COUNCIL ON QUALITY & LEADERSHIP ACCREDITATIONS
THE ARC WESTCHESTER EARNS CQL RECERTIFICATION
The Arc Westchester is pleased to announce that The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) recertified their accreditation status in May. CQL is a leader in working with human service organizations to continuously define, measure, and improve the quality of life and quality of services for people with developmental disabilities. “The Arc Westchester partnered with and welcomed CQL to the organization with openness and a dedication to ongoing learning throughout. It was a pleasure to be a part of their journey," said Angela Clarke, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist, “CQL is thrilled to continue partnering with Arc Westchester, who are truly committed to their mission of providing innovative support and strengthening community participation. The accreditation week was a great example of the organizational dedication to being a leader in learning and growing within these changing times," said Kristen Heichel, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist, Westchester is proud to be recognized by CQL, and this recertification reflects the quality of services they provide and their commitment to their mission and values. Westchester's last accreditation was in 2016 and all reviews were held in person. This year, due to the pandemic, the CQL Accreditation Team conducted their week-long visits and interviews remotely. The first day started off with introductions and a short video outlining values and how the organization applies them to everything they do. Core members of their Advocacy Committee welcomed the CQL team and staff, and shared highlights of the programs and services since the last accreditation and the swift adjustments made during COVID-19.
Over the course of the week staff, board members, families, and people receiving services enjoyed participating in this new virtual platform. Live video tours of homes and day services offered an in- depth opportunity to showcase residents' living environments and day service programming. All interviews, focus groups, and data analyses were conducted using Zoom. The Arc Westchester wishes to thank members of the CQL Accreditation Team who conducted their observations with professionalism and compassion. They were impressed to see the many ways Westchester enriches and supports a person’s life and congratulated the agency on providing dignity and respect to the people supported.
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