Social Security: AnnualReport2006

8/14/2019 Social Security: AnnualReport2006

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New Mexico Public Education Department

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

2006 Annual Report

State Fiscal Year

July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006

o obtain additional information or projects described in this report, call NMDVR toll free at1-800-224-7005.

www.dvrgetsjobs.com

QUALITY PRINTING BY



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Dear Governor Richardson,

On this occasion, I am honored to present the New Mexico Public Education Department Division of VocationalRehabilitation (NMDVR) Annual Report for the fiscal year 2006. Unquestionably, I am proud of the entireNMDVR staff. Each works hard in their way to advocate for jobs for New Mexicans with disabilities. Staffprovides the occasion for expression, understanding, choice, and opportunity for people yearning to improve theirquality of life. Each path taken becomes a unique journey. Tey strive to reach new goals, and grow as individuals

With the assistance of NMDVR and our communities, they seek personal and economic self-determination.

Entrusted with offering every child a quality education, Te Public Education Department works attentively tobenefit children, families, and New Mexico. Similarly, our Division of Vocational Rehabilitation shares the livesof people with disabilities, and commits to help each person secure quality employment.

NMDVR proudly collaborates with state and federal partners, employer networks, the State RehabilitationCouncil, the State Independent Living Council and community-based providers, to provide quality servicesSuch efforts clearly benefit from the vision to enhance disability goals set by the Governor’s offi ce. With unmis-

takable support, a caring team of professionals strives to make New Mexico, more prosperous, more diverse, withmore wide-ranging opportunities for all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Veronica C. Garcia

Secretary of Education



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Citizens of New Mexico:

In FY 2006, the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation assisted 1872 individuals with disabilities achievetheir vocational goals. Tose individuals increased their income by 172%. Tey will return to the state treasury $5.63for every $1.00 in state general fund appropriation spent on vocational rehabilitation services.

As remarkable as this return on investment is, it would be an erroneous to assume that the $5.63/$1.00 benefit/cost

ratio tells the story of working persons with disabilities. Sometime ago I was in a mall and I saw a very cute 5 year oldgirl just bouncing with glee in a shoe store. I eased over by the door and watched as she climbed on her father’s lap andsqueezed him around the neck saying, “I jus’ love my new shoes, Daddy!” As the father spun his wheelchair out intothe mall he saw me watching and with his daughter still riding high on his lap, he gave me a furtive wink and rolledaway down the mall with an air of pride so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Tat little girl will wear-out and out-grow many pairs of shoes, and he will always remember the day when he was ableto buy his beautiful little daughter just exactly the pair of shoes she wanted. He will always remember her delight andhow it made him feel. He will never know how that scene made me feel.

Our counselors have daily interaction with individuals with disabilities when they come to us for assistance. What arethey looking for? Most want a semblance of the pride this father felt. Many are looking for something new. Like thelittle girl, individuals are looking for jobs that seem to be just right for them. Tey want to try something new andfeel that it is a perfect “fit.”

“I jus’ love my new shoes, Daddy!” … that is a metaphor for what we do at the New Mexico Division of VocationalRehabilitation, and what our counselors work to hear. When an individual with a disability achieves their vocationalgoal, the counselor experiences the professional pride of accomplishment that makes vocational rehabilitation such aspecial public service.

I am proud to present this annual report as a tribute to the 1872 individuals with disabilities who made great strides

toward their career aspirations in 2006. Our lives are all enriched because of their efforts and the efforts of thevocational rehabilitation staff that have assisted them in this journey.

Sincerely,

Gary Beene

Assistant Secretary for Vocational Rehabilitation



Vision:Every New Mexican with a disability hasthe opportunity tocontribute to the quality of life and the economicprosperity of the state.

Mission:Te mission of theNew Mexico Divisionof Vocational Rehabil-itation is to encourageand assist the effortsof New Mexicans withdisabilities to reachtheir goals for workingand living in theircommunities.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOU US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page V Strategic Framework Rehabilitation ProcessFunding Sources & Expenditures

LISENS O PARICIPAN VOICE . . . . . . . . . 2006 Economic Impact Report About Our ParticipantsArea Offi ces and Satellites

County DistributionState Rehabilitation CouncilUnderserved Population OutreachNMDVR State Plan

ADVOCAES INFORMED CHOICE . . . . . . . Page 13Choice and Success StoriesSuccessful Outcome Statistics & Occupations

PROMOES OPPORUNIIES . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17Disability Determination ServicesIndependent Living ServicesProgram Development and Supports Unit Creating Opportunity in the WorkplaceBusiness Leadership Network

MEEING CHALLENGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/social-security-annualreport2006 6/31ABOUT USv

ABOUT US

1,872 New

Mexicans with

Disabilitiesachieved their

employment

goals in 2006.

More people

found orretained jobs

than in any

prior year in

the agency’s

history.

Te New Mexico Division

of Vocational Rehabilitation

(NMDVR) has been assisting

New Mexicans with disabil-

ities work and live in their

communities for over 82 years. Administratively attached

to the New Mexico PublicEducation Department,

NMDVR is involved in four

primary areas of endeavor:

• Assisting individuals with

disabilities achieve their career

goals through the vocationalrehabilitation process;

• Determination of eligi-

bility for social security

disability benefits programs

through administration of

the Disability Determination

Services;

• Facilitating the delivery of Independent Living services

through partnerships with

the State Independent Living

Council, the New Mexico

Commission for the Blind, and

seven Centers for Independent

Living around the state; and,

• Administration of systemchange grants through the

agency’s Program Devel-

opment and Support efforts.

Te Assistant Secretary for

Vocational Rehabilitation,

appointed by the Secretary

of Education, directs the

Agency. Over 315 full-time

staff provide services in 24

offi ces located throughout the

entire state.

All service efforts are supported

by the highly qualified staff in

the agency’s Administrative

Services and Information

echnology Units located in

Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Te New Mexico Legislature,

the United States Rehabili-

tation Services Admin-istration, and the Social

Security Administration

establish annual performance

goals for the agency. During

2006, New Mexico Division

of Vocational Rehabilitation

met or exceeded all established

performance goals, standards,and indicators.

Tis annual report details the

remarkable success of New

Mexicans with disabilities with

the assistance of the NMDVR

team in 2006.


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/social-security-annualreport2006 7/31ABOUT US1

NEW MEXICO DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Strategic Planning Framework for 2004-2010

The Core Beliefs, Values, Vision, Mission, Goal Areas and Key Strategies together comprise the Strategic Planning Framework of our Agency. The Framework is considered one whole, not separate parts. The commonly shared Core Beliefs represent the driving force of Agency purpose, coupled with the Values that mold the context of our work. The Vision is how our organization sees the possibilities for our participants. The Mission sets the roadmap for attaining the vision, while the Goals are what we expect to attain in three to five years. Key Strategies are how the work is organized to ensure that Goals are reached.

Core Beliefs:

Service Excellence

Improved Quality Of Life For Participants

Individuality In Case Management

Flexibility Of Decision-Making

Informed Choice

Quality Outcomes

Vision:

Every New Mexican with a disability has the opportunity to contribute to the quality of life and the

economic prosperity of the state.

Mission:

The mission of the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is to encourage and assist the

efforts of New Mexicans with disabilities to reach their goals for working and living in their

communities.

