System approved the agency's program objectives for fiscal year 2004 at its annual board meeting, held September 26, 2003 in Albuquerque. The objectives are part of P&A's new Goals and Priorities for the next three years.

Most of the priorities continue agency efforts from the past few years, involving community-based services, special education, health care and other issues. New program priorities this year include accessible transportation; the complaint and hearing process for resolving special education concerns; reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); appropriate services at Las Vegas Medical Center; voting rights; and assuring individual access to P&A services.

Some of the new objectives cover mental health services in the community, more integrated educational environments, increased services to persons with traumatic brain injury, and guardianship issues.

The new three-year plan and annual objectives were adopted after a lengthy process designed to solicit public input. The process included surveys by mail and through the web-site, focus groups, and input at training and outreach presentations.

P&A staff also analyzed the calls received by the information and training unit during FY03. There was a close correlation between the issues of persons calling the agency for assistance and the issues identified through public comment.

The issues that were most often raised by our clients and the public concerned treatment and services for persons with mental illness, education services, the quality of service providers for persons with disabilities, guardianship issues, employment concerns and transportation.

Although the planning process for FY04 is completed, we encourage anyone to contact us at anytime during the year with issues they would like to see P&A address. For a copy of the new Priorities, call us at 1-800-432-4682 statewide toll free, or 505-256-3100, or visit our web-site at www.nmpanda.org.