COA - Council On Accreditation

	Supplement for Developmental Disabilities Programs

Introduction

Administration and Management

Service Delivery Administration Standards

Service Standards

Service Narrative (SDD):

Part 1: Program Information

Organizations may complete one template for all programs, or a separate template that addresses each program being reviewed under this section. Provide responses in each box provided.

Organizations being accredited for the first time: Please provide information for the last year.

Organizations being reaccredited: Please provide information for the period since the last accreditation review.

1. Provide an overview of the different program(s) being accredited under this section. The overview should describe:

the programs' service philosophy and approach to delivering services;
eligibility criteria;
any unique programs or special services provided;
major funding streams; and
any additional information referenced in the Table of Evidence.

2. Provide a list of personnel that includes:

name;
title;
job requirements; and
degree held and/or other credentials, certifications, or training that demonstrate staff competency.

3. Provide any other information your organization would like the peer review team to know about these programs.

Attachments

All COA-approved NA Requests
A list of all NAs applicable to your organization provided within the standards


	Self-Study Documents	On-Site Documents	On-Site Activities
SDD 1 Access to Services	Description of community outreach and collaboration efforts	Evidence of collaboration with community providers	Interview: Clinical or program director Relevant personnel Individuals served Facility observation
SDD 2 Person-Centered Service Planning and Monitoring	Service planning procedures Service monitoring procedures		Interview: Clinical or program director Relevant personnel Individuals served Review case records
SDD 3 Service Philosophy and Interventions	Include Service Philosophy in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information Procedures for use of interventions that limit movement, diminish sensory experience, limit personal freedom, or cause personal discomfort, as applicable Table of contents of training curricula	Documentation of training	Interview: Program director Relevant personnel Individuals served Review case records
SDD 4 Social Inclusion and Community Participation	Include description of services in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information	Training, educational, and other material provided to individuals served regarding sexuality and relationships	Interview: Program director Relevant personnel Individuals served Review case records
SDD 5 Assistive Technology	Include description of services in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information Procedures for helping individuals access assistive technology		Interview: Program director Relevant personnel Individuals served Review case records
SDD 6 Family Support	Include description of services in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information		Interview: Program director Relevant personnel Individuals served Review personnel files
SDD 7 Personnel	List of program personnel that includes: name title degree held and/or other credentials FTE or volunteer length of service at the organization time in current position Table of contents of training curricula	Training curricula Documentation of training Job descriptions	Interview: Supervisors Personnel Review personnel files

Fundamental Practice Standards:


Essential Life and Safety	Health and Welfare	Client Rights
	SDD 1.03, SDD 2.03, SDD 3.02, SDD 4.03

RELATED FILES


	PROGRAM A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.


	ACCREDITATION The formal evaluation of an organization against accepted criteria or standards. A professional society, non-governmental organization, or a governmental agency may conduct accreditation activities. A COA-accredited organization has undergone a period of rigorous self-study and is capable of providing programs and services that meet or exceed COA standards.


	SERVICE PHILOSOPHY The theoretical framework that describes and explains an organization's approach to service.


	SERVICE One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.


	ELIGIBILITY The degree to which an individual, family, group, or community meets the specific criteria and qualifications required to receive goods, benefits, or services.


	CRITERIA Systematically developed, objective, and quantifiable statements used to assess the appropriateness of specific decisions, services, and outcomes.


	PERSONNEL The body of employees and/or volunteers that carries out the organization's tasks under the organization's administration and/or supervision. This definition does not include foster parents who are specifically referenced in relevant standards


	CERTIFICATION Assurance from a state or professional association that a person or organization possesses certain attributes, knowledge, or skills.


	TRAINING Instruction so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient in a skill or body of knowledge.


	PEER REVIEW An evaluation process in which professionals from similar backgrounds review the work of their associates.


	COMMUNITY A specific group of people living in the same locality and who may share a common culture, values, and norms. Communities can also be defined by race, religion, ethnicity, age, occupation, political status, tribal affiliation, interest in particular problems or outcomes, or other common bonds. The term "community" encompasses worksites, schools, tribes, residential neighborhoods, business districts, recreational areas, and health and human service sites.


	CLINICAL The study, assessment, and diagnosis of the client situation followed by direct treatment to help the client achieve prescribed goals.


	PLANNING The process of specifying objectives, evaluating the means for their achievement, and exercising deliberate decision making about appropriate courses of action.


	MONITORING An evaluation involving a periodic review of consumer services, organizational activities, or conduct. Specifically, monitoring is an activity of case coordination, whereas more broadly, monitoring is an evaluation technique used in overall quality assurance.


	OUTREACH Contact initiated by a provider to identify persons in need of services, to provide information to them about services and benefits, and to encourage the use of appropriate services.


	CASE RECORD A written compilation that describes the client and the services delivered. Records can be in hard copy and/or electronic format. The case record can be used as a source of information for quality improvement or other evaluation activities, for research purposes, or to demonstrate accountability to funding bodies.


	ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY The commercial or custom-designed devices, modifications, accommodation strategies, and/or related technical services that help persons with disabilities increase, maintain, or improve their functional capabilities.


	PROGRAM PERSONNEL All direct service and administrators or supervisors of direct services that are involved in the operation of the organization's social service programs. "Program personnel" does not include MIS, accounting, facilities, clerical, or other staff that are not involved in the provision or oversight of direct services.


	VOLUNTEER An individual who performs services for an organization for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered. Such service must be offered freely and without pressure or coercion, direct or implied, from an employer. If the individual is otherwise employed by the same employer for which s/he volunteers, the individual cannot volunteer to perform the same type of services that s/he is paid to perform as an employee.


	JOB DESCRIPTION Explicit obligations and specific tasks required of personnel as a condition of employment. Such descriptions are in writing and may include educational, experiential, and skill requirements associated with the job.