New Mexico Disability Employment Conference Promotes Inclusion and Opportunity

The New Mexico Disability Employment Awareness Month Conference & Hiring Event took place today at the University of New Mexico’s Continuing Education building, gathering over 250 attendees to discuss and promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Hosted by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the event featured powerful speeches, vibrant panel discussions, and a well-attended job fair aimed at fostering a more inclusive workforce.

As the keynote speaker, Hector Balderas, President of Northern New Mexico College, delivered an emotionally charged address, sharing a deeply personal journey as a father to a child with special abilities. Balderas emphasized the importance of inclusive education and employment practices, reflecting on the lessons he has learned as a parent and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

“Being the father of my daughter, who is brilliant and full of special abilities, has shaped my entire understanding of disability,” said President Balderas. “Her journey motivates me every day to fight for an inclusive world where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.”

Balderas illustrated the transformative power of education through stories of Northern’s students, including Ms. Lorissa, a deaf student who graduated with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. He praised her perseverance and emphasized the role of technology and supportive environments in helping individuals with disabilities achieve their goals. "Lorissa’s story proves the importance of accessible education—something we strive for at Northern. Every student, regardless of ability, deserves the resources and support needed to reach their potential," he remarked. He also highlighted the role of technology and innovation in accessibility, pointing out Northern’s commitment to providing tools like "smart pens" that aid students with disabilities in their learning.

Balderas also paid tribute to Ms. Verna Trujillo, a former advocate for accessibility at Northern, whose legacy continues to inspire efforts toward inclusive higher education. "Verna believed that accessibility should never be a luxury but a fundamental right for every student," Balderas noted, underscoring the commitment to maintaining her vision through innovations like smart pens, which help students take notes more effectively.

Sarita Nair, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, followed Balderas with remarks on the state’s dedication to creating a more inclusive workforce. Nair outlined New Mexico’s commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, stressing the need for continuous collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and the business community.

The panel discussion, led by Lisa McNiven of the Governor’s Commission on Disability, featured representatives from the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Office of Special Education, the State Personnel Office, Disability Rights New Mexico, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Panelists engaged in a robust conversation about overcoming employment barriers and promoting workplace inclusion for people with disabilities.

The event also hosted a successful job fair, where participants had the opportunity to meet employers from various industries. Several government agencies and community organizations were recognized for their partnership and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in New Mexico's workforce.

Special thanks were extended to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who issued a proclamation declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in New Mexico. This proclamation marks a significant milestone in the state's efforts to prioritize disability employment and create opportunities for all residents.

The New Mexico Disability Employment Awareness Month Conference & Hiring Event was a pivotal moment in advancing the dialogue around disability rights, employment, and inclusion. As Balderas concluded, “This work is not just about programs or policies—it’s about people. We must all be advocates for change and ensure that special ability is recognized not as a barrier but as a unique strength that enriches our lives and our workplaces.”

For more information about future initiatives and employment opportunities, please visit the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions website.