Beyond Binders: Gathering Evidence Before Your Accreditation

CQL Accreditation is a process with a number of different steps. After you choose to partner with us on your accreditation, one of the first steps is pulling together your organizational “evidence” – all of the information that helps CQL in better understanding the quality of your services and the impact on people’s lives. And it’s much more than just a document review!

During this webinar, we’ll detail the procedures, expectations, and requirements for evidence-gathering, and describe how CQL looks at both systems and practices. We’ll share the non-traditional ways we explore quality, like hearing your stories, learning about pockets of excellence, discovering examples of best practices, and more. Attendees will find out what evidence looks like across different services areas, such as behavioral health, substance use, aging, etc. Our presenters will also share how data is essential in the evidence-gathering process and its relationship with storytelling.

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Accreditation Observations About Respect

During accreditations, from when we walk in the door (or ‘Zoom’ in if it’s a virtual accreditation), we regularly see practices that are rooted in dignity and respect. But there are also times when we see that people are not being respected. These aren’t always overt examples either. Sometimes, there are everyday situations that go unnoticed, but can make a big impact on people’s lives.

In the webinar, we’re sharing observations about the ‘little r’ of respect, from our accreditation work. This isn’t covering the systemic or institutional issues of respect, but the subtle behaviors, interactions, and communications that support providers employ – possibly without even knowing it. The presenters will share examples they’ve witnessed that do (or don’t) promote respect of people receiving services, along with techniques to remedy situations where people aren’t being respected. This webinar will help you ensure that the people you support are being treated the way they want to be treated!

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Visit 1 is Done! Next Steps After Achieving Accreditation

CQL Accreditation isn’t just a one-time stamp of approval or a plaque that collects dust on your wall. It’s an ongoing commitment to continually improve quality. That means it doesn’t start with the arrival of CQL reviewers and stop when you’ve officially achieved CQL Accreditation. There are numerous components and expectations throughout your accreditation term.

Attendees of this webinar will learn all about the timeline after your first accreditation visit – both the short-term and long-term activities including the additional visits and requirements during the entire process. Our presenters will provide an overview of the organizational Personal Outcome Measures® Plan and Basic Assurances® Plan that your agency will work on and monitor to track progress. We’ll also detail how you can use the PORTAL Data System (which is free for accredited organizations) to collect data, analyze it, and leverage it to assess and meet your organizational objectives. Lastly, you will learn how CQL supports you throughout your accreditation term through guidance, resource-sharing, and more!

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Have Accreditation Questions? We Have Answers!

How long does the accreditation process take? Who should be involved from my organization? What is this whole self-assessment about? CQL Accreditation isn’t quick and easy, and that’s very intentional. For meaningful, deep-rooted transformation, it should be a demanding and thorough undertaking. But because of that, there are understandably a lot of questions that come with CQL Accreditation.

Attendees of this webinar will experience a ‘lightning round’ of the most common questions we receive about accreditation, with our panel of experts providing clear answers. From the Request for Engagement form, to the ‘on-site’ review process, and the follow-up visits throughout your accreditation term, we’re sharing clarification about a wide variety of topics. And of course, you’re encouraged to bring your questions that we may not have covered, which we’ll address in the live Q&A portion of the webinar.

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CQL Presenters

Gretchen Block

CQL Director of Partner Engagement

920.988.4701

Gretchen Block serves as the point person for organizations and systems as they participate in CQL services, working directly with them throughout the process. Gretchen has over 25 years of experience in the field, holding a variety of positions for a large multi-state non-profit organization.

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Gretchen Block

CQL Director of Partner Engagement

Betsy Burns

CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

585.610.3662

Betsy Burns is a seasoned professional experienced in many multi-faceted programs. Betsy has served in positions like Director of Education and Training, Director of Children’s Services, Director of Support Services, Director of Service Coordination, and Assistant V.P. of Program Administration.

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Betsy Burns

CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

Michael Clausen

518.245.3250

Michael Clausen has been promoting quality of life for people with disabilities and quality of services for organizations since 2002. He has worked with organizations around the world to build data-driven, person-centered practices and has presented on topics such as Human Rights, Appreciative Inquiry and the Personal Outcome Measures®.

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Michael Clausen

Katherine Dunbar

CQL Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence

217.553.3084

Katherine Dunbar oversees CQL’s core services and provides strategic direction involving accreditation, training, and certification. Katherine has decades of experience in the field, holding various leadership positions and was responsible for directing services in multiple states.

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Katherine Dunbar

CQL Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence

Kristen Baughman

CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

516.218.1026

Kristen Baughman has been a Quality Enhancement Specialist for CQL beginning in 2018. Since 2010, Kristen has maintained Personal Outcome Measures® Trainer and Interviewer Certification for Children and Youth, and has conducted many POM interviews across the lifespan.

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Kristen Baughman

CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

Kendra Julius

CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

605.467.8052

Kendra Julius has spent her career providing supports to people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has worked in the South Dakota Division of Developmental Disabilities, where she assessed the compliance of state-certified agencies, which included CQL Accreditation.

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Kendra Julius

CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

Elizabeth Sites

CQL Director of Organizational Excellence

815.238.4202

Elizabeth Sites has decades of experience in supporting people with disabilities, working in direct support, case management, and as a director with both small providers and several multi-state providers. She also has extensive experience in the Personal Outcome Measures® and Basic Assurances®.

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Elizabeth Sites

CQL Director of Organizational Excellence

Jill Westring

CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

402.363.1750

Jill Westring has more than 30 years of experience in human services, including program development and oversight, consultation, training, and supervision. Jill’s involvement in CQL began in 2001, following a few years as a Personal Outcome Measures® trainer.

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Jill Westring

CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist