In January 2009, the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) awarded a grant to CQL for a quality initiative in collaboration with the Department of Human Services/Division of Developmental Disabilities.
The Illinois Blueprint for System Redesign includes a key element focused on continuous quality improvement, directing the division to “measure performance and engage in quality improvement to guide better system performance through quality improvement along with better outcomes for people with developmental disabilities.” Action focused on the commitment to develop a single integrated quality management plan produced and monitored by qualified community organization staff, self-advocates and Bureau staff.
The Bureau of Quality Management (BQM) is charged with leading efforts to develop and implement a single integrated quality management plan. Their immediate first step was to assure that people responsible for quality had the necessary skills and expertise to analyze and synthesize data, draw valid conclusions and take action for change.
CQL|The Council on Quality and Leadership delivered its certification program, Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) to people from various community provider organizations, the state quality bureau, and self-advocates. The process was completed over seven months of intensive learning focused on using data to inform decisions regarding the quality of services and supports.
This certification program is modeled after CQL’s other successful certification programs in that the learner receives training and gains skills through observation, practice, actual experience, and on-going support. The certification prepares people to collect reliable and valid data, analyze and interpret data to guide informed decision making and recommendations.
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