NMDDC News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council (NMDDC) has unveiled the Marilyn Martinez State Jobs Program as National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close.
The new state jobs program will partner with state agencies to recruit and train New Mexicans living with developmental disabilities for state government positions.
“Through the Marilyn Martinez State Jobs program, state government will lead the way in creating inclusive, highly effective workplaces in New Mexico that deeply value the many contributions people with developmental disabilities can offer,” Alice Liu McCoy said, NMDDC executive director. “Marilyn Martinez worked for decades to break through barriers for New Mexicans living with DD. She advocated tirelessly for many basic rights most of us take for granted—the right to live independently, marry, and earn a living. We are proud to continue Marilyn’s work in our state.”
NMDDC will work with state agencies to identify and craft inclusive employment opportunities. The state jobs program will provide on-the-job training, development of needed job supports, and assistance with applying for state government positions. Any individual with developmental disabilities will be eligible to apply for the program. NMDDC aims to place individuals with developmental disabilities in every state department in New Mexico.
“People living with disabilities are a tremendous asset to the workforce,” said Dan Drury, interim director of New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, a state agency that helps individuals with disabilities find employment. “The benefits of hiring people with disabilities include higher profitability, competitive advantage, inclusive work culture, and ability awareness. It is time we harness those benefits in state agencies to better serve the people of New Mexico.”
NMDDC will begin accepting applications for the new state jobs program today, Nov. 1. Applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest. Application materials and questions about the program should be directed to Joe Turk, NMDDC interim chief operating officer, at Joe.Turk@state.nm.us.