Disability and Health
New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Waiver Services and Supports:
The New Mexico ID/DD Waiver Program (Developmental Disabilities Waiver) provides Medicaid-funded, person-centered supports for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) to live in their communities, offering services like in-home care, therapy, employment assistance, and family support as an alternative to institutional care. Administered by the Health Care Authority (HCA), it's for eligible New Mexicans needing lifelong support, allowing choice in providers and services to enrich their lives and promote independence.
Key New Mexico Waivers:
- Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver: Offers person-centered services for community participation for those with IDD, including case management, therapies (OT, PT, Speech), assistive tech, employment support, and more.
- Mi Via Waiver: A self-directed program (meaning "my way") for IDD or medically fragile individuals to manage their own support budgets and services.
- Medically Fragile (MF) Waiver: For those with severe, chronic conditions before age 22, often combined with developmental disabilities, focusing on intermediate care levels.
Informational Fact Sheets
Disability Specific Fact Sheets
Helpful Videos
Tips For Brushing, Person With Autism
This video can easily benefit a healthcare worker or a parent with an autistic child learn the tooth brushing steps for people with autism or other ID/DDs.
Making Tooth Brushing Possible/Fun for people with ID/DD
Imagine making tooth brushing a fun and enjoyable event through a step-by-step desensitization process that includes tons of substantive reinforcement.
Assisting People With Disabilities Including Feeding Tubes
Guidance on how to assist people with ID/DDs who avoid oral hygiene tasks, complete gum care, and how to assist people who use a feeding tube for nutrition.
Brushing For People With Sensory Disorders/IDDD
This video goes over how to prepare your child with SPD for teeth brushing and then also shows you how to increase their tolerance for it. Enjoy!
Brushing My Teeth (Voice Instructions) ADLs
How to brush your teeth, with verbal instructions. Penquis Autism Community Services Video Modeling Tools for ADL Development.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dental Visits
NIDCR supports research to find ways to make dental visits more comfortable for children with ASD.
Unboxing Of Special Needs Tools For Brushing
Special Needs Dentist, Dr. Jacob Dent explains how to use the items in the Brush and Bite Starter Kit to practice and prepare at home for your child’s next dental visit.
Oral Health Care For People With Learning Disabilities
The National Health Service Academic Health Science Networks’ video is for people with a learning disability to assist them manage their oral health.
Websites of Interest
This two-hour web-based course is offered by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
This clinic at the University of Washington School of Dentistry provides dental care for people with developmental and acquired disabilities.
Information and resources from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
iADH are an international network of people who are concerned about those with disabilities and disadvantages, working together with those in their community, professional society and social or service organization to improve the oral health and quality of life for persons with special needs.
SAID is the only organization in the United States that provides a focus on the dental needs of clients who live in institutions, as well as those who live in the community at large.
An organization of oral health professionals and other individuals who are dedicated to promoting oral health and well-being for people with special needs.
This program addresses the issue that many people with intellectual disabilities have unique issues around health care and communicating their needs.
The Special Smiles discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive oral health care information, including offering free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to participating Special Olympics athletes.
New Mexico Foundation for Dental Health, Education & Research (dba. NM Dental Association Foundation)
PO Box 16854
Albuquerque, NM 87191
Office: (505) 298-7206
Fax: (505) 554-3836
All Content Copyright © 2021, New Mexico Foundation for Dental Health Research and Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
All donations are tax-deductible.
EIN 74-3146433
The NMDAF is the charitable arm of the NMDA