Science news in brief

| The New Mexican

8/22/2008 - 8/23/08

Meeting to highlight Web technology

James Spadaccini and Chris Gerberon will discuss a Web technology called "Adobe Flex" at the next New Mexico Internet Professionals Association meeting in Albuquerque on Sept. 11.

The talk, "Developing Internet Applications with Adobe Flex," will be held at Garduno's Restaurant, 9401 Balloon Museum Dr. N.E., at Balloon Fiesta Park, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Flex is an open-source technology that can be used to make Web-based computer programs.

Cost is $16 for members, $26 for nonmembers, and includes the presentation, lunch, drink, tax and tip. Participants can register online at nmipa.org.

NMIPA alternates meetings between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The next Santa Fe meeting will be on Oct. 9 and will feature a presentation about blogging basics. The location hasn't yet been determined.

Report praises N.M. for disability services

A report by United Cerebal Palsy has touted New Mexico as a national leader in providing family support for people with disabilities.

In the agency's 2008 "Case for Inclusion" report, New Mexico rated well above the national average in support for meaningful work, allocating resources to community programs and supporting individuals in the community and home-like settings.

The state Developmental Disabilities Support Division oversees several programs aimed at those with disabilities, including one which provides a statewide network of community-based provider agencies that offer residential, day, vocational and therapy services to 3,700 people in New Mexico. The programs it oversees use state and federal Medicaid funds.

N.M. recognized for allergy, asthma leadership

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America awarded New Mexico an honorable mention for its leadership role in preventing and managing asthma and allergies in its school systems.

New Mexico was one of 10 states to get the recognition.

The award recognized several initiatives in the state, including the Coordinated School Health Program, teacher and staff training through 80 school-based health centers, and the success of periodic tobacco use inspections.