New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 371 - DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Part 7 - (APPENDIX A) INDIVIDUAL TRANSITION PLANNING PROCESS
Section 8.371.7.7 - DEFINITIONS

A. The individual: The individual with a developmental disability must participate to the greatest extent possible. There must be a serious effort to ensure that the individual is present and that they, even when lacking verbal skills, are given the opportunity to express their interests, choices and strengths. However, no individual shall be compelled to participate in the planning process. The individual's normal daily routine and schedule should be followed as much as possible on days when meetings occur; special accommodations for the individual should be identified prior to each meeting and appropriate adjustments and modifications in the meeting should be planned to enable them to participate as fully as possible. An individual may choose someone to represent them consistent with their wishes in the TIDT meetings. If such a representative is chosen, that person shall receive all notices and other documents sent to TIDT participants.

B. The parent/ guardian: As used in these procedures, the phrase "parent/ guardian" shall mean the individual's legal guardian or, if the individual is a minor, the individual's parent(s). The division shall attempt to inform and involve the parent/guardian in the transition planning process, including making reasonable scheduling accommodations and providing interpreters as necessary.

C. The helper: The helper is someone who knows the individual's capabilities, interests, likes and dislikes and who communicates with the individual. The helper may be a friend, roommate, family member, teacher, co-worker, current or former employee of the institutional facility, foster grandparent, or any other person from the individual's circle of relatives, friends, or acquaintances.

D. The social worker: The social worker should be the social worker at the facility, i.e., either Los Lunas or Fort Stanton, who has worked with the individual or, if unavailable, the social worker who has been assigned.

E. Facility interdisciplinary team (IDT) members: Facility interdisciplinary team members, designated pursuant to division Jackson office policy memoranda, who have been trained to participate in the transition process and who have knowledge of the individual shall assist with ITP planning, implementation and follow-up, as required.

F. Jackson transition representative (JTR): The Jackson transition representative (JTR) is the division's representative at transition meetings and activities.

G. Key community service providers: Key community service providers are selected prior to the TIDT meeting pursuant to Activity 7. The term key community service providers means the community residential provider and other providers of significant services for the individual, including but not limited to the competitive and supportive employment provider, medical professional(s) if the individual's medical condition so requires, and other support service providers identified by the expanded IDT as key community service providers. When the individual is of school age, a representative of the local education agency is a key community service provider.