Developmental Disabilities

New Mexico Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

The Developmental Disabilities Community Services, New Mexico Department of Health, provides a statewide system of community-based services and supports to improve the quality of life and increase independence of individuals with developmental disabilities, and children with or at risk for developmental delay or disability and their families. For more information about the Developmental Disabilities Community Services, write or call:

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

The New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is to help people with disabilities achieve a suitable employment outcome. In New Mexico, DVR is a division of the State Department of Education and is responsible for a variety of services for people with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Services unit is responsible for client eligibility determination and delivery of rehabilitation services which will enable clients to go to work. These services are delivered by vocational rehabilitation personnel throughout New Mexico. For more information, contact:

Sheltered Employment

Vocational services, such as Meaningful Life, offered through the Adult SGF Developmental Disabilities Program, help the individual engage in purposeful work, learning, and skill development or community inclusion activities. Activities are designed to increase or maintain the individual's skills and independence.

Competitive Employment

The New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation supports the employment of individuals with disabilities including those with the most significant disabilities who, without intense, comprehensive and ongoing support, would be unable to locate, train for or maintain employment. Supported Employment services emphasize coordination of services from various sources. Supported Employment is competitive employment in an integrated setting, or employment in integrated work settings in which an individual is working toward competitive employment, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, interests, and informed choice The services are designed to increase or enhance the individual's skills and independence.

Health and Safety

The New Mexico OHSB Consultation and Technical Services Program is administered by the State but is operated separately from the Enforcement Program. Services are primarily targeted to smaller businesses, both public and private sector. The goal is to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses by helping businesses identify workplace hazards and find effective, economical solutions for eliminating or controlling them. The service is free.

The Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) is a state regulatory agency that is part of the New Mexico Environment Department. It has the responsibility of enforcing Occupational Health and Safety Regulations within New Mexico. New Mexico has adopted the Federal OSHA Regulations and has promulgated some State specific regulations. The scope of New Mexico OHSB's jurisdiction includes all private industry and public entities such as city, county, and state government, excluding Federal Employees.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, Adult Protective Services Division, provides services mandated by state law on behalf of persons age 18 years of age or older. Services include investigation of reports of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation; protective placement; caregiver services; and legal services, such as filing for guardianship/conservatorship. Additionally, case management is provided to ensure that a comprehensive array of services is explored and accessed by persons in need of protective services. If there is suspicion that an adult is being abused, exploited or neglected, the New Mexico statewide centralized intake toll free number is: 1-800-797-3260.

Protection and Advocacy

The New Mexico Protection and Advocacy System (P&A) is a private, non-profit organization which protects and promotes the rights of people with disabilities in New Mexico. Founded in 1979 and authorized through federal law and an Executive Order of the Governor, P&A is the state's only legal rights center for people with disabilities. Each year, after public hearings and comment, P&A sets priorities for the cases and disability problems it will address. Protection and advocacy services include information/referral; client advocacy; group advocacy; and training.