OPINION: Proposal for the establishment of the Department of Accessibility and Impairments

As governor of New Mexico, here is one department that I would like to create. This proposal aims to establish a Department of Accessibility and Impairments to foster a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities in New Mexico. The goal is to ensure equal access to transportation, employment, health care, government services and education for all residents, regardless of their abilities. By creating this department, we can help level the playing field for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to contribute to New Mexico's prosperity.

Objective

The Department of Accessibility and Impairments will assist individuals in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and ensure they receive necessary support and care. To enhance efficiency and support for residents with disabilities, I propose restructuring existing state government cabinets rather than eliminating positions, focusing on consolidation.

Key initiatives for the department:

1. Accessible transportation

• Launch affordable ride-share services to enhance transportation options.
• Develop a state-owned fleet of wheelchair-accessible para-transit vans, allowing for immediate rides without the need for advance scheduling.
• Collaborate with cities to ensure sidewalks are wheelchair friendly.

2. Employment opportunities

• Introduce tax incentives for businesses that hire individuals with visual impairments.
• Establish accountability measures for state agencies to ensure a minimum percentage of job applicants with disabilities are employed.

3. Medicaid adjustments

• Expand coverage for essential dental procedures.
• Increase access to specialized medical care for residents with disabilities.

4. Government services accessibility

• Provide large print and audio versions of public documents to enhance accessibility.
• Ensure that all government websites and services meet Americans with Disabilities Act and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standards for screen reader compatibility.

5. Educational support

• Introducing Braille and audio programs in K-12 schools to accommodate diverse learning needs.
• Ensure accessible digital textbooks are available for all students.
• Create transition programs to assist students with disabilities in progressing to higher education or entering the workforce.

6. Daily living support

• Address the needs related to housing, independent living and community participation.

7. Affordable housing

• Provide financial assistance to citizens with disabilities or those living on limited disability or Social Security benefits.

Monitoring and enforcement of accessibility standards

The department will prioritize fair treatment for residents with disabilities through a robust compliance framework. This will include regular accessibility audits and inspections of government-funded residences and service providers, adhering to ADA and Section 504 standards.

Service providers will be required to submit annual compliance reports, supported by resident feedback through surveys and an independent ombudsman office. The department will enforce compliance through corrective action plans, penalties or withholding funding for ongoing violations. Furthermore, we will offer training and technical assistance to encourage the adoption of best practices.

To promote transparency, the department will publicly report compliance outcomes and collaborate with federal and state agencies to ensure consistent enforcement across housing, health care and public services.

Ken Miyagishima is a former four-term mayor of Las Cruces and an independent New Mexico gubernatorial candidates.