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.

Emotional and informational support for families of children who have special needs, Parent to Parent-USA (P2P-USA) is a national nonprofit organization committed to assuring access and quality in Parent to Parent support across the country. This site highlights state's organizations that have parent to parent support as a core program and are committed to implementing evidence-based practices.

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

A Kindering Center program

• Planning/Coordinating/Advisory Groups

• Military Family Service/Support Centers

Support group for Fatty Oxidation Disorders. Raises funds for Educational and Networking Services and Programs. Medical information, including information about newborn screening, and support resources.

Mission of Graham's Foundation is to support, comfort, inform, and guide families who experience a premature birth.

Programs:

• 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

Hand to Hold® 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:

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

Online resource: A federal government web site, developed by the Educational Opportunities Directorate with support from Navy Lifelines, provides information for military families with special needs. It is 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