Commission on Disability details ramp, technology loan and helmet programs as analysts weigh funding increases

The Governor's Commission on Disability presented its FY27 budget request to the House Appropriations & Finance subcommittee, outlining three core programs — RAMP home‑access work, the Technology Assistance Program (TAP) and the Brain Injury Advisory Council’s helmet distribution — while analysts explained differences between LFC and executive funding recommendations.

Executive Director Stan Ross described RAMP services that install compliant ramps, low‑threshold shower bases and grab bars to help older adults and people with disabilities age in place. He said the program uses private contractors under a competitive bidding process and that tribes are eligible; applicants must be New Mexico residents, meet disability criteria and generally be below the agency’s income threshold. The agency reported first‑year ramp counts of 16, a pandemic peak near 60, and recent annual production in the 20–30 range. Ross said hiring an architect (a currently unfunded position) could substantially increase capacity.

Analysts noted the LFC recommended higher general fund increases than the executive primarily to fund increased personnel costs related to employee health contributions. On prevention, the agency’s brain‑injury manager conducts school outreach and distributes helmets statewide to reduce youth head injuries; TAP allows consumers to trial assistive devices at no charge.

Committee members asked whether income limits and eligibility criteria apply, and staff confirmed the application uses a 250% above federal poverty line threshold. Ross and staff said the commission is tracking an FCC modernization proposal for relay services that could affect administrative needs; the agency expects more detail in March and asked the committee to monitor audit outcomes and the rulemaking.