Governor's Commission on Disability outlines access, ramp and tech programs as LFC trims executive increase

The Governor's Commission on Disability (GCD) told the subcommittee it delivers building‑access technical assistance, a residential accessibility modification (RAMP) grant program, assistive‑technology demonstrations and short‑term loans, and a brain‑injury helmet distribution program.

Director Stan Ross, an architect by training, described technical assistance work—plan review, site inspections and code guidance—and said the agency’s RAMP program typically completes a few dozen home accessibility projects annually (ramps, bathtub conversions, door modifications) for low‑income, often elderly or mobility‑impaired New Mexicans. The Technology Assistance Program provides demonstrations and short‑term loans of assistive devices to let consumers try equipment before purchasing.

Analysts said the LFC recommendation would use about $255,000 of fund balance to support RAMP and the Technology Assistance Program and a modest 1.3–1.4% personnel increase to fully fund currently approved FTE; LFC did not recommend funding an additional, historically unfunded architect FTE. The executive recommended funding for the architect position and slightly different contractual and other spending levels; the LFC recommendation totals about $2.9K less than the executive in total.

Ross noted the Brain Injury Advisory Council’s helmet distribution program visited 15 counties and distributed more than 3,300 helmets last year. Committee members asked whether RAMP serves tribal lands; Ross confirmed the program operates on tribal lands and that applications can be mailed or picked up if applicants lack internet access.

The committee adopted the LFC recommendation for the commission’s operating budget.