New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) Coordinator Tracy Agiovlasitis gives a demonstration of the Merlin Enhanced Vision device to WNMU Social Work Student Intern Mackie Thoutt at the grand opening of the Disabilities Resource Center. The Merlin helps people with vision impairment read printed material in a variety of ways. The Merlin Enhanced Vision device and other assistive technology are available to the community from the NMTAP lending library.

Silver City, New Mexico, April 21, 2015: A crowd of over 80 people turned out Monday evening for the grand opening of the Disabilities Resource Center, located next to the Silver City Recreation Center at 1012 N. Silver St.

"Look at what we have today!" exclaimed Susie Trujillo, a founding member of the Grant County Disability Advisory Council. "We started working two years ago on this project with the support of then Mayor James Marshall and Town Manager Alex Brown. With the support of Lon Streib and Silver Consolidated School District, we were able to secure the building and move it to Town property. Life Quest generously stepped up to the plate to assure the community has access to the building."

The Center offers community space, an assistive technology lending library and a children's toy library. The Town of Silver City, Life Quest, Inc., Western New Mexico University, and the Grant County Disability Advisory Council partnered to make the Disabilities Resource Center a reality. Further support for equipment for the lending library with a $42,000 grant was received from the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) of the Governor's Commission on Disability. Donations of materials and equipment were also received from the community.

Vicki Galindo parent and Community advocate of The ARC of New Mexico - Grant County Chapter envisions the center as a hub for the community utilized for "parent support groups, social learning, group gatherings, educational trainings, mentoring, resources play groups, therapy."

"It's very exciting to be opening up an assistive technology lending library up in the rural southwest part of our state," said Tracy Agiovlasitis, NMTAP Coordinator. "It's a great resource because people can borrow assistive technology before purchasing it to make certain it suits their needs." Agiovlasitis said that she will be returning soon for device demonstrations and trainings at the Center.

WNMU Social Work Intern, Mackie Thoutt conducted an assessment to see the NMTAP lending library was stocked with equipment the community most needed. "I was most surprised that people wanted simple things, devices for communication and education."

During the grand opening individuals with disabilities inquired about wheelchairs, visual and audio aid devices and equipment such as handicap shower chairs.

Thelma Brusulas attended the grand opening and said, "This is an awesome idea!" As an occupational therapist at Silver Consolidated School District, Brusulas will be referring students and their families to the Center's library, and making use of the resources herself. "I love the switches," Brusulas said.

For more information on the Disabilities Resource Center call (575) 388-1976.