!NEW! Special Session includes Money for the DD Waiver
The recent special session of the New Mexico Legislature – Senate Bill 22 – includes $10 million to serve more people on the Developmental Disabilities waiver and $2.5 million for behavioral health services for children. These appropriations are in addition to $20 million to serve more children who are eligible for Medicaid but not yet enrolled.
Governor Richardson can sign S.B. 22 with all the appropriations intact, or he can exercise a line-item veto on the DD waiver and behavioral health appropriations.
If you have an opinion on this issue, you can contact Governor Richardson via e-mail by going to www.governor.state.nm.us. (If the link doesn’t work, copy it and paste it into your browser.) Click on the link “Contact the Governor” on the upper left side of the page. Then click on “E-mail the Governor.” Select “have an opinion” on the menu and click “Submit.” A form will appear for you to complete. Be sure to click “Submit” when you’ve completed your message. Alternatively, you can call the Governor’s office by dialing 505-476-2200.
!New!NM Developmental Disability Planning Council Announces Public Forums
The Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) is gathering public input on emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities that may be working or not working. Information gathered will be used in the development of DDPC's priorities for the next fiscal year on ways to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in New Mexico in the areas of employment, education/early intervention, housing, health, child care, recreation, transportation, quality assurance and community supports. For more information, call toll free: (800) 311-2229.
September 4, 2008
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Taylor Ranch Community Center
Meeting Room 1
4900 Kachina, NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
Special Needs Allstar Cheer Team
Okay all you future cheerleaders out there -- get your cheer on! Cheerleading is a proven confidence-booster it provides optimal opportunities to meet new friends. Dimensions School of Dance and Music (4901 Paseo del Norte NE; Suite B) is offering a cheerleading team for elementary and middle-school children with special needs. Practices are scheduled for July through March, Saturdays 10am to noon. For more information, download a flyer (PDF 240.41KB), contact Christy@dancedimensions.com or call 821-6164.
Call for story submissions
The editor of Gifts II, the second in a series of books with inspirational stories about people with Down syndrome is accepting submissions of articles for publication. While Gifts I focused on mothers' stories about very young children, Gifts II will focus on school-age children. The editor is particularly interested in stories written not only by mothers, but also by other family members, friends, and professionals. To learn more and for story submission guidelines, contact Sue at sue@ndsccenter.org.
Strong Love, by Bonnie Burt, is the story of world-class weight lifter Jon Shapiro and his childhood sweetheart Holly James, both of whom were born with Down syndrome. This documentary follows the couple over the course of three years, starting with their decision to get married. Their challenges, their triumphs, and their complex, sometimes surprising relationships with family and friends are at the heart of this inspiring film (56 minutes). A recent review by Down Syndrome news has this to say about the film: "Some scenes will make you cry, others will make you laugh. All in all, it's a picture of life full of surprises, challenges and joy." You can view a short clip from the film at Youtube. For more information, or to order, contact: www.bonnieburt.com
