These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what they need now
You can ask"Who helps you day to day? Do you live with family, alone, or nowhere right now?"
You can ask"Do you get SSI or Medicaid? Have you ever been on the DD Waiver or Mi Via?"
You can ask"Is there a guardian, or someone who helps you make choices?"
You can say"There is help for adults like you. We will take it one step at a time."
If someone is hurting them, neglecting them or taking their money, use the guide "A senior or disabled adult is being neglected, abused or taken advantage of".
2Apply for the DD Waiver or Mi Via
These Medicaid programs pay for day programs, job coaching, a home helper, therapy and a place to live with support. The disability must have started before age 22.
NM Health Care Authority - DDSD Pre-Service Intake Bureau
Apply for the DD Waiver or Mi Via waiver (developmental disabilities)
505-630-9555
Albuquerque · Mon-Fri business hours
NM Health Care Authority - Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (Southwest Regional Office)
Regional office for DD Waiver and Mi Via services (serves Grant County)
575-528-5180
1170 N. Solano Dr., Suite G, Las Cruces · Business hours, Mon-Fri (call)
Bring
- School records (IEPs, test results), doctor or psychologist reports, Social Security card, Medicaid card
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission has free mail service. Sign them up at the front desk.
3Find local providers and day programs
NM Health Care Authority - Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (Southwest Regional Office)
List of DD Waiver provider agencies serving Grant County
575-528-5180
The Ability Center for Independent Living (TACIL)
Independent living services and rep payee
575-526-5016
715 E Idaho Ave, Bldg 3E, Las Cruces · Weekdays; food pantry Mon-Thu (call first)
Southwest Counseling Center (formerly Border Area Mental Health Services)
Psychosocial rehabilitation (life skills) program
575-388-4497
315 S. Hudson St., Ste. 12, Silver City
4Money, guardianship and their voice
The Arc of New Mexico
Guardianship, special needs trust and disability navigation help
800-358-6493
5130 Masthead St NE, Albuquerque
NM Developmental Disabilities Council - Office of Guardianship
Public guardianship, treatment guardians and supported decision-making help
505-841-4549
625 Silver Ave SW, Suite 100A, Albuquerque
NM Developmental Disabilities Council - Center for Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy training and peer support for people with developmental disabiliti
505-841-4590
625 Silver Ave SW, Suite 100, Albuquerque
Disability Rights New Mexico
Free advocacy and legal help for people with disabilities
800-432-4682
3916 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
5Friends, sports and fun
Special Olympics New Mexico
Southwest Area sports for people with intellectual disabilities (Silver, Cobre)
505-469-3466
Las Cruces
New Mexico Autism Society
Autism family support, activities and advocacy
505-332-0306
PO Box 30955, Albuquerque
At the Gospel MissionMeals, showers and clothing are here on weekdays, and the case worker can help with next steps.
More help like this
A senior (55+ or 60+) needs helpUse when an older guest (55 or older) needs food, help at home, Medicare help, or may not be safe.A senior or disabled adult is being neglected, abused or taken advantage ofUse when an older or disabled adult is being hurt, neglected, left without care, or someone is taking their money or property.An older person seems confused, lost or wanderingUse when an older adult seems lost or confused, can't say where they live, or is wandering outside alone, maybe because of dementia or a medical problem.Caring for an aging parent, or a senior who can't get outUse when an older person can't manage at home, can't get out, is alone, or their family caregiver needs help.Needs a wheelchair, walker or other medical equipmentUse when someone needs a wheelchair, walker, shower chair, hearing or communication device, or other equipment to live safely.Can't hear well, needs hearing aids, or is deafUse when someone has hearing loss, needs hearing aids or an amplified phone, or is deaf and needs an interpreter.
See all guides in Family, seniors and veterans →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.