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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>This is specific to the New Mexico Legislative Session.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Tara Chavez, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><a href="mailto:NFBNM.President@gmail.com">NFBNM.President@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>(505) 328-3349<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Live the life you want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><a href="http://www.nfbnm.org/">www.nfbnm.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><a href="http://www.nfb.org/">www.nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Ellen Pinnes <epinnes@msn.com> <br><b>Sent:</b> Monday, December 16, 2024 3:24 PM<br><b>To:</b> Ellen Pinnes <epinnes@msn.com><br><b>Subject:</b> Register now for the pre-session forum!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>This message is from Ellen Pinnes and The Disability Coalition</span></i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>* * * * * * *<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>It’s time to register for the 2025 Disability Rights Awareness Days pre-legislative-session forum!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The DRAD forum will be held at the CNM Workforce Training Center, 5600 Eagle Rock Ave. NE in Albuquerque, on Saturday, January 11, 2025</span></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>. Registration/sign-in will open at 8:30 and the forum will run from 9:00 to 3:30. Lunch will be provided.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> </span></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The <b>morning plenary session</b> will cover the following topics: <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:66.0pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>the state budget, with a focus on the state’s continuing strong revenues and funding for disability agencies and programs,<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:66.0pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>promoting accessibility in state government operations,<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:66.0pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>creating a Medicaid waiver serving people with mental illness, substance use disorder, or brain injury, and<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:66.0pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>an overview of legislation expected in the 2025 legislative session.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>In the afternoon, there will be two rounds of concurrent sessions covering a range of disability topics</span></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>:<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>ABLE accounts in New Mexico<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Advocating for the Supported Decision-making Act<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The Community Benefit and attendant services in Medicaid Turquoise Care<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Governor’s Commission on Disability programs that can help you: residential modifications, assistive technology, brain injury services<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>History of disability rights<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Supporting individuals with both developmental disabilities and mental health issues, and other current topics for New Mexicans with disabilities<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Registration/cost</span></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>: The registration fee for the forum is $35 for individuals and $60 for professionals. That includes lunch, refreshments and a packet of materials.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Registration for DRAD is being handled by The Arc of New Mexico, a member of The Disability Coalition. <b>To register, go to their website at arcnm.org and double-click on the DRAD banner at the top of the homepage</b>. If you have questions (or any problems registering through the website), contact Joe Martinez at The Arc (505-883-4630 or 800-358-6493 toll-free), or by email to </span><u><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:blue'><a href="mailto:jmartinez@arcnm.org">jmartinez@arcnm.org</a></span></u><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>).<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Limited stipends are available for those who need help covering the registration fee or travel expenses – contact Joe at the phone number or email address given above.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The deadline to register is Monday, January 6. Although we will be accepting registrations at the door if space allows, we cannot guarantee copies of the materials or a lunch for you unless you have registered in advance</span></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Disability accommodations</span></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>: If you need a disability-related accommodation to participate in the forum, you can request it through the registration process or by contacting Joe at The Arc. <b>Please let us know of any such needs by Monday, January 6</b> to allow time to make the arrangements.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>* * *<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Save the date</span></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> – and plan to join us for <b>Disability Rights Awareness Day at the Roundhouse on Thursday, February 13</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>We look forward to seeing you at Disability Rights Awareness Days 2025!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Please forward this message on to your networks</span></i></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>or to others who may be interested in being part of DRAD 2025</span></i></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>* * * * * * *<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The Disability Coalition is funded in part by the </span></i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council </span></i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>through Federal Program funding. </span></i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Additional funding is provided by </span></i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>The Arc of New Mexico, Disability Rights New Mexico, </span></i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>the Independent Living Resource Center, and New Vistas. </span></i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>If you prefer not to receive emails from The Disability Coalition, </span></i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span 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