Goal Areas:

Successful Participant Outcomes

Comprehensive Employment Networks

Positive Organizational Climate

Effective Use of Resources

Participant and Stakeholder Satisfaction

Key Strategies:

● Expand Business Connections and Partnerships

● Emphasize Highly Skilled Professional Staff

● Engage Participants and Stakeholders

● Align Resources Gary Beene● Develop Communication Systems Assistant Secretary for Vocational Rehabilitation

● Stream line Business Processes

Values:

Teamwork

Innovation

Continuous Improvement

Respectful, Professional Environment

Commitment to Employees

Effective Leadership

Partnering with Participants

NEW MEXICO

DIVISION OF

VOCATIONAL

REHABILITATION

Public Education Department



REHABILITATION = VOICE +CHOICE + OPPORTUNITY

“ It is important that persons with disabilities are offeredan array of services like thosedeveloped by the New MexicoDivision of VocationalRehabilitation. One size does

not fit all. We need to focuson innovative programs andprojects outside of the tradi-tional… RSA needs to fundthese innovative programs sothat other states may emulate

New Mexico.”

Bobby Silverstein, Director of the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy, April 2005

Te basic rehabilitation process consists of listening, understanding,and evaluating the participant’s needs and goals, providing the servicesnecessary to realize those goals, and assistance with finding or retaining work.

At the decision-making core, the participant and counselor, work togetherto develop and implement an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

Specific services that may be provided include:

• Evaluations, to include, medical, psychological, vocational,and other specialist exams as necessary

• School-to-Work ransition planning

• Counseling and guidance

• Medical and psychological treatment

• Rehabilitation engineering, ergonomics and assistive technology

• Job training

• Job coaching

REHABILITATION PROCESS

RECEIVE PARICIPAN’S APPLICAION

CONDUC PRELIMI-NARY ASSESSMEN

DEERMINEELIGIBILIY

CONDUC COMPRE-HENSIVE ASSESSMEN

DEVELOP PROGRAM OFSERVICES

PROVIDE SERVICES

JOB PLACEMEN ANDPLACEMEN SUPPOR

PARICIPAN ISREHABILIAED:

CLOSE CASE

PROVIDE POS-EMPLOY-MEN SERVICES, IF

NEEDED

he most important process within NMDVR arguably may bethe counsel ing relationship establ ished with each partic ipant.his relationship includes many factors that become thebedrock to bui ld upon and progress . Among these i s empathy,active l i s tening for understanding, posit ive regard, and theabi l i ty to establ ish a trusting environment where unique

individuals may successful ly reach their goals .his report includes three major themes, voice , choice, andopportunity . he rehabi l i tation process requires individuals with disabilities to make their voice heard. No substantiveprogress toward one’s goals occurs without understandingthat good decis ions require knowing the range of choicesavailable .

NMDVR profess ionals offer guidance and counsel ing, butultimately the individual becomes responsible for theirsuccess . Counselors and other profess ionals are accountablefor advocating opportunity . hese three concepts when madeavai lable help guide an individual to attain their goals .



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*Significant Increase Due to one - time Special Appropriation

FUNDING SOURCES & EXPEND

Revenues by Source

Expenditures by Category

Personnel Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,786,700Employee Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,915,100

Contractual Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,262,200

In-state Travel & Transportation . . . . . . $ 404,100

Out-of-State Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 114,900

Other Expenditures:

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 49,100

Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 319,700

Other Operating Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,934,200

Other Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,723,400*

Capital Outlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 14,500

Other Financing Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0

Total Other Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,040,900

Total Case services for Participants) $17,250,300

GRAND TOTAL EXPENDITURES . . . . $43,255,200

Personnel Services29%

3% Contractual Services

1% Travel

EmployeeBenefits

11%

16% Other

40% Total Case Services

NMDVR Federal Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 24,791,000

DDS Federal Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,172,90034,963,900

NMDVR General Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,147,200

DDS General Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

6,147,200

NMDVR Intra-State Federal Grants. . . . . . . . $ 894,300

DDS Intra-State Federal Grants . . . . . . . . . . 0

894,300

NMDVR other Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248,700

DDS other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,500

TOTAL REVENUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 42,266,600

*Revenues are based on actual expenditures;therefore, expenditures will not always equalreceipts. This factor is due to federal receivablesat the end of the year.

83% Federal Receipts

General Fund 15% Intra State Federal Grants 2%



2006 Expenditures by ActivityRehabilitation, Administrative,Executive and Program Development . $32,632,800

Disability Determination Services . . . . . $10,632,400

TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,255,200

Actual expenditures as of June 30, 2006

Disability DeterminationServices

25%

75%

Rehabilitation Services, AdministrativeServices, Executive Services, and

Program Development and Supports

Case Services Expenditures

$2,800,288.77

$1,135,917.57

$1,166,686.24

$1,252,389.57

$886,420.46

$755,945.90

$631,356.29

$423,623.29

$126,720.81

$145,893.75

$17,079.18

$15,858.64

T r a i n i n g J o b S u p p o r t S v c s .O t h e r G o o d s a n d S v c s .

R e h a b i l i t a t i o n T e c h n o l o g y

D i a g n o s t i c s

T r a n s p o r t a t i o n P h y s i c a l R e s t o r a t i o n

M a i n t e n a n c e P e r s o n a l As s i s t a n c e S v c s .M e n t a l R e s t o r a t i o n C o u n s e l i n g & G u i d a n c e

S m a l l B u s i n e s s c o n s u l t &

T e c h n i c a l a s s i s t s v c s .

ES FOR STATE FISCAL YEAR 2006


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/social-security-annualreport2006 11/31VOICE5

NMDVR LISTENSTO PARTICIPANT VOICE

From the recently published report, “Te EconomicImpact of the New Mexico Division of VocationalRehabilitation (FY06)” by Dr. Bob Grassberger of

New Mexico State University:

• Weekly earnings of the 1872 individuals successfullyserved increased by 172%

• Estimated lifetime earnings for these 1872 personscalculates to $172.526 million

• $19.151 million in state taxes will be paid on lifetimeearnings of these 1872 rehabilitated persons

• Expenditures for services in 2006 equaled $28.838million ($24.063 million federal funds and $4.775million state funds) positively impact the stateeconomy

• $2.366 million in states taxes result from expen-diture of federal funds due to vocational rehabilitationservice

Combining all of the state’s benefits from NMD

operations produces a total benefit/cost ratio

$5.63 to $1.00 for the state of New Mexico.

11,044 New Mexicans soughtand received direct

vocational rehabilitation

services, including post-employment services.

8,767 New Mexicans receivedpre-employment

vocational rehabilitationservices including, medicaltreatment, guidance andcounseling, training, and job seeking skills training.

5,480

P

articipants continueto receive ongoing,

individualized services,based on their strengths,skills, abilities, informedchoice, and desired vocational goal.

1,872 New Mexicansfound and retained

jobs consistent withtheir career goals, thatcontribute to their quality of life, and the economic

prosperity of the state.

94% Percentage of rehabili-tated participants with

significant physical ormental disabilities (whichprevents the performanceof at least one major lifefunction, such as walkingor hearing).

97% Percentage of rehabil-itated clients who

entered competitive orself-employment



MAJOR DISABLING CONDITIONS OF CLIENTS

Disabling Condition Count %

Orthopedic/ Neurological Impairment 1806 20.6%

Mental Illness (incl. Psychotic/ Neurotic/ Behavior Disorders) 1767 20.2%

Learning Disabled 2084 23.8%

Alcohol/ Substance Abuse 402 4.6%

Mental Retardation 374 4.3%

TBI 260 3.0%

Spinal Cord Injury 80 0.9%

Deafness 355 4.0%

Hearing Impairments 613 7.0%

Epilepsy 90 1.0%

Cardiac/ Circulatory Disorders 92 1.0%

Blindness/ Visual Impairments 52 0.6%

Deaf-Blind 7 .08%

Other 785 9.0%

Total: 8767 100%

Includes all persons determined eligible and receiving services, not including clients returning for post-employment services.

REHABILITATED CLIENTSPRIMARY SOURCE OF SUPPORT

AT ACCEPTANCE AND AT CLOSURE

PRIMARY SOURCE OF SUPPORT AtApplication

AtClosure

Earnings, Interest, Dividends, Rent (Client Income) 480 1494

Family and Friends 768 75

Public Assistance including General Assistance, SSI and AFDC (Public

Assistance, without Federal Funds (GA Only); Public Assistance, partlyw/Federal Funds (SSI, TANF, AFDC)) 284 141

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits 183 136

Workers Compensation 28 1

Other Sources, including but not limited to Private Relief Agency (All Other Public Sources; All Other Sources of Support; Public Institution – TaxSupported; Annuity or other non-disability insurance Benefits; Private Relief Agency)

129 25

Totals: 1872 1872

ABOUT OUR CLIENTS



AREA 1

Santa Fe Field Offi ceSupervisor: Phil Perkins505-827-3526

800-773-4072 Satellite offi ces:

• Espanola • Farmington• aos

AREA 2

Marble Field Offi ce, AlbuquerqueEast Supervisor: John Fullinwider505-232-8701

866-877-3216

Satellite Offi ces:• Las Vegas• Moriarity • Raton

AREA 3

Las Cruces Field Offi ceSupervisor: Shirley Gonzales505-524-6135888-901-7866

Satellite Offi ces:• Alamogordo• Anthony • Silver City

AREA 4

Roswell Field Offi ceSupervisor: erri Douglass505-624-6024800-644-7732

Satellite Offi ces:• Carlsbad• Clovis• Hobbs

AREA 7

Psychological Services UnitsSupervisor: Kathryn Spiering, PhD(offers professional support services)

AREA 8

Central Field Offi ce,

Albuquerque CentralSupervisor: Nancy Schneider505-841-6450866-524-6598

Satellite Offi ce:• Gallup

Farmington

Española

Taos

Raton

Santa FeLas Vegas

Rio Rancho

Gallup

Moriarty

Clovis

Hobbs

Socorro

Alamogordo

Las CrucesCarlsbad

Silver City

Belen

Roswell

Anthony

Albuquerque

AREA 5

Amherst Field Offi ce, Albuquerque NorthSupervisor: Reyes Gonzales505-841-5750888-818-3259

Satellite Offi ce:• Albuquerque South Valley

AREA 6

Quail Field Offi ce, Albuquerque West Supervisor: Lee Martinez 505-836-1774888-818-3263 Satellite Offi ces:

• Belen• Rio Rancho• Socorro

Santa Fe AdministrativeOf fice

505-954-8500fax 505-954-8562

800-224-7005

OFFICE DISTRIBUTION



San Juan Rio Arriba Taos Colfax Union

McKinley

Sandoval

Los Alamos

Santa Fe San Miguel

MoraHarding

Quay

Valencia

Cibola

Bernalillo

Torrence

Guadalupe

De Baca

Curry

RooseveltCatron Socorro

Chavez

OteroDona Ana

Luna

Eddy

Lea

Sierra

Grant

Hidalgo

Lincoln

77278 69271

61269

90236

741

44218112

012

20112

17

53253

67364

120506

3296

414

5912699

657

545

63373 72315

25134

655

410

421

644

2711241152

114691

52188

50224

115

845

174936

01

Participating Out-of-State

NMDVR Participants Served and Rehabilitated

By County - State Fiscal Year 2006

Number of participants ELIGIBLE black box Participants REHABILITATED white box

5,480 people continue to receive on-going individually planned services

COUNTY DISTRIBUTION

VOICE8



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VOICE

he federal Rehabilitation

Act mandates that the SRC, inconjunction with NMDVR, develop

and agree to the State’s annual goals

and priorities in carrying out the VR

program, and annually evaluate the

State’s performance relative to its

goals. ogether, the SRC (consisting

of at least 15 members) and the

NMDVR collaborate to assure that

individuals with disabilities receive

appropriate, timely, and effective

vocational rehabilitation services.New Mexico SRC includes members

representing: the Statewide

Independent Living Council; a

parent training and information

group; the Client Assistance

Program; vocational rehabili-

tation counselors; community

rehabilitation service providers;

current or former NMDVR appli-

cants or participants; state Special

Education; disability advocacy groups; the Workforce Development

Board; and business, industry and

labor. New Mexico also includes

Native American representation,

the Cabinet Secretary for the Public

Education Department, and the

Assistant Secretary for the New

Mexico Division of Vocational

Rehabilitation.

R. Sue GronewoldPublic Education DeptSpecial Education Unit, Santa Fe

Marilyn Johnson American Indian VR ServicesLaguna/Acoma Vocational, New Laguna

Larry AuerStatewide Independent Living CouncilLos Alamos

Linda PedroVR participant, Chimayo

Ron GarciaProgram service provider, Santa Fe

Richard KaminskiVR participant, Roswell

Mary Beresford, GCDProgram service provider, Santa Fe

Heather WilliamsBusiness, industry, labor rep, Organ

Mark Allen CornettBusiness, industry, labor rep, Albuquerque

Joseph E. MisquezBusiness, industry, labor rep, Mesilla Park

Dr. Veronica GarciaCabinet Secretary PED (ad hoc), Santa Fe

Gary Beene Assistant Cabinet Secretary NMDVR (ad hoc), Santa Fe

programs, the Council meets at leastfour times a year in public forum andconducts public hearings to identifyareas of concern.

In 2006, the New Mexico SRC

identified lack of transportation as themajor obstacle to employment in thestate, and announced a series of publictransportation summits will continue incities during SFY 2007. In addition, theSRC showed its support of NMDVRgoals in recognizing exemplary servicedelivery in 2006 by outstandingNMDVR counselors.

One of the most effective instrumentsproviding a voice for New Mexicans with disabilities is the State Rehabili-tation Council (SRC), which works inpartnership with NMDVR to develop

and review state goals for vocationalrehabilitation. Appointed by theGovernor to three-year terms, SRCmembers represent a cross-section of New Mexicans with a stake in vocationalrehabilitation programs. More than half of New Mexico’s SRC are people withdisabilities. o achieve their federally mandated goal (Sec. 105 of the Rehabili-tation Act) to evaluate the effectivenessof New Mexico Vocational rehabilitationprograms

Mike O'Brien, New Mexico Highland University;Gary Beene NMDVR; Mark Cornet, Kemtah Group;Larry Alflen Zuni VR; and Rebecca Holland, Jemez

VR discusses SRC business.

Larry Alflen, Chair American Indian VR ServicesZuni Vocational Rehabilitation, Zuni

Rebecca Holland American Indian VR Services Jemez Vocational Rehabilitation, Jemez

reva Roanhorse American Indian VR ServicesNavajo Voc Rehab, Window Rock, AZ

Larry RodriguezVR participant. Espanola

Bernadine ChavezProtection & Advocacy, Albuquerque

Rose Marie SanchezDisability Community, Albuquerque

Martin De La GarzaDisability Community, Los Lunas

Len Malry Offi ce of Workforce Developement &

raining, Santa Fe

Jack OsborneVR counselor non-voting, Albuquerque

Vince MontanoClient Assistance Program, Albuquerque

Ivie VigilDDPC, Santa Fe

Jane ownsend

SRC MEMBERS

STATE REHABILITATIONCOUNCIL



of agriculture-related activities, includingfood processing, ranching, producedelivery, dairy, orchard, and field workMAP is a federally funded project. Foinformation call MAP staff at 1-888-901-7866 or visit the website at wwwdvrgetsjobs.com.

NMDVR/Of fice of AfricanAmerican Affairs

NMDVR continues to collaborate withthe State Offi ce of African American Affairs (OAAA) across the state to educatethe African American Community abouNMDVR services. Te CommunityOutreach Coordinator (COC) maintainefforts and rapport with various state andgovernment agencies, businesses, andfaith-based organizations to support andmarket NMDVR services.

Working with schools, churches, sociand civic groups, as well as other organi-zations and agencies, the COC assumes ateam role in efforts to overcome obstaclesto employment of people with disabilitiesCall Lanthia Gillespie for information at1-800-841-6450.

UNDERSERVED POPULATION OUTREACH

In state fiscal year 2006,NMDVR continued toreach out to remote andunder-served populations.Te New Vistas Native

American Liaison Programcontinues with success. TeSchool to Work programadded specialists. ProgramDevelopment and SupportsUnit programs offer uniqueprograms and services.NMDVR also renewed itscommitment to on-going programs and partnerships

that have proven successful.Ms. Lori Gully assists with technology solutions through

the NMAP Program, helping people across the state.

Computer andAccommodations

Resources inEntrepreneurship andRehabilitation Sites

(CAREERS)

CAREERS was created with a federalgrant in 2000 to increase self-employmentfor Native American (and others) withdisabilities. Tough it ended during2006, its legacy continues. Servicesincluded provision of assistive technology,small business plan development, peermentoring, help with marketing, and insome cases, start-up funds. Te CAREERSgrant program was highly successful,accountable and made a real impact onNew Mexico entrepreneurship.

Migrant Assistance Program(MAP)MAP has been providing services tomigrant and seasonal farm workers withdisabilities since 2002. Services includeeducational opportunities, translationor interpretive services, help with jobreadiness and job search, client follow-up,and advocacy to an often-marginalizedpopulation. MAP targets a broad range

Native AmericanLiaison Program

Te New Mexico Division of VocationalRehabilitation contracts with New Vistas Native American Liaison Program(NVNALP) to provide vocational rehabili-tation liaison service to the 19 Pueblos and

the two Apache nations since 1985.

Te NVNALP program facilitates servicedelivery to Native Americans living intheir communities through educationaloutreach and culturally appropriate servicedelivery.

Challenges include lack of transportation,inadequate community services, andhigh unemployment. Tese are similarchallenges faced by NMDVR counselorsserving rural populations.

However, NVNALP rehabilitationtechnicians help the NMDVR counselorsunderstand cultural factors that may affectrelationships with Native Americans.

Te association with New Vistas continuesto help NMDVR meet its goals of culturally appropriate service delivery for

Native Americans with disabilities.



11

VOICE

NMDVR services more accessible toclients. Staff has initiated group in-house testing for the five Albuquerquearea offi ces. est results and interpretivereports assure early participation in therehabilitation process and provide valuableinformation for assisting participants with

vocational planning.

New assessment techniques for evalu-ating substance abuse, neuropsychologicaimpairment, adaptive functioning, andlearning disabilities have been addedMaintenance of a database exceeding10,000 reports provides a historicacontext for client disability that could alterthe nature and course of current servicesand/or avoid the necessity of further evalu-ation of disability.

Psychological Services staff providedtraining in various areas, includingvocational disabling mental disorderscounseling techniques for working with clients whose disability affecinterpersonal functioning, adjustmentto disability, interpretation of test resultsfor vocational rehabilitation planninglearning disabilities, and the prevention andmanagement of violence in the workplace.

Ticket to Work

Te Social Security Administration’sicket to Work program is designedto provide a network of providers forSocial Security beneficiaries to obtainemployment outcome services. NMDVRis an Employment Network under theicket to Work program, and received 182ticket assignments total at the end of fiscayear 2006.

A member of the Statewide ransitionCoordinating Council, NMDVR partici-pates in efforts to transition studentssuccessfully from high school into the workplace or into specialized or advancededucation programs. Emphasis is placedon early identification and referral of high

school seniors.

Te agency strives to determine eligibility for services and to implement Individu-alized Plans for Employment for thesestudents before they graduate or leave theschool system. Most students with disabil-ities are referred early in their senioryear. Participation in Special Educationclasses is not a requirement. NMDVR staff outreach efforts include educationof families, school personnel, serviceproviders, and students. Counselors

review and modify Memorandum of Agreement documents with each schoolas needed. Te agency’s SupportedEmployment and ransition Coordinatorprovides training and consultation servicesstatewide.

Mentoring Diverse Abilities

High School-age Hispanic and Native American youth with disabilities benefitfrom mentorships helping them identify and work toward future professional goals.

Mentoring Diverse Abilities encouragesand assists students at Bernalillo HighSchool, Gadsden School District andohajiilee Schools through mentoring,paid work experience, introduction topost-secondary educational opportu-nities, youth leadership training, parenteducation, job development and jobcoaching. Mentoring Diverse Abilities ismade possible through a federal grant. Formore information, call 1-800-964-3798.

Improving the Process

for our ClientsPsychological Services staff is integral tothe success of the Rehabilitation ServicesUnit. Tey perform client assessments andevaluations used to create IndividualizedPlans for Employment, and they provideinvaluable consultation and trainingservices to RSU field staff.

In this reporting year, the four-memberteam improved processes, making

UNDERSERVED POPULATION OUTREACHIMPROVING UNDERSERVED

POPULATION OUTREACH

NMDVR updates programs, and beginsnew ones, to meet the evolving challengesof individuals with disabilities. Particu-larly sensitive to the needs of under-

served individuals with disabilities,NMDVR emphasizes a highly skilledprofessional staff sensitive to participantand stakeholder needs.

However, it is the individual counselingrelationship with each participant thatprovides the most effective means of communication and understanding.

An integral part of the guidance andcounseling at NMDVR is the concept of participant choice. Tis process assuresthat the participant’s voice is heard

from the first day forward to successfulclosure.

New Mexico NMDVR andBehavioral Health Services

NMDVR is a member of New Mexico’sBehavioral Health Purchasing Collab-orative. During the 2006 fiscal year, work continued toward intra-agency collabo-ration specifically dealing with behavioralhealth services among all 17 agencies/divisions of the BHPC.

Under the terms of an agreement reached with the state Behavioral Health ServicesDivision, NMDVR continues to facilitateand monitor employment services forpeople within the BHSD system and toassist others in making connections withthat system.

Coordination of services among BHSD,NMDVR, regional employment providers,and mental health providers can increasesuccessful employment outcomes for

individuals with disabilities.

Youth Services School-to-Work Transition

NMDVR continues to expand its School-to-Work ransition Program efforts toprovide services to youth with disabilitiesacross the state. In 2006, NMDVR openedadditional school-to-work transitioncaseloads, in Las Cruces and Santa Fe.


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/social-security-annualreport2006 18/31VOICE

Gilberto Romero has been on the radio 15 years with his program, “Public HeaUpdates.” Gilberto helps keep the pubinformed regarding NMDVR issues throu26 broadcasts yearly.

12

NMDVR STATE PLAN

Federal law, specifically the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is thebasic set of regulations that guide the delivery of vocational rehabilitationservices. Te Act also calls for the development of a state plan each yearthat reports how NMDVR administers the plan, the scope of rehabili-tation services, the administration and provision of services, supported

employment, and financial administration. Tis plan makes the publicvocational rehabilitation program one of the most accountable in the nation.It requires accountable, effective, and collaborative efforts, to meet stringentstandards and indicators documenting effective service delivery.

Our partner in developing the plan is the independent State RehabilitationCouncil. Tey are responsible for completing the “Survey of StatewideNeed Assessment” by surveying individuals with disabilities and presentingthis to NMDVR. As well, an extensive “Customer Satisfaction Survey” ispresented to NMDVR.

Each of these reports addresses the needs and concerns expressed by

individuals with disabilities, and others. NMDVR holds annual publichearings, and invites the public, NMDVR participants and their represen-tatives, NMDVR staff, and anyone interested in disability issues to attend.In 2006, four meetings were held; the sites were in Roswell, Las Cruces,Farmington, and Albuquerque.

Te disability community’s voice is heard clearly through these methods,and more importantly, they all work in concert to affect the state plan.NMDVR is very sensitive to the concerns of disabled individuals, and wantsto assure that the voice is not merely heard, but made a part of the planning,administration and delivery of effective services. Tis yearly process provides

for continuous quality improvement.

Each NMDVR offi ce is equipped with a professional display and programinformation booklets, pamphlets and brochures for keeping the disability

community informed. It provides an excellent venue for open dialog.


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Daniel

Daniel is an 18-year-old Capitol HighSchool graduate currently working in abuilding material location. He enjoyshis work. As Daniel has excellent

mechanical skills and this type of work is a good job fit, for now. Job fit is thekey to a good worker and a satisfiedemployer.

Daniel wants to enhance his mechanicalaptitudes, and considers an appren-ticeship in one of the skilled trades.He wants to move to Albuquerque where opportunities for apprenticeshipsabound. Daniel and his counselor feelhis skills and abilities will help him makethe right decision.

Te building trades interest him most.Daniel is grateful for his counselor’sguidance. He discovered that he wouldnot be satisfied until he has a highly skilled career.

Benton is a young Navajo man with agift for art. He has honed his talents,but remains humble. Benton recalledgrowing up with his brothers and that

they would compete to see who coulddraw best. Well years later, the skills hebegan, as a youth, became his passionand career. Benton knew what he wanted and dreamed of success.

A CAREERS project employee workedclosely with Benton and his counselor.It was a classic win-win situation foreveryone. Recently he won second prizeat the Gallup Indian Ceremonial for hispen and pencil artwork. He completedthe illustrations to highlight an author’s

book, and they are collaborating tocomplete another. Benton sold his artat a booth at the 2006 Indian Market inSanta Fe.

He has sold his art both locally and out-of-state. Currently Benton is looking forthe opportunity to show more people hisartwork, and is looking for a gallery tofeature his talents in Santa Fe.

Benton

Jose

Jose is a 19-year-old student who working with his NMDVR counselo while completing his first semester oschool. He is a very intelligent person with outstanding auditory, visual, anmechanical skills.

While in high school, he applied himechanical skills and discovered that hehad a high level of ability. He excelledin welding and went far beyond conventional “stick” welding to more complex

oxyacetylene and IG welding withaluminum. Copper is quite tricky buhe can handle that as well.

At first, he was a little surprised that healso excelled with computers, a skill tharequires fine motor skills. However, hecan assemble a computer, install, andconfigure the software necessary to makeone hum with effi ciency.

Jose had the benefit of encouragemenand hands-on training while in highschool. He benefits from the encouragement of his NMDVR counselor Jose wants an associate’s degree welding and metallurgy. Tis skill seis in demand and pays well. He lookforward to using computer-monitoredequipment for high-tech work. Whaan appropriate fit for his talents andinterests.

CHOICE SUCCESS



Sam, a year after last year’s report, isdoing extremely well. NMDVR helpedSam, an Albuquerque student achievehis dream of becoming a professionalphotographer. Following an internship inthe photo department of the Albuquerque Journal, Sam began school at the BrooksInstitute of Photography program inCalifornia, one of the premier schools inthe nation.

Sam said, “I spent a lot of time on this(considering his future), it is my life.” By the time that Sam packed his photog-raphy gear and headed for California, heknew exactly what he wanted. He is at thetop of his class. He works on assignmentfor the Associated Press and freelances for

the Ventura Star and some of his work has been seen internationally.

What is his ultimate goal? Working asan independent photojournalist, wherehis portfolio will be known and will be indemand. One might say his future couldbe picture perfect.

John is Dine of the Mexican clan, bornof the Meadow People, and lives in winLakes on the Navajo reservation. He isfluent in Dine, English, and Spanish.In follow-up with John a year after lastyear’s report, he is doing well; his healthis good, and he remains very busy.

After high school, John attended NMSUand graduated from UNM in ‘88 witha BS in Social Science. His educationserves him well. John serves on theNew Mexico echnology Assistance

Board and is President of the StatewideIndian Council. Using his education andparticular insights John has spoken togroups locally and at the national level.

Since the automobile accident thatalmost took his life at the age of 17, thisformer silversmith and rodeo rider soughtvocational rehabilitation services. Initially evaluated as too severely disabled to work, John persevered and began working withhis counselor. Tanks to NMDVR’sCAREERS and NMDVR programs,

John uses a specialized computer that has“opened up the world” for him.

At 47, John continues to write hisbook about his life and plans to join aconsulting business to bring informationabout vocational rehabilitation servicesto others especially in remote areas.

Antoinette has been working since June26, 2006, and loves her job. She is a 29-year-old single mother who is profoundly deaf. Antoinette and her counselor puttogether an inter-disciplinary team tomake her career goal a reality. Te teamincluded Manpower who sponsoredtraining, an employer, a tutor, and a jobcoach.

Tis was not the first class of trainees, butit was the first where everyone graduated!

Antoinette remains so proud for havingovercome many barriers!

Antoinette works in a Sennheiser manufac-turing plant and her work is reported to beexcellent. She enjoys her work; it appearsto be an excellent job fit. Antoinette isproud of her career in a technical field,because deaf children often lag scholasti-cally behind their hearing counterparts.

CHOICE14

John

Sam

Antoinette

CHOICE SUCCESS



Fabiola worked with her NMDVR counselor to overcome very signif-icant barriers to employment.

Fabiola and he worked togetherfor a year or more, without realsuccess. However, Fabiola wasdetermined to succeed and refusedto believe that she could not work. With further career exploration,she decided upon a career as a busdriver.

raining had to be arranged, and it was. She had to learn and deal withsome diffi cult circumstances andshe did. An employer was needed

and one was found. Mr. Sorenson,the Director of Pecos rails ransit,is very pleased with her attitude, her work ethic, timeliness (after all thisis a bus route!), and hard work.

Fabiola loves her job. She really sets an example for everyone who works. She was determined tosucceed, and no set of circum-stances was going to keep her fromsucceeding.

Besides being a hard worker,through her success she enrichesthe lives of her co-workers. Shetakes pride in providing her ridersa clean bus, so she likes to comein a little early each shift to cleanup. She greets her passengers witha broad smile, just another part of the service she gladly provides.

Fabiola

Julian is a native of Roswell and lives with his mom and dad and one olderbrother. Julian was working at the

Roswell NMDVR offi ce in cooperation with the local Workforce Investmentoffi ce; working with our partners isalways rewarding. His plan included aseries of job experiences where he gainedvaluable insight that helped define histhoughts for his future, while gainingvaluable references. He has tried jobsthat he did not feel were a good fit forhim. Knowing what you do not like ispart of deciding what really does work.

Julian decided to enroll at ENMU’s

Roswell campus and took basic courseslike most freshmen. At the same timehe is taking advantage of working forlocal employers and the experiencethat work offers. Julian is consideringthe Emergency Medical echnicianprogram, an intense 3 year study. Julianbelieves he has the skills and abilities toact and react appropriately, and performthe work of an EM.

Julian

CHOICE15

CHOICE SUCCESS



RESULTS

16

REHABILITATED CLIENTS

BY MAJOR OCCUPATION

OCCUPATIONS Count

02detaleRdnagnihsiF,yr tser oF,lar utlucir g A

Clerical and Administrative Support 202

19tr oppuSevitar tsinimd Adnalair eganaM

Prod., Const., Operating, Maintenance And Material Handling 353

794lacinhceTdnalanoissef or par aP,lanoissef or P

RSA Special Occupations and Miscellaneous 17

321snoitapuccOdetaleRdnaselaS

Service Occupations 569

Total: 1872

1558

1500

1540

1518

1672

1872

1400

1450

1500

1550

1600

1650

1700

1750

1800

1850

1900

CLIENTS SUCCESSFULLY REHABILITATED

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/social-security-annualreport2006 24/31OPPORTUNITY18

DISABILITY DETERMINATIONSERVICES

Benefits Payments

➢DDS adjudicated 27,500cases during the federal fiscalyear 2006.

