PROCLAIMING MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2002, TO BE "DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE" AND DECLARING LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR PROGRAMS THAT SERVE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES LIVING IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES AND FOR DIRECTING, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT FEASIBLE, THEIR SERVICES.

WHEREAS, over nineteen percent of New Mexico's population is comprised of persons with disabilities, including people of all ages and diverse races and ethnic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, people with disabilities prefer to live in their own homes and communities so as to be near friends and relatives, to work, to go to church and to enjoy recreational and social stimulation from libraries, schools, theaters, community centers, museums, skiing, fishing, boating and other wonderful attractions in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, most people with disabilities prefer community living, but may need personal care services, accessibility to the built environment, home modifications, healthy housing, transportation, adequate health insurance and health care and assistive technology; and

WHEREAS, President Bush has promoted employment and community living through his "Freedom Initiatives" and Executive Order 13217 in which the president outlines the direction the country should take toward community-based alternatives for people with disabilities and nationwide implementation of the United States supreme court's decision in Olmstead v. L.C.; and

WHEREAS, millions of dollars come into the state to help New Mexicans with disabilities, both young and old, through medicaid and medicare, vocational rehabilitation, housing, education and job training, in-home care and transportation programs; and

WHEREAS, these programs need vigilant attention by consumers, advocates and legislators to prevent fragmentation and lack of coordination; preserve funding and accountability; and promote consumer choice and control in service delivery; and

WHEREAS, the legislature has supported disabled New Mexicans for a long time and continues to support them and encourage their involvement with the legislature and society;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 28, 2002 be declared "Disability Awareness Day at the Legislature"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature support disability programs, such as the personal care option and working disabled individual programs in medicaid, and direct agencies providing services to unite and more effectively coordinate their programs to provide timely, optimal and appropriate services that assist persons with disabilities to live and work independently in their own communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature support legislation that promotes freedom of choice as to who, what, when, where and how services are delivered and that promotes consumer direction of such services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to state agencies that provide disability services or administer programs for the disabled.