Screening Tool
• Nationwide Directory for Inclusive Child Care Programs
• Camping and Recreation Programs
• Family Support and Resources
• Transportation Assistance and Support
• Employment and Training
• Financial Capability and Homebuying

An on-campus center located in Michigan that provides a productivity-based program open to eligible families of current military personnel, veterans, and descendants of members of the VFW and its Auxiliary. Participating families can be one or both parents with children under age 18 in their custody. Services may include case management, housing, childcare and other support so they can productively work toward goals for a better future. Helpline staff will assist callers with eligibility questions and find additional resources if not eligible.COVID-19 Update: Following all CDC and state guidelines.

• Military Family Service/Support Centers

An online resource that supports families with seriously ill children through: Education, information, and tools, to address parent's psychological and emotional issues.
Provides community to connect families and minimize isolation and advocacy for pediatric palliative care.

Supports, comforts, informs, and guides families who experience a premature birth.

Services Include:

• NICU, transition home, and remembrance care package programs
• Trained preemie parent mentors available 24/7 via email, phone, and text
• MyPreemie, the market-leading app for parents of premature babies
• Online communities with tens of thousands engaged parents making new connections

Helps families before, during, and after a NICU stay and infant loss by providing powerful resources for the whole family, and most importantly, one-on-one mentoring from someone who has been there.

Services Include:

• Peer Support
• Online Community
• Resources (hospital, online, podcast)

Provides information for military families with special needs. Designed to share information with military families on Department of Defense efforts and civilian community programs to support families with special needs within the military community.

Provides for the health care needs of the military and Veteran communities.

Services Include:

• Doctor locator
• Pharmacy locator
• TriCare service center locator for each state