Moving Forward Conference & Self Advocate Summit

The last newsletter highlighted one participatory organization that helped put on the "Moving Forward Conference & Self Advocate Summit." This week, Lindsay Sloan, Outreach Coordinator at the Center for Self Advocacy at the Developmental Disability Council, shares her experience at the conference. Thank you, Lindsay!

Can you share briefly what your experience was like at the conference?

The venue (Isleta Resort and Casino) was wonderful. There was an atmosphere of joy as

people reconnected with each other after many years of virtual events keeping

them apart. The meals and snacks provided were excellent, and the sessions that

I attended were well done.

What was your connection with the conference?

I am a staff member of the Developmental Disabilities Council and a presenter at the conference.

What was your biggest takeaway from the conference?

My big takeaway from this year’s Moving Forward Conference was that all of us are on the same team; working to see people with disabilities become fully valued and integrated

members of society. I loved seeing self-advocates leading breakout sessions with confidence, and the audiences listening to their lived experience. Also, I always enjoy seeing family members supporting their loved ones with disabilities to use their voices.

How would you like to see the conference grow in the future?

I would love to see people from all areas of New Mexico attend the conference in the future. So much is gained from the experiences of those who live in rural areas of the state that is quite different from those who live in bigger cities.

What impact does this conference have on people with disabilities?

This conference serves two purposes for people with disabilities. First, it is a chance for people to get together with friends who they may not be able to see easily throughout the

year. Connection with friends is vital for anyone’s wellbeing, but especially for people who face unique challenges each day that may not be understood by those around them who do not have disabilities. Second, there is a lot of good information shared at this conference about resources and legislative initiatives that will improve lives of New Mexicans with disabilities.

How can Albuquerque be more supportive of people with disabilities?

I believe that more of an effort to improve sidewalks in Albuquerque would make traveling

much easier for those who use walkers and wheelchairs. There are so many areas of the city where sidewalks unexpectedly end in the middle of blocks, and there are random dips and cracks that are difficult and uncomfortable to drive over in a wheelchair. Also, amazingly, there are still corners that do not have flat curbs, so someone using a wheelchair cannot drive into the intersection to cross independently or at all.



Resources

The Arc NM

GCD

DDC



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