A message from Jim Copeland (August 2008):

Because of my job at Alta Mira, I get to work with a lot of groups that provide input into important issues related to services for people with developmental disabilities. Let me take this opportunity to outline those as we head into the new fiscal year.
 
The Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) - This is a group that is mandated in the federally legislated Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for Part C. Part C is the Early Intervention program, better known in New Mexico as the Family, Infant, Toddler Program. The members of the ICC are appointed by the Governor. The membership should reasonably represent the population of the State. The composition of the council is spelled out in the legislation. Generally, the council will include parents, service providers, state legislators, the Department of Health, the Children, Youth, and Families Department, the Human Services Department, the Public Education Department, Head Start, Office for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the School for the Deaf, and other members as requested. The duties of the ICC are to advise and assist the lead agency for the early intervention program. The ICC works with a strategic plan that is developed every three years. The Department of Health is the lead agency in New Mexico. I currently serve as the Vice Chair of the ICC. In January, I will begin a two-year term as the Chair of the ICC.
 
The Advisory Council on Quality (ACQ) – This is a group that was formerly known as the Adult Services Task Force. This group is responsible for making recommendations related to all services for people with developmental disabilities. The members are appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health. The membership includes advocacy groups, services providers, case managers, self-advocates and state representatives. This group works through subcommittees and studies issues affecting services and makes recommendations to improve those services. Examples include transportation, meaningful day, dignity of risk, and many others. The ACQ also has a policy and quality subcommittee that addresses and reviews policy implications.
 
The Association of Developmental Disabilities Community Providers (ADDCP) – This is a membership organization for developmental disability provider agencies. The mission of ADDCP is to ensure quality services for all New Mexicans. Each region of the state is represented in ADDCP. The organization has a legislative agenda each year during the legislative session and marshals member agencies to shepherd our bills through the legislative process. ADDCP enjoys a good reputation with the legislature. The organization is dedicated to improving services and has representation on most groups that address any issue in this area. ADDCP is active in issues from insurance to funding to guardianship. I serve as the Treasurer of ADDCP.
 
If you have questions about any of these groups or would like more information, please feel free to contact me. I may be reached at 366-2117 or by e-mail at jcopeland@altamiranm.org. If I am not in the office, I am probably at a meeting for one of the above mentioned groups. Thanks for your continued support for Alta Mira and the work that our tremendous staff accomplishes.   

 

Read past messages from Jim Copeland

 

A message from Jim Copeland:  May 2008

A message from Jim Copeland:  June 2008

A message from Jim Copeland:  July 2008

 

 

  


Legislative Wrap-Up

This year's legislative session came to a close with some positive results for people with disabilities:

$4 million was added to the Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DD Waiver) to address waiting list concerns.  

$750,000 was added to the Disabled and Elderly Waiver (D&E Waiver) also to address waiting list issues.

$1 million was added for the FIT early intervention program.

$92 million (which will generate another $230 million in federal funding) was added to the basic Medicaid program. 

$20,000 for the General Services Department (GSD) for a full-time employee to implement the State Use act to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

$20,000 to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) to develop and implement an early childhood program for hearing-impaired children in Bernalillo County.