Easterseals receives highest accreditation for services

NEW CASTLE – Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore received the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in a recent survey of reviewed services. CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body for health and human services that evaluates the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services.

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore was among only 3% of CARF surveys receiving no recommendations for improvements. CARF identified 31 specific strengths in awarding the highest accreditation level, breaking the record for the Easterseals affiliate.

“It’s extremely gratifying to see that Easterseals has once again obtained the three-year accreditation from CARF, based on a rigorous examination of our services. I’m even more proud we not only received an exceptional survey report, but we also received no recommendations,” Easterseals President/CEO, Kenan Sklenar, said. “Every day we strive to provide our participants and their families with the best programs and services. The accreditation outcome validates that we are achieving our goal.”

Some highlights in the report include:

– “Staff members stated the organization is their dream job. They stated they are treated with dignity and respect by all leadership, and it is the best job they have ever had.”
– “Community partners also stated they have a high level of trust in the organization.”
– “Family members of participants stated the organization is devoted to its mission and does whatever it takes for persons served to be successful.”

– “The program’s philosophy is to meet persons served where they are. This involves a person-centered approach and familiarity with the needs, wishes and preferences for each person. One participant shared, “I am getting better and better, – this program helps me realize that a brain injury will not hold me back.”
– “Health and safety are areas that are clearly a priority at Easterseals.”

“The organization is recognized for the many different ways it has dealt with and is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that its staff and persons served are safe.”

Accredited programs include: Senior Services, Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy, Assistive Technology, Adult Day programs, Intellectual Disabilities services and Supported Employment. Easterseals administrative practices which include areas such as leadership, governance, strategic planning, finance and human resources also were evaluated and numerous strengths were noted in these areas, as well.