MHDS, Inc. is being honored with a 2025 CQL Award of Excellence by CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. The award recognizes numerous organizational efforts put in place to support people with disabilities in achieving outcomes, advancing health and wellness, improving independence, promoting choice, and experiencing continuity and security. MHDS, Inc. excels in its responsiveness to meet the unique needs of people receiving its supports, implementing best practices that are tailored to individual preferences, desires, and dreams.
“We want to congratulate our partners from MHDS, Inc. for receiving a 2025 CQL Award of Excellence!” says Mary Kay Rizzolo, President and CEO of CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. “Whether it’s integrating technology, providing mental health programs, or enhancing independence, they’re focused on what truly matters – improving the lives of the people they support.”
The following programs and initiatives are being specifically acknowledged through the agency’s achievement of the 2025 CQL Award of Excellence:
The PLACE
Launched in 2019, The PLACE is a mental health program with more than 100 participants. It offers sessions that promote positive mental health, provide education around coping skills, offer guidance for self-care, advance overall wellness, and support those experiencing trauma. The PLACE helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with mental health conditions, through individual therapy, group activities, music and art therapy, meditation, yoga, and more.
Enabling Technology
MHDS, Inc. has made a significant investment in technology. This includes the installation of 40,000 pieces of enabling technology, with examples such as medication dispensers, electronic reminders, automatic shut-off systems for appliances, etc. In addition, MHDS, Inc. has a driving simulator to improve driving safety for staff, as well as build skills for people supported to obtain their driving license. The organization also established a dedicated technology home, which offers tours and training opportunities. Additionally, MHDS, Inc. has pursued and achieved technology-specific accreditation through Technology First SHIFT.
MAPS Program
MHDS, Inc. supports youth from the age of 16 until two years after they graduate through their participation in the Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Services (MAPS) program. In another example of the organization’s embrace of technology, this initiative fosters independence through the use of enabling technology. Through the program, MHDS, Inc. helps participants navigate their communities, develop job skills, and earn income.
“MHDS, Inc. enjoys consistent success due to our partnership with a forward-thinking Board and Staff,” says Nora Buckley, Chief Operations Officer of MHDS, Inc. “People supported are provided contemporary and relevant services because they are always the focal point of plans our Team executes on their behalf.”
Along with these specific programs and initiatives, MHDS, Inc. also focuses on family supports, employment services, affordable housing, community inclusion, and more. This demonstrates their commitment to implementing high-quality services and supporting people in achieving their personal outcomes. MHDS, Inc.’s innovative practices also highlight the organization’s alignment with the values and standards of CQL Accreditation, which the agency has maintained since 2021.
About MHDS, Inc.
Since 1972, MHDS, Inc. has been advancing the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities. The organization works to help people live enriching, fulfilling lives, while also providing them with a community rich in relationships. Currently, MHDS, Inc. serves approximately 270+ persons and employs more than 450 staff in West Tennessee including Madison, Haywood, Hardeman, Hardin, Decatur, Chester, McNairy, Gibson, Fayette, Henderson and Shelby counties with varying levels of service.
About the CQL Awards of Excellence
Established in 2015, the CQL Awards of Excellence recognize individuals, organizations, and/or systems that demonstrate excellence in the support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, as well as older adults. The 2025 CQL Awards of Excellence recipients were selected among numerous nominations by professionals and providers in the disability services sector, for exemplifying the very best practices, programs, and initiatives across human services. Over the past ten years, from 2015 through 2025, there have been a total of 23 award recipients.
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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.
MHDS, Inc. Receives 2025 CQL Award of Excellence