Easterseals Southern California Completes Another Successful CARF Accreditation

by Mark Whitley, President and CEO

I am honored to share that Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) completed another successful CARF accreditation review. This is the second survey in a row where we achieved the maximum accreditation possible of three years and received a perfect audit with no recommendations.

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation is an important marker of quality, person-centered services. This critical third-party endorsement acknowledges ESSC’s commitment to ongoing learning, best practices and innovation.

The surveyors, who regularly assess organizations across the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, described ESSC as “conspicuous in excellence” and ESSC associates as “bright, focused and mission-driven people.”

Thank you to everyone who prepared for and participated in this year’s CARF review process. I’m proud that CARF recognizes what we have always known to be true: ESSC is an incredible organization with passionate associates who continue to make profound and positive differences in the lives of those we are proud to support every day.

Mark

What is CARF?

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is an international organization that ensures that organizations like ESSC commit to service excellence.

Facts about CARF and ESSC’s survey process:

• CARF surveyors are working professionals from around the country in the disability services field.  
• We are held accountable to more than 1,200 CARF standards! In addition, the surveyors conduct extensive documentation reviews and interviews with our Board, associates, participants, families and funders.
• CARF uses the ASPIRE to Excellence Quality Framework to guide their survey (see graphic). This continuous improvement model assures that we work to improve what we do through ongoing change driven by input from persons served.
• CARF accredits ESSC’s Autism Services and Employment Services. However, all of ESSC’s primary organizational functions are held to CARF standards, such as our Vision and Impact Plan, safety, technology, finance, people practices, diversity, advancement, advocacy and communication with our stakeholders.
• Although the CARF survey lasts three days, we must show that we have upheld the standards over the three years since our last survey and demonstrate our commitment to doing so moving forward.