University of New Mexico’s Center for Development and Disability organized the 2026 Reaching New Heights Conference in Bernalillo, New Mexico, April 9-10.
Hosted by Partners for Employment, the conference gathered educators, direct service providers, advocacy organizations, families and employers who advance competitive and integrated employment for people with disabilities. Keynote speakers and breakout sessions focused on leadership development, best practices in supported employment, school-to-work transitions, innovative programming and sharing local resources, supporting New Mexico’s Employment First Policy.
During my time there, I attended breakout sessions of inclusive employment and advocacy organizations like Love of Rose and New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. I also heard the success story and experience of Amelia-Ann Dickey, a disability community advocacy leader and employee of Telos Community Inclusion.
This made me realize I could work writing articles or press releases about the various resources available and the people with disabilities they have helped reach their full potential, who often go unnoticed.
I also learned the disability community is somewhat financially trapped. Yes, we can work, but we can only earn so much money because our benefits could be cut, losing medical coverage and access to expensive assistive technology.
These benefits should be considered human rights because without them, we cannot advance and be decent, productive, self-sufficient citizens. Choosing between keeping our benefits or being financially independent means limiting the disability community to thrive and become competent individuals.