(Press Staff Photo by Geoffrey Plant)
At a time when children and adults with developmental disabilities were often institutionalized, Luis Morales, pictured at home last weekend, and his late wife, Ramona, along with Barbara Pendleton and the late Jewell Burk, established the Special School for Special Children at Fort Bayard. The Moraleses went on to lead two successive community organizations in southwestern New Mexico that helped children and adults with special needs integrate into their communities and live fuller lives.
A husband and wife who helped change the prevailing culture surrounding the developmentally disabled population in southwest New Mexico were recognized this month by Grant County commissioners, who officially proclaimed their “appreciation of the achievements of Luis and Ramona Morales” on April 8.