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An adult with an intellectual or developmental disability needs services

Use when an adult has an intellectual or developmental disability (like Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy) and needs day programs, help at home, a job, a guardian or money help.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
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.
In this guide
  1. Find out what they need now
  2. Apply for the DD Waiver or Mi Via
  3. Find local providers and day programs
  4. Money, guardianship and their voice
  5. Friends, sports and fun

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

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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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
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.