MCBDD Receives Highest Accreditation
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) is pleased to announce that it has been accredited by CARF International for a period of three years, the highest accreditation an organization may receive.
“Receiving a three-year accreditation from CARF shows the commitment of our agency to listening and working with families and individuals with developmental disabilities so they have the support they need to achieve success,” said Superintendent Stacey Maleckar. “It is only through the combined efforts of the individuals we serve, their families, our staff, board members, and administration along with the ongoing support from our community that we were able to reach this important level of recognition.”
The MCBDD received accreditation for numerous services, including Community Employment Supports, Community Employment Job Development and Employment Planning Services. The report states, “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served. Services, personnel and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of conformance to standards. Your organization should take pride in achieving this high level of accreditation.”
CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of human service providers and networks. Through the accreditation process, CARF provides an impartial, external review of an agency and the quality of its services in meeting internationally recognized standards. When an agency such as the MCBDD is CARF-accredited, it means it has passed an in-depth review and has met rigorous guidelines for service and quality.
During the accreditation process, the MCBDD was reviewed in areas such as leadership, strategic planning, financial planning and management, health and safety and quality of services and supports. At the end of the accreditation review, CARF delivered a summary report that highlighted the MCBDD’s strengths as well as provided recommendations for areas of improvement.
The summary stated that the MCBDD had only three areas for recommendations for improvement and three areas to expand upon what was already in place in the over 960 areas that were reviewed. The summary also stated there were many areas of strength and cited 12 outstanding examples including, “The staff members’ efforts to live out the organization’s mission to both promote and empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work and socialize as citizens in their community are clear. The organization has developed programs, trainings and invaluable services in the community that showcase inclusion, education and advocacy and proudly champion the work being done.” The reports also stated, “Overall, the services provided by the MCBDD are very beneficial to the community. Individuals who would not otherwise be able to fully participate in independent living, community inclusion and competitive employment are able to fully engage in the communities with the support of MCBDD. The staff members are knowledgeable, passionate and steadfast champions for inclusion, education and advocacy.”
“The CARF review helps us to continue to increase the quality of our agency for the about 1500 individuals and families in Medina County who rely on us.” said Maleckar. “We are honored to receive this recognition on behalf of them and to be able to continue to provide our community with important and valuable services.”