➢In New Mexico, disability beneficiaries received aver-age monthly SSI paymentsof $380 and in most cases,immediately qualified forMedicaid benefits.

➢Te SSA currently pays$57.5 million per month indisability benefits to 96,500itle II and itle XVI ben-eficiaries and dependents inNew Mexico, or $690 mil-lion annually.

Case Production and

Clearances

Over the past five years, DDS (withthe exception of Federal Fiscal Year 03)has progressively increased the num-ber of cases adjudicated. From 23,148in 2001 adjudicated cases increased to27,500 in 2006.

In 2006, DDS set and importanttarget for processing initial cases andkeeping pending cases below 3500.DDS finished the year with 3,323claims pending, 177 below their tar-get. New Mexico’s efforts helped theDallas Region and the nation meetthis important goal.

Productivity Per Work

Year (PPWY)

SSA monitors productivity through acost-based formula that compares casesreceived and cases completed, versusthe cost of full time employees. NMDDS led the region in productivity at277.8. New Mexico had the seventhhighest PPWY in the nation, far abovethe national average of 257.0.

Mean Processing Time

(MPT)

SSA prioritizes and tracks accurate andtimely case processing. Te New MexicoDDS had outstanding MP during FFY 2006. Te itle II MP was 76.1 days,and itle XVI was 74.7. Te New MexicoDDS ranked second in the Dallas regionin this category.

Accuracy of Adjudication

(Accuracy Rate)

SSA measures and considers adjudicationaccuracy, a key quality measure. Te NM

DDS internal quality assurance program,a SSA mandate, reviews a percentage of the adjudicated cases.

Additionally, the SSA regional offi ceDisability Quality Branch and theCentral Social Security Administrationoffi ce also review a statistical sample of alladjudicated cases.

Findings are closely tracked andmonitored with very specific perfor-mance expectations.

Te New Mexico DDS also rank edsecond in the Region in initial claims

allowance accuracy at 97.3 percent. Tecombined net accuracy for itle II anditle XVI initial claims, after adjustmentfor successful error rebuttals, was 97.9%.Tis success exceeds national quality and accuracy performance figures.

Allowance Rate

Te public generally believes NMDDSroutinely denies initial claims. In fact,SSA considers allowance rates an impor-tant performance measure. Te NMDDSprides itself on its initial allowance rate.

During FFY 2006, the NMDDS allowed40.6%, above the nation target of 36.2%.More impressively, New Mexico DDS si-multaneously implemented and becamecertified to process all SSA claims in a fully electronic environment during July 2006.

2

Ramona Schuenemeyer, Regional Commissioner, Social Security Adminis-tration commends DDS employee Bernice Garcia for performance excellenceduring the 2006 NMDVR Statewide meeting.



INDEPENDENT LIVINGSERVICES

Independent living service andphilosophy enhance voice, choice andopportunity for New Mexicans withdisabilities. In partnership with the

State Independent Living Council,the New Mexico Commission for theBlind, and the United States Rehabili-tation Services Administration, theNew Mexico Division of VocationalRehabilitation shares responsibility forthe development and implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living.Tis Plan details how Rehabilitation Act itle VII and New Mexico GeneralFund Appropriations are used to assistindividuals with disabilities access and

SILC REPORT

Te Vocational Rehabilitation Actof 1973, as amended, requires thatgovernors in every state appoint aStatewide Independent Living Council.

It supports the integration and fullinclusion of people with disabilities intothe mainstream of community life.

Te priority is to help people withsignificant disabilities live indepen-dently in the homes of their choice.Te New Mexico SILC advocates forchanges that reinforce that goal, suchas systemic change, peer support, andconsumer equality.

Te State Plan for Independent Livingremains in effect through June 30,2007. Te SILC monitors and assistsin securing independent living servicesnecessary for its implementation.

SILC SUCCESSES - 2006

In FY 2006, the SILC worked in anumber of areas to improve consumerchoice and control. During the 2006legislative session, the SILC

supported Money Follows the Personlegislation and advised the Governor tosign the bill that passed. SILC membershave been active in the Money Followsthe Person committee established by the Aging and Long erm Services Division

and other groups that are rebalancingNew Mexico’s long-term care system.

Te Native American IndependentLiving (NAIL) Committee worked with consumers to seek federal fundsfor removing architectural barriers andprovide assistive technology. In 2006,the NAIL Committee held numerousmeetings with persons with disabilitiesand elected offi cials regarding improvingservices to Native Americans.

Te SILC’s raining and DevelopmentFund co-sponsored the SouthwestConference on Disability, Freedom Daysin Santa Fe and the Jemez Disability Conference. Funds were used for schol-arships, travel costs for consumers andspeakers. In addition, IndependentLiving Center staff, consumers, andBoard Members were provided individualtraining opportunities through thefund.

The Statewide Independent Living Council, Centersfor Independent Living and Independent Living

Services Contracts

benefit from the services of the state’sCenters for Independent Living.

Additionally, NMDVR administers theservice contracts funding operationsat three of the state’s five consumer-controlled Centers: Te Independent

Living Resource Center in Albuquerque(branches in Moriarity & Alamogordo);CHOICES in Roswell; and San JuanCenter for Independence in Farmington(with a branch in Gallup). In Fiscal Year2006, the Centers for Independent Livingprovided independence related servicesto 564 New Mexicans and developed365 Individualized Independent LivingPlans. Tis represents a 63% increase inindividuals served over FY 2005.

Te State Plan for Independent Living details the “Core Services”

provided by New Mexico’sCenters for Independent living to individuals and groups of individuals with significant disabilities:

1. Information and referral;

2. Independent Living skillstraining;

3. Peer counseling (including cross disability peercounseling); and

4. Individual and systemsadvocacy.

New Mexico Independent Living Centers

Choices Center for Independent Living Roswell, New Mexico

Independent Living Resource Center Albuquerque, New MexicoSatellite offi ces in Moriarty

and Alamogordo

New VistasSanta Fe, New Mexico

Satellite offi ce Las Vegas

San Juan Center for IndependenceFarmington, New MexicoSatellite offi ce in Ga llup

Te Ability Center For Independent Living Las Cruces, New Mexico



Vince Montaño, chairMcIntosh, NM

Rebecca Holland Albuquerque, NM

Gilbert JohnGamerco, NM

Michael Murphy Alamogordo, NM

Gil YildezDirector, Independent Living ResourceCenter Albuquerque, NM

SILC MEMBERS

Susan Lewis Albuquerque, NM

Michael Newman Albuquerque, NM

Cesar RodriquezLas Cruces, NM

Debbie EllenburgSanta Fe, NM

Greg rapp (ex-offi cio)Director, NM Commission for theBlind Albuquerque, NM

Jennifer WardRio Rancho, NM

H. Felix VigilVillanueva, NM

Suzanne Anderson-RubleRio Ranch, NM

Juana Valencia.

San Felipe Pueblo, NM

Gary Beene (ex-offi cio)

Assistant Cabinet Secretary forNMDVR

Santa Fe, NM

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORTS UNIT

Program Development and Supports(PDS) assumes a leadership role inthe development and supervision of federally funded grant projects andpartnerships that expand opportunities

for people with disabilities, whether ornot they qualify for itle I vocationalrehabilitation services.

NMDVR’s shared belief is that people who are encouraged and helped to liveindependently, to raise families and tocontribute to the civic and economicviability of their communities,make better employees and citizens.Inclusion of people with disabilities inall facets of life helps secure vocationalrehabilitation objectives in the end, andimprove life for all New Mexicans.

PDS staff strives to identify evolvingchallenges and opportunities withinthe disability population, creating new programs. Unique programs utilizenew assistive technologies, reach outto help the under-served, provideeducation and counseling, help securelow-interest loans, seek transportationand other solutions to problems facingNew Mexicans with disabilities.

