Meet Jessica Dinsmore, Assistant Deputy Director of Programs and Supports
Jessica was born in Las Cruces, NM, in March 1997 and moved to Albuquerque in 2015 to attend the University of New Mexico. Inspired by her parents—a special education teacher and a banker—Jessica developed a strong commitment to community service early on. She graduated from Arrowhead Park Early College High School in 2015 with an associate's degree in Science and Art. She later earned a bachelor's in Population Health and a master's in Public Administration from UNM.  While completing her master’s, Jessica worked as a community school coordinator at Manzano High School, where she helped build partnerships and co-developed an early warning system recognized by Johns Hopkins University. In 2024, she joined the PED Office of Special Education, continuing her dedication to serving students with disabilities across New Mexico. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys time with her fiancé, Tyler, her son, Garrett, and their two pugs, Gracie and Daisy. She loves cooking, crafting, reading, and being with family and friends.

UNDERSTANDING DEAFNESS/HARD-OF-HEARING

Raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools and supports, your child can thrive at home, in school, and in the community.

What is deafness or hearing loss?
Hearing loss can range from mild to profound and may affect one or both ears. A child who is deaf may have no measurable hearing, while a child who is hard of hearing may hear some sounds but still struggle with speech clarity, background noise, or certain tones.
Resource: CDC – Hearing Loss in Children

Communication Options and Support
Every child is different. You and your child can choose from several communication methods:

It's important that your child has consistent access to communication at home and school to prevent language delays.
Resource: Hands & Voices – Communication Choices

Educational Rights and Services
Children with DHH may qualify for accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Find more information at the following resources:

Every family's journey is different. There is no one "right way" to communicate, learn, or thrive as a deaf or hard-of-hearing child. What matters most is that your child has access to language, love, and learning.

OSE in Action: Supporting Families and Communities
On Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16, 2025, educators from across the state attended the 2025 Special Education Conference at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque. The conference was presented by the New Mexico Public Education Department's Office of Special Education, in collaboration with Walsh Gallegos, Kyle Robinson & Roalson, P.C., and facilitated by the High Plains Regional Educational Cooperative #3.

The Spring Law Conference's target audience included administrators, teachers, RSPs, and public state agency staff. Topics mirrored those offered at the fall conference, though no finance training was provided.

Survey Opportunity
The New Mexico Public Education Department has contracted with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to review special education support systems across the state to inform current and future state-level support to districts and schools. PCG seeks input from parents and guardians of students with IEPs receiving special education services in New Mexico public schools through a brief electronic survey. Your participation will help shape and improve special education services for students across New Mexico.

The PCG Parent Survey is anonymous and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. 

New Mexico Summer Reading Program Registration is Now Open!
Workshop Summary: Registration is now open for the 2025 Summer Reading Program, a free initiative serving 15,000 students from incoming kindergarten to outgoing eighth-grade students. The program offers focused reading instruction in small groups, led by trained instructors. 

The Summer Reading Program, which runs from June to July, is a collaboration between the New Mexico Public Education Department, the Higher Education Department, and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Families can sign up for the program on the website, which will update a list of program locations as more sites are added. Visit the Summer Reading Program website for more information.

Parents Reaching Out Events  
Parents Reaching Out provides in-person and virtual support groups in English and Spanish. To get connected with a support group, please click here: Parents Reaching Out Events.

EPICS Spring Workshops for Parents
Dates: Six workshops from Friday, March 21, through Friday, June 13, 2025 
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Bi-weekly)
Location: Virtual, Zoom 

Workshop Summary: Education for Parents of Indigenous Children with Special Needs (EPICS) has operated since 2009. It was created to support Native American parents who wanted to ensure that their children with disabilities' needs were met, while recognizing their cultural heritage and improving advocacy. This advocacy effort includes conferences, trainings, and workshops. EPICS has bi-weekly Zoom workshops for parents and professionals. The Spring 2025 Workshops Flyer contains further information about upcoming workshops. Each workshop requires separate registration. Links for workshops are sent after event registration.

University of New Mexico (UNM) Autism Spectrum Conference
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2025, and Friday, June 14, 2025 
Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, 1000 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 
Workshop Summary: Join us for a special conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder and mental health. Registration opens Saturday, March 1, 2025. Please register at Autism Portal. Questions? Call 505-272-1852 or email CDD-Imagine@salud.unm.edu.

2025 EPICS Behavioral Health and Mental Health Summit: "Healthy Minds - Healthy Families" 
Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Embassy Suites, 1000 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Workshop Summary: EPICS invites parents, professionals, caregivers, and community members to the 2025 Behavioral Health and Mental Health Summit focused on the theme “Healthy Minds – Healthy Families.” This free, one-day event will highlight the importance of behavioral health and mental wellness in Indigenous communities, particularly for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

The summit will feature expert presenters, guest speakers, and opportunities for networking. Attendees will gain access to valuable resources and information to support families and promote best practices in behavioral health.

EPICS is committed to helping Indigenous families influence positive change in their communities. By bringing awareness and support to mental and behavioral health, the summit aims to foster healthy families, schools, and communities.

Who Should Attend:
Parents and professionals working with Indigenous families. All are welcome to participate.

Registration is free and required by June 26, 2025.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for registered attendees. A name badge is required for meals and participation.

Please note: Travel, lodging, and per diem are the responsibility of attendees.

EPICS looks forward to a day of shared learning, support, and collaboration.

Disability Rights New Mexico (DRNM) 
Join us at the Disability Rights Legal Clinic – Hosted by DRNM
Disability Rights New Mexico (DRNM) offers a free legal clinic on the first Tuesday of every month! Meet with an attorney to discuss your disability rights and get the support you need.
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: 3916 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

FAMILY FUN FEATURE

Springtime Sensory Scavenger Hunt! 🌷🔎
June is the perfect time to get outside and explore the world with all five senses! This Springtime Sensory Scavenger Hunt encourages children to engage with their environment in a fun, hands-on way—great for kids of all abilities.

Click the link for more information on How It Works.

This activity encourages curiosity, language development, and sensory exploration, making springtime learning fun! 🌸✨

PARENT RESOURCES

New Mexico Crisis Lifelines
There are three mental health resources, free-of-charge to New Mexican residents. These resources are 988 (call, text or chat 988 online at www.988lifeline.org/chat), New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (855-662-7474), and Agora Crisis Line (505-277-3013 or 855-505-4504). For more information about these services, read this this article written by Dr. Elizabeth Cassel, Education Administrator—Parent and Community Liaison for the Office of Special Education.

Check out the link below for helpful resources for families of students with disabilities. This list will grow with each issue of Connections, so be sure to check back monthly! For more information visit Parent Resource Spotlight.

Share this Connections! Newsletter link with friends who would like to receive our newsletter.

PARENT SELF-CARE CORNER

This month’s self-care idea: Find your circle
Raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing can sometimes feel isolating, especially when navigating IEP meetings, communication strategies, and daily advocacy. This June, take time to connect—or reconnect—with a community that understands your journey.

Try This:
Join an online support group or attend a local parent meet-up (virtual or in person) for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Even one shared conversation can bring reassurance, helpful tips, and emotional relief. You’re not alone, and connecting with others can be a powerful form of self-care.

Remember, taking care of yourself helps you care even more strongly for your child.