In recognition of cutting-edge approaches to integrating technology into the lives of people who receive services, Miranda Kelley is being honored with a 2022 CQL Award of Excellence. Kelley, Community Innovation Manager of Emory Valley Center, is spearheading efforts so that Enabling Technology can play a vital role in advancing independence, promoting choice, and supporting community participation among people with disabilities. The success of Kelley’s work has empowered people to work, live, and take part in their communities.
“Miranda’s leading efforts at Emory Valley Center to ensure technology plays an integral role in the lives of people with disabilities,” says Mary Kay Rizzolo, President and CEO of CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. “CQL is so proud to be able to recognize her with an award for the impact that she’s having on those receiving services.”
To advance her technology objectives, Kelley has earned her Enabling Technology Integration Specialist (ETIS) certificate. This designation provides her with the knowledge and tools to help people determine which technology-related supports may be beneficial in their lives.
“I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Enabling Technology movement at Emory Valley Center. Having the opportunity to make the impossible possible adds so much satisfaction to my work life,” says Miranda Kelley, Community Innovation Manager of Emory Valley Center. “I am honored to be receiving the 2022 CQL Award of Excellence, I appreciate the overwhelming support for the Enabling Technology efforts at EVC.”
Integrating Technology At Emory Valley Center
Through assessments and targeted conversations, Kelley works with each person individually to determine how technology can be implemented. She also attends people’s ‘circle of support’ meetings to discuss technology options, answer questions, and guide people through the entire process.
“Miranda does not think outside of the box; she thinks like there is no box,” shares Crystal Hicks, Vice President of Operation of Emory Valley Center.
Kelley even developed a ‘technology lending closet,’ which provides people with the opportunity to test different technologies before committing to any specific device, tool, equipment, etc. After people identify the technology solutions that fit for them, Kelley then helps complete technology plans, conducts training, and develops back-up strategies so that implementation and utilization of the technology is successful.
As a result of Kelley’s integration approaches, people are able to utilize the technologies of their choosing, based on their own unique needs and goals. All of Kelley’s efforts help people in being more connected and independent, whether it involves their career, relationships, hobbies, home, activities, or other areas of their lives.
About Emory Valley Center
Emory Valley Center is a nonprofit agency supporting children and adults with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities in multiple east Tennessee counties. The organization’s mission is to “enhance the lives of children, adults and families in an environment that promotes independence, dignity, and respect” through values involving compassion, forward thinking, inclusion, quality, and value. The organization offers a wide range of services including behavioral health, early intervention, early learning, family support, personal assistance, community supported living, and workforce development.
About the CQL Awards of Excellence
The CQL Awards of Excellence recognize individuals, organizations, and/or systems that exemplify the very best in human services for people with disabilities. The 2022 award recipients were selected among numerous submissions by entities that have achieved CQL Accreditation and/or CQL Certification. Since the CQL Awards of Excellence was first established in 2015, there have been just over a dozen recipients of this prestigious designation.
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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.
Miranda Kelley Receives 2022 CQL Award of Excellence