State of New Mexico Commission for the Blind

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The Vocational Rehabilitation Program serves persons who are legally blind or who have a condition which will lead to legal blindness. It helps persons to become employed in ways that are appropriate to each individual's "strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice." The Commission ranks at the top in the nation for the quality of employment outcomes achieved by our consumers. Four hundred ninety-six (496) persons received vocational rehabilitation services, and fifty (50) consumers were successfully employed.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Standards & Indicators data, New Mexico ranked first in each of the primary indicators used to measure the performance of vocational rehabilitation programs across the country.

According to Standard & Indicator 1.3, the Commission ranks first for the percentage of consumers with earnings equal to at least the minimum wage. According to the ranking, 100% of our consumers earned at least minimum wage. North Carolina was second at 98.79%.

According to Indicator 1.6, the Commission ranks first for the comparison of consumers who on exiting the program say they rely on their earnings as their primary source of income compared to those who relied on their earnings as their primary source of income when entering the program. The difference was 64.79 in New Mexico. The Commission was significantly ahead of New Jersey, which was second with a difference of 47.98.

According to Indicator 1.5, the Commission ranks first for the average starting wage of consumers compared to the average State wage. Our consumers' starting wage of $16.06 was 95.8% of the average New Mexico wage of $16.77. The Commission was significantly ahead of Maine, which was next at 81.9%.

"Director Chairs Institute on Rehab Issues Primary Study Group"

On October 27, 2004, Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner Joanne Wilson appointed Greg Trapp to chair one of two Primary Study Groups of the 31st Institute on Rehab Issues (IRI).

Transition Services

The Commission works diligently to enhance the transition services for blind children and young adults. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the Commission continues to work with the Public Education Department to assure that the needs of transition students are met in the public schools and at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Commission's Transition Coordinator serves on the State Transition Coordinating Council, and engaged in numerous education outreach activities, including organizing a half-day seminar designed to educate parents of transition-aged students about important issues facing their children, at school, at work, and in community life. She also partnered with our Technology Unit to deliver a half-day program for teachers of blind and visually-impaired students on portable electronic note-taking devices.

Reflecting the importance the Commission places on the education of all blind children, the Executive Director serves on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) State Advisory Panel. The Commission has also taken on the role of distributing information to and coordinating meetings of key "Educational Stakeholders." The Educational Stakeholders group includes the Commission's Executive Director and the Transition Coordinator, and officials responsible for providing instruction to blind children.