The New Mexico Developmental Disability Workforce Training Center

The New Mexico Developmental Disability Workforce Training Center (NMDDWTC) is creating an integrated path to a purposeful existence for deaf/ hard of hearing and adults with developmental disabilities across New Mexico, leading to a unified and inclusive community.
The NMDDWTC is developing a postsecondary workforce training system to empower adults with developmental disabilities and individuals who are deaf/ hard of hearing to close the post–K–12 employment gap. This effort aligns workforce training, industry engagement, and long-term economic opportunity for individuals ages 22 and older.

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE:

Scarce opportunity for adults with disabilities

When individuals with developmental disabilities age out of the public education system, access to coordinated services and workforce opportunities sharply declines.
Extreme lack of access and services for DD and deaf/hard of hearing adults when they complete K-12 system.
Workforce supports are fragmented and difficult to navigate
Existing systems are misaligned with employer needs

Families are left to bridge gaps without infrastructure or guidance
This gap represents both a social inequity and a missed economic opportunity for New Mexico.

The Solution

A Workforce System Designed for Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Individuals

The New Mexico Developmental Disability Workforce Training Center (NMDDWTC) is a statewide workforce development model built specifically for adults with developmental disabilities and adults who are deaf/hard of hearing. It is designed to support sustained employment, economic participation, and long-term quality of life through partnership with local businesses.
Employer-embedded training aligned to real workforce demand
Industry-recognized higher education badges and certifications
Integrated career, life-skills, and wellness supports

INDUSTRY PATHWAYS:

Real World Training

Training is delivered through active business operations and employer partnerships, building practical skills in real economic settings.

"Seeing our students grow in not only their technical skills, but their confidence has been truly a wonderful experience. Workforce development is an integral element to the pursuit of independence, and the knowledge and experience this program provides really helps build independence in each and every participant”

-Samuel Sisneros, Arts Industry Special Projects Coordinator, North Fourth Art Center

"Through this direct experience (hands-on workplace training), both mentor and mentee participants improve essential habits like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These programs build confidence and help them understand what employers expect. We hope that those who complete this training are more adaptable and better prepared to find and keep competitive jobs.”

-Larry Espinoza, Community Beautification Industry Partner, Red Shovel Landscape

"It is an honor getting to participate in the New Mexico Developmental Disability Workforce Training Initiative and helping the Honey Badgers grow and learn. They are so helpful around the shop, a joy to be around and dependable. The Honey Badger workforce readiness improves every week.”

-Penelope Montes, Floral Industry Partner, Albuquerque Florist

    The Impact

    New Pathways To Success

    With appropriate supports and aligned workforce pathways, adults with disabilities can enter the workforce, earn income, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

    This model improves quality of life for individuals and families while strengthening New Mexico’s labor force and local economies.

    “This program creates real opportunity—not just for individuals, but for employers and communities across New Mexico.”
    -Program Partner

    economic Development

    Building Prosperous Communities

    The New Mexico Developmental Disability Workforce Training Center partners with local businesses in all aspects to develop a system-wide initiative with far reaching economic outcomes.
    Developing industry-aligned training programs that match local employer needs, reducing skills gaps and improving productivity.
    Investing in up-skilling and re-skilling for existing workers to help businesses adopt new technologies and remain competitive. 
    Expanding apprenticeship and on-the-job training to create clear pathways from education to employment, especially in high-demand sectors.
    Targeting training and support services for underrepresented groups to expand labor force participation and household incomes.
    Partnering with community colleges, workforce boards, and employers to create regional talent pipelines that attract and retain businesses.

    Public Investment

    Built Through Federal, State, and Community Partnership

    The New Mexico Developmental Disability Workforce Training Center is an innovative cross-sector collaboration created through public investment and community partnerships.
    W. K. Kellogg Foundation logo
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    M'Tutcci's Restaurants logo
    New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps logo
    Three Sister's Kitchen logo
    Los Ranchos Larry P Abraham Agri-Nature Center
    Honey Shack logo
    Albuquerque Florist logo
    Cutbow Coffee Albuquerque logo
    Green Joe Coffee Company logo
    Feather Dusters Cleaning Service logo
    Red Shovel Landscape logo

    The Vision

    New Mexico as a National Leader

    The New Mexico Developmental Disability Workforce Training Center is a cutting edge workforce initiative reimagining how our state can support the unemployed and underemployed. New Mexico has the opportunity to lead the country in aligning disability services, workforce training, and economic opportunity.

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