ELIZABETH, NJ – Community Access Unlimited (CAU) is excited to share that it has been awarded Quality Assurances Accreditation from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. The attainment of this accreditation demonstrates that CAU is aligning with internationally-renowned standards in the human services field. These standards involve the implementation of sound systems and person-centered practices that help to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
“Congratulations to everyone from Community Access Unlimited for their achievement of Quality Assurances Accreditation!” says Mary Kay Rizzolo, President and Chief Executive Officer of CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. “Through this accreditation, they’re showing the people they support, employees, families, and others that they genuinely care about enhancing the quality of their services.”
For more than four decades, CAU has grown alongside the people and communities it serves, developing programs and supports designed to meet individuals where they are and evolve with their needs. Across its programs, the organization emphasizes individual choice, meaningful opportunities and strong connections to the community, while continually evaluating how services can be strengthened and improved.
“At CAU, we believe the people we support should be at the center of every decision we make,” said Bernadette Griswold, Executive Director of Community Access Unlimited. “This accreditation recognizes what our staff, members, and families work toward every day – creating opportunities for people to live the lives they choose, pursue their goals, and fully participate in their communities. We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to listening, learning, and continuously improving the support we provide.”
Quality Assurances Accreditation is a three-year term that helps organizations build and strengthen a strong foundation for responsive, person-centered supports and services. The components of accreditation include numerous planning meetings, the validation of a Basic Assurances® Self-Assessment, visits, focus groups, ongoing consultation, and more. Through their initial accreditation review and subsequent visits, Community Access Unlimited will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed for ongoing organizational transformation.
“We recognize that accreditation isn’t easy and requires a significant amount of time, resources, and investment,” adds Katherine Dunbar, Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence of CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. “The level of commitment that Community Access Unlimited has for quality services is truly admirable and it’s an honor to partner with them.”
About CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership
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.