New MexicoTechnology Assistance

Program (NMTAP)

Te Purpose:

o help New Mexicans with disabilitiesenhance the overall quality of theirlives using assistive technology devicessuch as wheelchair lifts or specializedcommunication devices.

Eligibility:

Individuals with disabilities, family members, services providers andanyone else who is in need of assistivetechnology services.

Since 1990, the NMAP has provided

easy access to assistive technology devices for New Mexicans with disabil-ities. Teir assistive Loan Bank (ABLE)provided technology loans to assurethat the device meets the individual’sneeds.

Te staff offers frequent demonstra-tions for free hands-on experiences. Additionally they have a certified ergon-omist who can adapt the workplace tofit an individual’s specific needs.

For assistance call NMAP staff at 1-800-866-2253 or visit the Website at www.nmtap.com.

Y number 800-659-4915

Whatever It Takes (WIT)Program New Solutions inTransportation

Te Purpose:

o create a consumer-supportedtransportation solutions and network for persons with mental or physicaldisabilities who are of working age.

Eligibility:

o become eligible, a disabled person

must be unable to retain or secure work due to transportation barriers. WIprovides individualized services toachieve success. Te WI, with federalfunds, provides advice and assistanceto solve transportation challenges.

For assistance call WI staff at 1-800-866-2253, or visit the Website at www.dvrwit.org.



Kelly Davis - PDS Supervisor receivesNMDVR “Award of Merit” from Carl

Suter, Executive Director, CSAVR

Transition into RegisteredApprenticeship, Careers

and Employment (TRACE)

Tis federally funded program existedfor several years and ended in 2006. Ithelped people with disabilities understandapprenticeships, and enter Pre-Appren-ticeship and Registered Apprenticeshipemployment.

Te RACE program exceeded itsplacement goals for the life of the grantand provided services to hundreds of clients. RACE assisted in the devel-opment of two new apprenticeships, theDisability Adjudicator, and ComputerSpecialist programs.

RACE promoted apprenticeship at the

local, state, and national levels. Whilethis program has ended, it has profoundly enhanced apprenticeship programsthroughout the state. It leaves a soundlegacy that will continue to assist New Mexicans with disabilities.

Leveraged IntegratedNetworks of Consumer

Supports-LINCS

Purpose:

o provide vocational rehabilitationservices for people with disabilities whoare receiving public assistance. Staff evaluates services relative to the quality and duration of employment achieved,and identifies and promotes neededchanges in service delivery.

Eligibility:

Individuals with mental/physical

disability who receive public assistanceLINCS provides motivation workshops,non-paid work experiences, and jobplacement services for individuals withbarriers to employment.

Designed as an interagency consortium,LINCS includes the New Mexicodepartments of Labor, Human Services,Health, Education (NMDVR), and theNM Commission for the Blind. Teconsortium appoints a state advisory

board that includes 21 consumers repre-senting the diverse ethnic and regionalinterests of the state.Referrals are made through the New Mexico Works program to LINCS by calling 1-800-318-1469.

Te Purpose:

Te BIC supports people with disabil-ities who want to work and need SocialSecurity work incentive information tomake informed decisions. Staff providesinformation about how employment may affect benefits such as food stamps, HUDhousing, ANF, and Medicaid. rainedadvisors at five Benefits Information

Centers and other locations statewideprovide this public service.

Eligibility:

Consumers already receiving SSI/SSDI For assistance, call benefits advisors at1-800-318-1469, or visit the Website at www.dvrgetsjobs.com.

Working Individual’sMedicaid Program (WDI)

Te Purpose:

WDI provides education and outreachregarding the benefits of the program. BICdesigned the program to allow a personreceiving Social Security benefits to work and retain full Medicaid coverage, as anincentive for people with disabilities.

Eligibility:

• Persons with disabilities (excludingSignificant Gainful Activity earning

limits);

• Ages 18 and above;

• Monthly unearned income under$1,178;

• Less than $10,000 ($15,000 couple)excluding one home, one car, & retirementaccounts;

• Medigap recipient.

A collaborative effort between NMDVR and the Medical Assistance Division of thhuman Service Department, WDI benefitmay allow an individual to earn annuallyup to $48,600 and retain Medicaidbenefits. For assistance call WDI staff a1-800-318-1469, or visit the Website a www.dvrgetsjobs.com.

Social SecurityReimbursement

Social Security Administration (SSAPayment Activities support NMDVR byrecovery of a portion of the rehabilitationcosts for successful closures. During 2006case review activities resulted in paymentof $237,718.50 from SSA. Call staff a1-505-954-8589.

Medicaid AdjudicationServices

Adjudication provides decisions regardingeligibility for SSA medical assistanceMedicaid Buy-in offers the incentive oemployment without losing Medicaid.

In 2006, an agreement between Human

Services Department, Income SupporDivision, and NMDVR was establishedfor adjudication services.

wo adjudicators completed reviews o803 Medicaid claims, of which 301 wereMedicaid Buy-in. In addition, an apprenticeship program for disability adjudicators was presented to and approved bythe U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau o Apprenticeship.

Benefi

ts Information Center

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORTS



“We must look at market trends and project our future human

resource needs. Ten we must help persons with disabilities acquire the training and skills necessary to qualify for those future jobs.”

Gary Beene, Assistant Secretary,Vocational Rehabilitation.

NMDVR participates in theGovernor’s Executive ask Forceon Employment of Persons withDisabilities in State Government.Launched in 2005 as an interagency workgroup, the committee includes:Te Commission for Deaf and Hardof Hearing Persons; Commission forthe Blind; Department of HealthLong erm Services Division;Department of Labor; Devel-opmental Disabilities PlanningCouncil; Governor’s Commissionon Disability; Offi ce of Workforceraining and Development; PublicEducation Department Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; PublicEducation Department SpecialEducation Bureau; and StatePersonnel Offi ce.

As an agency that “walks the talk,”New Mexico NMDVR has been

at the forefront of efforts to predict workplace needs and to create theeducational opportunities that willallow people with disabilities to meetthem.

New Mexico NMDVR counselorsare required to have a master’s degreein VR counseling or a closely relatedfield (or be working toward one), as well as certification by the PublicEducation Dept. Finding qualified job candidates presents a challenge,

especially in the Western U.S., wherefew degreed programs exist. About1994, NMDVR approached New Mexico Highlands University witha plan to help meet projected hiringneeds.

NMDVR funded the first director’sposition for the master’s degree inVR counseling, making NMHU

one of two, historically Hispanic collegesin the U.S.—and the only one in thestate—to offer the program. Recruitingpeople with disabilities as master’s degreecandidates, including NMDVR clients,remains a priority goal. NMHU remains

the primary source of new recruits forstaff counselors and intern positions atNMDVR.

The Navigators

Tis specially trained NMDVR team advises and advocates forpeople with disabilities who areseeking employment at New Mexico Workforce ConnectionOne Stop Career Centers. Tese

Centers are government-funded job placement offi ces locatedstatewide.

Te Navigator Program isfunded by the U.S. Departmentof Labor and the Social Security Administration through theGovernor’s Offi ce of Workforceraining and Development, and

administered by NMDVR. In 2006,there were nine Navigators in place atarea One Stops across the state.

Designed to increase employment forSocial Security beneficiaries and others with disabilities, the Navigators facilitate,seamless and comprehensive servicesto persons with disabilities, access toprograms and services, and linkage to theemployer community.

Navigator services are broad in range tomeet diverse needs. Examples of theirduties include, but are not limited to,being systems change agents, problemsolvers, relationship builders, to helpindividuals, One Stop staff, employers,and providers. Navigators offer guidance

and implementation of the following: ADA workplace policies and procedures;physical and programmatic accessibility issues; reasonable accommodations;collaboration with One Stop staff;bridging gaps between the business andhuman service communities; trainingOne Stop staff regarding disability issues;and interagency sharing of resources,to improve outcomes for people withdisabilities.

