A MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 4, 2004 TO BE "THE ASSOCIATION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE" AND EXPRESSING RECOGNITION FOR DIRECT-CARE STAFF WHO PROVIDE COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES.

WHEREAS, the association of developmental disabilities community providers is a statewide organization of community-based agencies that deliver quality service options to children and adults with developmental disabilities and to children with, or at risk of, developmental delay; and

WHEREAS, more than forty-five thousand New Mexicans have developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, more than six thousand children in New Mexico have, or are at risk of, developmental delay; and

WHEREAS, persons with developmental disabilities have substantial functional limitations related to a mental or physical impairment, including mental retardation and brain trauma; and

WHEREAS, persons with developmental disabilities require specialized, lifelong, individualized services and support; and

WHEREAS, persons with developmental disabilities and their families have increasingly expressed their desire to receive community-based and community-integrated services as an alternative to institutional care; and

WHEREAS, the demand for community-based services will continue to grow as family caregivers age, individuals with developmental disabilities live longer, waiting lists grow and services expand; and

WHEREAS, outside of families, private providers that employ direct-care professionals deliver the majority of services for persons with developmental disabilities and children with, or at risk of, developmental delay; and

WHEREAS, direct-care professionals provide a wide range of supportive services to persons with developmental disabilities and children with, or at risk of, developmental delay on a daily basis, including habilitation, personal care, employment, transportation, recreation, residential support and children's early intervention services, so that those persons may successfully attend school, work and participate in community life; and

WHEREAS, high rates of job vacancy and employee turnover, which may reach more than fifty percent annually, threaten the ability of developmental disabilities community-based providers to achieve their core mission, which is the provision of quality support to persons with developmental disabilities and children with, or at risk of, developmental delay; and

WHEREAS, direct-care professionals are well-trained, highly committed individuals who are dedicated to providing high quality, individualized services to persons with developmental disabilities and children with, or at risk of, developmental delay;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that recognition and appreciation be extended to New Mexico's large cadre of direct-care professionals who provide quality support to persons with developmental disabilities and children with, or at risk of, developmental delay; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of the association of developmental disabilities community providers.