ACC achieves accreditation

The Anne Carlsen Center has again achieved a four-year accreditation by The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL), an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to the definition, measurement and improvement of personal and community quality of life for people with disabilities.

“We are honored by the accreditation, and thankful to the many people who took part in the process,” said Marcia Gums, chief operating officer of the Anne Carlsen Center. “This achievement signifies the person-centered approach we take in everything we do. We are continually engaged in looking at improving our model of service and looking at what people truly need.”

A CQL reviewer spent Nov. 26-30 meeting with ACC personnel, individuals receiving services and a range of community partners. There were focus group and large group discussions, as CQL conducted a thorough assessment of programs and services, while providing guidance for future improvements.

The Maryland-based CQL works with human services organizations and systems showing them how to become even better at ensuring that individuals with disabilities lead lives of dignity, quality and community inclusion.

“The philosophy of CQL aligns perfectly with our tradition of providing excellence in services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families,” Gums said. “Our mission is to make the world a more inclusive place where independence is a gift to all. Our talented personnel provide personalized services, and find creative and caring ways to help carry out our mission.”

Individuals and families receiving ACC services played a big role in the November review process, with one Fargo resident — who receives community-based services from ACC — leading part of the discussion.

“We always want to hear what the people we serve have to say,” Gums said. “We do a lot of listening and tailor our supports to what they want, not what we want. We ask them how they want to live, grow and be part of a community.”

ACC provides services to children and adults with disabilities on its campus in Jamestown and in homes and communities throughout the state. ACC provides a myriad of programs and supports including KIDS Infant Development, in-home support, day support, autism services, therapy services, home life services, medically fragile care and an accredited K-12 school. ACC currently serves more than 1,400 individuals and their families. ACC has community- based services offices in Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Jamestown and Devils Lake. Learn more at www.annecenter.org.

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