The Disability Coalition’s annual pre-legislative-session forum will be held at the CNM Workforce Training Center, 5600 Eagle Rock Ave. NE in Albuquerque, on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The forum is a great opportunity to learn about issues that will be coming up in the 2026 session of the New Mexico Legislature and to network with other members of the disability community.

The event will include a morning plenary and breakout sessions in the afternoon. The doors will open for check-in at 8:30 and the forum will run from 9:00 to 3:30. Lunch will be provided.

The morning plenary session will cover the following topics:

The state budget, with a focus on funding for disability agencies and programs,
What’s going on at the federal level and impacts on people with disabilities and disability programs,
An update on the Martinez/Yazzie lawsuit and education for students with disabilities
An update on behavioral health planning and programs under SB 3, the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act passed by the Legislature in the 2025 session, and
An overview of legislation expected in the 2026 legislative session.

Our lunch speaker will be Rep. Kathleen Cates of Rio Rancho, who represents Bernalillo and Sandoval counties and is a legislative champion on disability issues

In the afternoon, there will be two rounds of concurrent sessions covering a range of topics of interest to the disability community. Information on the afternoon workshops will be available soon, so be sure to check back!

The registration fee for the forum is $35 for individuals and $60 for professionals. This includes lunch, refreshments, and a packet of materials. For dietary restriction or additional information, please contact Policy@ElevateTheSpectrum.org.

Disability Rights Awareness Days 2026

By Elevate The Spectrum

Disability Rights Awareness Days 2026

The Disability Coalition Members: New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of New Mexico, Disability Rights New Mexico, the Independent Living Resource Center, and New Vistas.