Local Support Groups, Disability/Diag

Elevate the Spectrum empowers communities to elevate individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through inclusion, advocacy, and friendship. We also host educational, inclusive events and programs for New Mexico’s Autism Community. Events Page: https://elevatethespectrum.org/events/

Stand up to Stigma offers peer support groups and behavioral health resources in the Greater Albuquerque Metropolitan and the State of New Mexico. Support groups are free and are designed by similar peers who offer support while dealing with challenges and triumphs of mood disorders and related behavioral health and medical health issues. Stand up to Stigma peer support groups offer peers a way to recovery for those with mental health issues.

COPD was established in 1973 as the result of grassroots efforts made by Deaf community members. COPD has grown to meet the expanding needs of individuals, continually offering new programs and services. They expanded to NM in 1978, with an initial focus on providing vocational and interpretation services for the Deaf, and have expanded to provide additional services to both the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. In 1982, they joined with Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona in New Mexico and its Community Outreach Program for the Deaf to better provide interpreting, telephone relay, and counseling services.

The Advisory Council on Quality supports people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (ACQ). They advise the New Mexico Department of Health on the systems guiding the provision of services and supports that assist people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) of all ages and their families to be fully included in New Mexico communities. The purpose of the ACQ is to provide advisory counsel to the Department about the needs of people with IDD, their families and support networks.

Down Syndrome Families of Las Cruces is a place where families can find love, hope, encouragement, and support. We want to provide opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to grow, learn skills that will help them be self-sufficient, and provide a community where they can have friends and activities. We also strive to educate the community on Down syndrome and special needs.

The Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, education, and support. They are a collaborative network that seeks to create awareness, assure inclusion, and promote independence in individuals with Down syndrome.

We exist to provide support and assistance to all people with Down syndrome and their families. We do this by providing family services, community awareness, and educational programs. Our vision is for individuals with Down syndrome to be fully included as valued members of society, so they can each reach their personal dreams. The Down Syndrome Foundation of Southeastern New Mexico is committed to provide support and education to all individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We service nine counties: Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Roosevelt, De Baca, Curry, Lincoln, Otero, & Dona Ana, however we are always happy to help individuals outside of our service area. For more information, please contact us.

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.

The mission of Lexiam Heart Foundation is to provide support to children and families affected by Congenital Heart Defects (CHD), with priority given to families residing in New Mexico, through financial assistance, community resources to support education and emotional wellness, and to raise public awareness of Congenital Heart Defects.

New Mexico Autism Society is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America and follow their mission statement: Improving the lives of all affected by autism. They strive to create a community of acceptance, support and connection for those affected by autism in New Mexico. They do the following: meet monthly; support autism groups in NM; provide and promote autism-related educational programs and conferences for the community; advocate and educate regarding state and federal legislation to assist families and individuals with autism; plan recreational activities to promote emotional support for families; work on state and local committees with other agencies and organizations to further goals and to improve resources. They work with the Autism Programs at the Center for Development and Disability at the University of New Mexico, in addition to working with other autism providers throughout the state.

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.

Facebook page for organization in New Mexico that provides support for families with a child with cerebral palsy or other disabilities. See also https://cpfamilynetwork.org/resources/resources-guide/cerebral-palsy-parent-association-new-mexico/. 

A voluntary health agency that works to combat muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and related muscle-debilitating diseases. The organization is committed to finding treatments and cures while providing a comprehensive program to empower families with support to help them thrive and stay independent including summer camps for kids, peer support, equipment resources and more. Related volunteer opportunities available.COVID-19 Update: following all CDC and state guidelines.

• Voluntary Health Organizations
• Assistive Technology Expense Assistance
• Health/Disabilities Related Volunteer Opportunities
• Therapeutic Camps
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. Offering innovative, fun-­filled programs that foster a lasting community, we aim to ensure that every child impacted by a parent’s cancer is never alone.

Camp locator on website

• Health/Disability Related Support Groups
• Disease/Disability Information

Nationwide community-based voluntary organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health risk through research, education, advocacy.

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Internet Information Resources
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Provides awareness for support, education and research.
Provides educational and emotional support, stimulates and support research designed to identify the cause and cure for scleroderma, and improve methods of treatment; and enhances the public's awareness of this disease.
Chapters and Support Groups may be located in Resources.

The mission of Recovery International is to use the cognitive-behavioral, peer-to-peer, self-help training system developed by Abraham Low, MD, to help individuals gain skills to lead more peaceful and productive lives.

Online Resources Include:

• Local meeting locator

United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals. Offers options to request assistance, connect with a mentor, connect with a chapter, advocacy, and product and service information.

Spinal Cord Resource Center: Submit questions on any aspect of Spinal Cord Injury/Disease or get information and resources that may help you resolve a situation including local support.

Disability Products & Services Guide: Search the United Spinal Association Disability Products & Services Directory to discover providers and organizations that specialize in optimizing the health, independence and quality of life of people with a spinal cord injury or disease.

• Health/Disability Related Support Groups
• Information and Referral
• Legislative Advocacy
• Self Advocacy Support