Our Services

Communication Access and Development

The Communication Access and Development Department (CADD) acts as an initial information resource for the public regarding communication access for individuals with hearing loss. CADD is also the primary resource for signed language interpreters and real-time captioners across New Mexico in development, opportunity and services. Programs include the New Mexico Mentoring Program, New Mexico Signed Language Interpreter Licensure, and Signed Language Interpreter Referral Service.

The New Mexico Mentoring Program

The New Mexico Mentoring Program supports the professional development of New Mexico signed language interpreters. Qualified, trained mentors guide program participants through 16-week sessions using individualized and structured curricula to address specific skills for effective interpreting.

New Mexico Signed Language Interpreter Licensure

Information regarding NM interpreter licensure requirements can be found at www.rld.state.nm.us/SignedLanguage.

Signed Language Interpreter Referral Service

With funding from the Telecommunications Access Act, NMCDHH serves as the contract administrator for the statewide signed language interpreter referral service and monitors quality control as defined per the contract. NMCDHH also serves as a liaison for the Interpreter Regulation and Licensing Department Board; more information is at www.rld.state.nm.us.

Communication Access Real Time (CART)

Telecommunications and Technical Assistance

The Telecommunications and Technical Assistance Department (TTAD) acts as the initial information resource for the public related to issues of Deafness and hearing loss. TTAD also manages the NMCDHH website and creates all promotional materials. Programs include Training and Development, Information and Referral, Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program, and Telecommunications Relay Service.

Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program

The Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP) lends telecommunications devices at no cost to qualifying New Mexico residents who need assistance in communicating on the phone. Devices include amplified telephones, TTYs, speech-generating devices, neck loops and silhouettes.

Telecommunications Relay Service

NMCDHH is the administrator for Relay New Mexico as provided by Hamilton Relay. Traditional relay services offered include TTY, voice carry-over, hearing carry-over, speech-to-speech, Spanish and CapTel®. Relay services connect people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or speech disabled to people who use standard telephone equipment. NMCDHH also monitors and implements quality control as regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.

Training and Development

Information, technical assistance, recommendations and solutions are offered to private and public agencies, professional organizations, businesses and individuals in areas such as assistive technology, the Americans with Disabilities Act, hearing loss awareness, and effective communications. NMCDHH provided at least 15 trainings in 2009.

Outreach

PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY

The Public Policy and Advocacy Department (PPAD) provides individual advocacy, system advocacy, transition services, and public policy development. NMCDHH partners with state agencies to collaborate on services for all people with disabilities, and participates in special projects such as providing outreach to Deaf American Indians/Native Americans and ensuring conference accessibility. Programs include Individual and Service Advocacy, Public Policy Development, and Transition Services.

Individual and System Advocacy

NMCDHH advocates on an individual level and a system level for individuals who face communication barriers in employment, government and business settings. Additionally, communication barriers such as those commonly found in health care settings or other systems are addressed. NMCDHH further advocates by engaging in active legislative advocacy, ensuring that statewide and federal disability regulations and laws are in place and adhered to. Awareness and educational trainings are also provided.

Transition Services

PPAD, with a transition specialist, provides communication access advocacy for specific settings, such as school meetings, and makes appropriate referrals to agencies and schools with experience in working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. NMCDHH also works with professionals from various school districts to ensure that students receive appropriate services. Furthermore, NMCDHH also is part of numerous transition groups for children with disabilities. NMCDHH works with the New Mexico School for the Deaf, the ASL Charter School, and the Albuquerque Public Schools Mainstream Program.

Public Policy Development

NMCDHH endeavors to develop and implement public policy that directly impacts the daily lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing New Mexicans.