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Accreditation Best Practice and Standards Review
Every 3 years, the CET standards undergoes a review and update. This year we are undertaking a broader review of all its processes and systems in addition to updating the standards themselves.
To get the greatest understanding of accreditation best practice, we conducted a request for proposals. Engage First Management Consultants was the successful applicant and will be conducting this review during the coming year and leading up to the release of new standards in 2021. The company is eager to engage with our stakeholders and point us to the best path forward.
Please stay tuned for calls to participate in upcoming focus groups.
Surveyor Training
Accreditation gained 27 CET Surveyors following Surveyor Training in Calgary on September 24/25, 2019. These individuals represent 19 service providers, one of which is multiregional, and each of which has gained the ability to enhance internal capacity.
The provincial regions of Edmonton, Calgary, Central, South and North Central were well represented.
One of the highlights of this year's Surveyor Training is that we moved our digitization agenda forward by switching to mobile manuals and tools distributed on a tablet that can be easily searched and updated. By using this platform, surveyors can instantly access revised versions of documents as soon as ACDS uploads them.
Congratulations to ACDS Accredited Organizations
CET Accreditation Level 2 for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Level 2 service providers are recognized by the Community Disability Services sector for their innovative and creative approaches to delivering quality services to individuals with development disabilities. These service providers have demonstrated a higher level of excellence than required for basic accreditation and can be proud to use Accreditation Level 2 as the benchmark that individuals accessing service deserve.
Chrysalis, An Alberta Society for Citizens with Disabilities
The Edmonton and Calgary offices of Chrysalis, An Alberta Society for Citizens with Disabilities (Chrysalis) were awarded Accreditation Level 2
following the Commission on Accreditation meeting in August 2019.
The funds raised by the Chrysalis Charitable Foundation supports day programs, pilot projects (e.g., the Human Centered Design), some assistive technology devices, computers, and supplies (e.g., for the art therapy program). This organization has two small arm's length manufacturing social enterprises and contracts to produce plastic products and wood products that generate revenue to help fund the organization's programs.
Chrysalis is commended
- for the many independent employment sites it has partnerships with such as: Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Do All Landscaping, Dairy Queen, Lowes, Roger's Place, CFWE Radio, and Staples.
- for its strong volunteer component, with over 80 volunteer placements throughout the City of Edmonton.
- for the degree that individuals are a part of the community, with volunteering, and with staff assisting individuals to become more independent.
- for providing additional support when employed individuals ask for it. For example, when individuals are invited to participate in employer-led performance evaluations, the staff will meet with the employer to ensure all is going well.
Lacombe Action Group for the Handicapped
Lacombe Action Group for the Handicapped (the Action Group) was awarded Accreditation Level 2, the Complex Support Needs Designation, Services for Children with Disabilities, and Respite for Children and Adults with Disabilities
following the Commission on Accreditation meeting in August 2019.
The Action Group serves adults and children with developmental disabilities through residential services, community access, respite and employment services. About 14% of individuals accessing service have complex support needs, and 9.5% access respite services only.
The Action Group is commended
- for promoting further leadership roles within the community, such as individuals being a self-advocacy conference representative.
- for the quality of its staff satisfaction survey, from which staff were able to clearly state what they would like to achieve, and to provide valued feedback that can be incorporated into the annual planning and strategic planning processes.
S.P.A.N. St. Paul Abilities Network Society
S.P.A.N. St. Paul Abilities Network Society (SPAN) was awarded Accreditation Level 2, the Complex Support Needs Designation, and Respite for Children and Adults with Disabilities
following the Commission on Accreditation meeting in July 2019.
SPAN serves adults and children with developmental disabilities through residential and community access programs as well as out-of-home respite and employment preparation, placement and support.
The organization has plans to continue developing modern, affordable house for individuals living in St. Paul and area. Its
social enterprises include the Hampton Inn, a fully accessible public hotel that won ACDS' 2018 Innovation Award.
SPAN is commended
- for encouraging individuals to assume leadership roles in their communities and to participate in projects that promote enjoyment for community members and projects that preserve history.
- for having a Behaviour Alternatives Resource Manual that clearly explains everyone's role in the development and review of interventions when supporting individuals with complex behavioural needs.
- for initiating a Behavioural Alternatives Resource Committee.
- for having a comprehensive and up-to-date Health and Safety Procedures Manual, which is in line with the Bill 30 revisions of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act that came into effect in 2018.
Supported Lifestyles Ltd.
Supported Lifestyles Ltd. (SLL) was awarded Accreditation Level 2 and the Complex Support Needs Designation following the Commission on Accreditation meeting in July 2019.
SLL specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals who are medically fragile and/or have complex needs such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia and substance addictions. The organization's services include community living supports, adult relief (e.g., respite, day support) and career and employment services.
SLL's Support Approach Team accesses the specialized services of a psychologist and other consultants who work towards enhancing the supports to individuals and other service providers.
SLL is commended...
- for providing the type of teaching and training that has increased individuals' confidence around trying things for themselves or not hesitating to ask for assistance.
- for the excellence in staff training and the consistency of approaches when implementing planned positive and planned restrictive procedures, which have decreased the number of incidences among individuals accessing service.
- for offering customized presentations to meet the training needs of other DIAD-funded service providers.
- for implementing initiatives that have resulted in having an onsite sensory room, having an individual-led self-advocacy group, being awarded the Certificate of Recognition Certification, and expanding individual-enhanced training for staff.
CET Accreditation Level 1 for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Congratulations to the service providers listed below for attaining CET Accreditation Level 1 in the last quarter. Your accomplishments are well appreciated by ACDS and the individuals who access your services.
- Association for Supporting Choices of People, Edson (SCOPE)
- Connect Up with Downs
- Edenbridge Family Services Inc.
- Falher Friendship Corner Association
- Lac La Biche Disability Services
- L'Arche Association of Calgary
- L'Arche Association of Lethbridge
- Leduc LINX Connect Centre
- Living Independently for Equality (LIFE)
- March of Dimes
- Mill Woods Society for Community Living
- Northern Lights Ranch Ltd.
- Regional Living Skills Association
- Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity (VALID)
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