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NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS (NDSC) 37TH ANNUAL CONVENTION Message from Randy Costales, Interim Executive Director August 24, 2009 The month of August has been one of many changes for The Arc of New Mexico. As most of you may already know, Rebecca Shuman resigned as Executive Director of The Arc of New Mexico in early August. I was offered and accepted the position of Interim Executive Director for the next six months. For those of you who may not know me I started working with people with disabilities and their families in 1980 and I have been at The Arc for over 15 years. I strongly believe in The Arc Movement and am determined to do to what it takes to make this agency the best it can be because I know there are many people depending upon us to be there for them. I want to acknowledge Rebecca for playing a very key role in the development and implementation of Mi Via, New Mexico’s self-directed waiver. Mi Via provides individuals and their families with another way of purchasing supports and services. Other highlights during Rebecca’s tenure include the Institutes on Self-Determination, the formation of The Arc of New Mexico Foundation, and The Arc of the United States 2008 National Convention being held in Albuquerque. Other changes at The Arc were implemented in response to the current challenging economic times. Several key positions were eliminated; however, our goal is to continue to be very responsive to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. I continue to work with staff and members of The Arc’s Board of Directors to identify strategies to help us through these tough times. Although times are tough, I am optimistic about the future. Staff morale is good and they are busy doing the important work of The Arc. I know that Board and Foundation members are behind us. I am strengthened by the phone calls and emails from many of you offering support and encouragement. Action Needed: Our great state is facing a budget deficit of over 400 million and it is anticipated that there will be a special legislative session this fall to identify budget cuts. I want to ask for your help. Now is the time to let our state officials, legislators and out Governor know how important services are to people with disabilities and their families. We also need to let them know that we are not happy that State is sitting on 9.4 million dollars that were appropriated to serve people on the D.D. Waiver waiting list. This money could disappear during the special session. This is totally unacceptable! Legislators are at home and it is critical that they hear your stories and meet your family members so they know the cuts they must make will have a serious effect on real people in their communities.
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