You can reach the Navigators and get

more information by calling 1-866-524-6598.

NMDVR Navigator Fanny Pearce works with DavidBorrego, the Program Coordinator at Jobs for Progress,Senior Community Service Employment Program atthe One-Stop Center in Santa Fe. Collaborating is goodbusiness!

New Mexico NMDVR was instrumental increating a master’s degree in VR counselingprogram at New Mexico Highlands Univer-sity. Te program values recruiting people

with disabilities. Here program Director MikeO’Brien interacts with NMDVR AssistantSecretary Gary Beene.

CREATING OPPORTUNITY


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Executive Director Leah Rhule andProgram Director essah Latson guidethe NM BLN efforts. A strong and

committed Board of Directors repre-sents large and small businesses. Boardstakeholders from NMDVR, NMDOL-Veterans Employment Servicesand DDPC offer their expertise.

One exciting development included theBoard’s decision to add “Employers’Disability Resource” to the BLN name.Tis new moniker represents the NMBLN mission, “to serve as an employerresource for the purpose of recruiting,hiring, promoting, and retaining

employees with disabilities…because it’sgood business.”

A few of the highlights of the NM BLN’sefforts in SFY 2006 include:

• 2006 Recognition of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and raining Administration for its involvement with the collaborative workforcedevelopment program, echReach Albuquerque. EDR/NM BLN won its

award in the “e3” partnership category, which acknowledges public-private

partnerships facilitating employment,education, and economic development.

• A second café location openedin partnership with the VA Veterans’Industries Program and NM BLN’ssubsidiary, Te NM Opportunity

Group, LLC. It will increase placementand training opportunities for homelessindividuals, or those who are at risk of being homeless, due to mental illness.

• Te Society of Human ResourceManagers and the Human ResourceManagers Association awarded theEDR/NM the Human Resource Excel-lence Award for “Most Innovative HR Department, Small Size Company” forefforts within the business community

to promote disability employmentinitiatives and strong relationships within the HR community.

• Te U.S. Forest Service will bringover 1,200 jobs to New Mexico over thenext few years. Te EDR/NM BLNdistributes job postings, as they occur,to NMDVR.

A meeting of the EDR/NM BLN includes Bob Walton, Albuquerque Economic Devel-opment; Anna Ortiz, PNM; Jeff Parker, Manpower; Julie Ballinger, Disability Consultant,StarReach Enterprises; Leah Rhule essah Latson, BLN, Mark Cornett, Kemtah Group, andKim Singleton, Boeing. Not pictured is Whitney Warner, of Moody and Warner.

Ma nagers of NMDVR’s

Area Offices are

recognized and respected

members of their commu-

nities. Each leads his or her

field staff to develop partner-

ships with business. NMDVR

provides support services

and participates at business

outreach events. Tese and

other activities spread the

word that hiring people with

disabilities is good business,

and good for business. A 2006 study revealed that

customers were significantly

more loyal to companies

who reached out and hired

individuals with disabilities.

NEW MEXICO BUSINESSLEADERSHIP NEWORK



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MEETING CHALLENGES A dministrative Services Unit Challenges: On July 4, 2006, the Stateof New Mexico launched phase I of anew financial accounting and humancapital system called SHARE, replacing70 separate systems in use by 114 state

agencies. Te Administrative Services Unit(ASU) continues to work towards creatingstability in processes effecting financialand personnel functions that have changedsignificantly due to the SHARE imple-mentation. Te ASU will be challenged toassure, that staff, vendors and clients arepaid in a timely manner, that changes toprocesses are documented and streamlinedto be in agreement with state, federal andagency needs and that staff are informedand trained as processes change.

Sherry Garcia, ASUDeputy Director

Program Development andSupports Unit Challenges: (PDS)extends the reach of the NMDVR to popula-tions that do not receive services throughtraditional NMDVR programs. PDSaddresses the challenge of providing valuableservices to people with disabilities, througha variety of programs and services. PDSuses quality improvement techniques such

as baseline mapping, customer feedback,examining processes, and redesigning strat-egies to meet individual needs. Challengesexist with increasing access for people withdisabilities to resources such as; vocationalrehabilitation, higher education, disability adjudication, Medicaid, assistive technology,benefit counseling, job training, andemployment.

Andy Winnegar, PDSDeputy Director

Disability Determination Services (DDS) Challenges: Te electronic disability process continues to be a challengeas there are some lingering issues with system slow downs, imaging problems, user/training issues, etc. Te electronic and businessprocesses continue to be adjusted and refined. A significant challenge in the coming FY for the NMDDS is an exodus of a numberof highly skilled, experienced, and dedicated staff due to retirement. As a result, the NMDDS is in the process of interviewing andhiring 14 new disability adjudicators, approximately 30% of the total adjudicative staff. Te training of an adjudicator is an intenseprocess and new adjudicators only work a small caseload during their first six months of training, which will have adverse impact onmost if not all of the NMDDS performance measures. Te NMDDS staff has consistently demonstrated their ability to deal withchallenges and expects that the coming year will not be any different. Te agency looks forward to yet another exceptional year because

of the skill and dedication of its staff. Daniel Roper, DDS Deputy Director

R ehabilitation Services Unit Challenges: Riding on the heels of itsmost successful year ever, the Rehabilitation Services Unit (RSU) continues to facemany challenges on the road to meeting the diverse needs of a growing populationof persons with disabilities. One of the primary aims of the unit is to maximizeemployment opportunities for persons with disabilities, while effectively managingagency resources. Tis begins with recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff. o

achieve this end, the Rehabilitation Services Unit has launched a number of initia-tives such as addressing appropriate compensation and employee recognition. Teseand other related initiatives continue into the next year. RSU considers maintaininga top-notch professional staff the main ingredient to continuing with the creationof employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, while focusing on quality service delivery and participant satisfaction.

Last year, the Division was successful in creating two School-to-Work ransitioncaseloads, bringing the total to three. Tis has resulted in improved services toyouth transitioning from high school to the world of work, and an increased servicedelivery capacity in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces. It has also enabled theDivision to collaborate more closely with local school districts in those commu-nities. Having already created momentum, we expect greater success in the year to

come maintaining employment opportunities for persons with disabilities whilefocusing on quality service delivery and participant satisfaction.

Te Rehabilitation Services Unit has taken the first steps towards co-locating andintegrating services within one-stop workforce centers. During fiscal year 2007,NMDVR will continue on the path of working closely with the various WorkforceInvestment partners to facilitate closer collaboration and one-stop service delivery for job seekers with disabilities. Some of the agencies that the Division collaborates with include the Department of Labor, one-stop providers, youth service providers,and other workforce delivery programs. One of the major activities planned forthis year is the co-location of offi ces and staff in various communities throughoutthe state. Tis is a major undertaking that will require a significant investment onthe part of NMDVR and workforce partners. NMDVR expects this investment

to result in a more effi cient use of resources, improvement in the workforce servicedelivery system, and in the creation of a more user-friendly job matching system foremployers and job seekers. Te concept of an integrated one-stop system also aligns with Governor Richardson’s vision of creating greater economic prosperity for thestate.

Te outlook for next year is very positive, and the Rehabilitation Services Unit looksforward to meeting the challenges of providing world-class services to New Mexicans with disabilities.

Ralph Vigil, RSU Deputy Director



NMDVR would like to thank the clients who allow us to publish their stories and usetheir images throughout the year in the promotion of New Mexico Division of VocationalRehabilitation services. While not all of them could appear in this report, other success

stories NMDVR documents in newsletters, display materials, Website, and on the pages of newspapers. hese generous individuals serve as role models for the disability community,

and as an inspiration to NMDVR staff.

Social Security: AnnualReport2006

Documents

Transcript of Social Security: AnnualReport2006