1/15/2016
The CARF Connection is being converted from an e-newsletter into a blog.
The focus of the CARF Connection blog will stay true to its historical mission of
providing timely tips, resources, news, and updates about CARF accreditation,
business practices, and related matters. However, the blog will expand on those
topics to also discuss current trends in the fields that CARF offers
accreditation and invite your comments and feedback.
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6/30/2015
Although this article focuses on sexual abuse of minors, vulnerable populations are not only children and youths. Adults with disabilities and elderly persons can be at high risk for abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Protecting the rights of persons of any age or ability served by CARF-accredited programs is at the heart of the CARF accreditation process.
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3/25/2015
Without a carefully crafted succession plan, an organization's stability can be at risk when the organization replaces its chief executive or other senior staff member, especially if that leader has been with the organization for many years. This article profiles the Center for Human Services whose planning for future leadership transitions went well beyond writing a succession plan document. This organization created a program to groom future leaders and prepare the organization for change and growth.
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11/6/2014
With a renewed focus on both survivorship and quality of life, the medical community now recognizes that rehabilitation can serve an important role in improving care for the more than 14 million people currently living with cancer. This renewed focus allows for new opportunities of growth and clinical development in which the skills and tools commonly used for more traditional rehabilitation populations are now being applied to underserved individuals with significant needs.
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7/23/2014
When CARF International conducted market research and analysis in 2012, a consensus emerged that CARF was at a critical juncture for bridging a gap in the cancer field. Many acute care and oncology specialists had limited experience and expertise in providing rehabilitation care, and cancer rehabilitation professionals were seeking a framework for integrating their specialty into the cancer care continuum.
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11/21/2013
Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin created the Circles of Care program to address its employees' life challenges -- whether their difficulty is emotional, spiritual, psychological, physical, or financial.
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8/6/2013
With advances in medicine and assistive technology, persons with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) are living more productive and longer lives. This extended life expectancy also means that these individuals experience an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) as they age. This article highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG) and CARF International.
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2/12/2013
Showcasing a sensory processing approach for improving the lives of
persons with autism. This approach was presented at a CARF employment and community services conference in 2012.
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11/28/2012
The Spectrum Network in Decorah, Iowa, recognized numerous and diverse storytelling voices when it published From My Perspective: Essays About Disability. The book celebrates the stories of persons with disabilities, their parents and caregivers, and rehabilitation professionals. This
publication was presented at a CARF employment and community services conference
in 2012.
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10/24/2012
By Maria Walker, Employment Program Planner, Polk County Health Services
To paraphrase a popular
book title, it takes a village to reduce the large unemployment rate for
persons with mental illness and intellectual or other developmental
disabilities. Increasing employment opportunities for these individuals is
every service provider’s responsibility. Polk County Health Services (PCHS) in
the Des Moines, Iowa, area works with a network of providers in the community
to increase employment outcomes. This approach was presented at a CARF
employment and community services conference in 2012.
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10/4/2012
A blend of retail and
rehabilitation is a recipe for creating a social enterprise -- a social service
organization that operates a revenue-generating business to fund the
organization’s mission. Cornucopia, Inc., has been using the model for decades.
This business was presented at a CARF employment and community services
conference in 2012.
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9/12/2012
Bosma Enterprises is
removing the fear and mystery of using computers for persons served. Four years
ago, the organization launched a Build-A-Computer program designed to help
persons who are blind or visually impaired become confident in using computers. This
program was presented at a CARF employment and community services conference
in 2012.
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2/1/2012
Recognition of the
positive roles that employment and supported education play in promoting
recovery for persons with mental illness is increasing among organizations like
Optimae LifeServices in Iowa. This program was presented at a CARF employment
and community services conference in 2012.
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