News from the CDD

Nadine Maes Selected For Board Of Directors Of National Down Syndrome Congress

August 24, 2009

Rio Rancho, NM-

Nadine C. Maes, a resident of Rio Rancho, was recently selected to serve as member of the board of directors for the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), at their national conference in Sacramento, California. The mission of the NDSC, a service board based in Atlanta, Georgia, is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome. Maes joins the 21 member board, three of whom are self-advocates, from across the country.

Maes is currently employed as a family resource and information specialist at the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Center for Development and Disability. With the birth of her son Benjamin, a child with Down syndrome in 1997, Nadine became actively involved as a parent and advocate for persons with disabilities and has served on numerous local boards and commissions on the state level.

Ms. Maes has been appointed by two governors to serve on three New Mexico statewide boards and commissions. She was appointed by Governor Gary Johnson to serve as a parent representative on the New Mexico Family Infant-Toddler Interagency Coordinating Council where she was elected Vice Chair and Chair. She was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson to serve on the New Mexico Governor's Commission on Disabilities where she served as Vice-Chair. She has also been appointed to serve on the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning Council and is a task force member of NM Self-Directed Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver Program.

On the local level, Mrs. Maes was instrumental in starting Down syndrome networking groups in both Farmington and Albuquerque. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network, providing information, resources, and networking opportunities for those who have a family member with Down syndrome. Professionally, Nadine is passionate about disability rights, public policy, and systems change on the local, state and national level.
“I see my role on the NDSC board to develop networks for outreach in the Southwest, especially to Hispanic and Native American families who seek support and guidance as they access systems for their families,” according to Maes. “It is critical for these families to have someone they can call and get the information and resources they need to secure opportunities for their loved ones.”
Nadine, and her husband James have five children, including Benjamin.