PROVIDER REPORT FOR
VALLEY EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 46
 Hatfield, MA 01038    

Version
Provider Web Report

Prepared by the Department of Developmental Services
OFFICE OF QUALITY ENHANCEMENT	

SUMMARY OF OVERALL FINDINGS

Provider	
VALLEY EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATES	
	
Review Dates	
8/8/2016 - 8/12/2016	
	
Service Enhancement 
Meeting Date	
8/26/2016	
	
Survey Team	

Susan Dudley-Oxx	
Elsa Adorno (TL)	

Citizen Volunteers	

	

 

Survey scope and findings for Employment and Day Supports	
Service Group Type	Sample Size	Licensure Scope	Licensure Level	Certification Scope	Certification Level	
Employment and Day Supports	4 location(s) 8 audit (s) 	Full Review	63 / 63 2 Year License 08/26/2016 - 08/26/2018			
Community Based Day Services	1 location(s) 4 audit (s) 			Full Review	7 / 12 Certified	
Employment Support Services	3 location(s) 4 audit (s) 			Full Review	15 / 18 Certified	
 
Survey scope and findings for Planning and Quality Management	
Service Group Type	Sample Size	Scope	Licensure Level	Certification Scope	Certification Level	
Planning and Quality Management	N/A	N/A	N/A	Full Review	6/6 Certified	
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY :
Valley Educational Associates, Inc. (VEA) was established in 1982 as a nonprofit corporation that provides employment, community-based day supports (CBDS) and behavioral services to individuals with developmental disabilities. VEA, headquartered in Hatfield, operates three community-based day support sites located in Chicopee, Springfield, and South Deerfield. Through its employment services, VEA also offers opportunities for individuals to work at various community businesses. The current licensing and certification review was based on a sampling of individuals who receive services from VEA through contracts with DDS. The sample included eight individuals who received community-based day supports, and four individuals who received employment supports. 

At the core of VEA's services is a commitment and capacity to provide individuals with opportunities to engage in productive work and experience personal growth through effective clinical supports. The agency's clinical expertise, combined with well-trained staff, enables VEA to provide highly individualized supports. Findings from the current survey demonstrated that the organization utilized its clinical staff to develop effective behavior plans, and trained staff to implement these plans in a consistent and safe manner. The clinical team monitored the effectiveness of behavioral supports across all worksites. The review of data associated with behavioral interventions reflected the progress individuals had made overtime. This included reduction in use of Level II interventions as well as reduced use of time-out areas. 

Another significant strength of VEA was its success in maintaining a competent, well-trained workforce. Review of training records indicated that staff had the skills and knowledge necessary for their support roles. A number of staff had supplemented their knowledge through various seminars, relating to successful clinical supports. It was also noted staff turn-over rates were relatively at all three service locations. This resulted in organizational stability and a workforce that was well-prepared to address individuals' unique support needs.

The recent survey results also indicated that agency systems were effective in ensuring the ongoing safety of individuals. With respect to environmental safety, alarm systems and other safety equipment were inspected and operational. In the area of personal safety, it was found that fire drills were conducted regularly as required. Individualized emergency information was current, accurate and accessible to staff who provide direct supports. In addition, the agency effectively addressed risk management factors relating to individuals' specific support needs. 

Within the human rights domain, it was found that the agency had an effective human rights committee.  The VEA Human Rights Committee met at least quarterly, and all behavior plans and guidelines were reviewed annually and when changes were implemented. In addition, the committee reviewed restraint reports, investigations, and restrictive procedures at each meeting. It was also noted that individuals received annual training and ongoing support to understand their employment-related rights. Currently, individuals were paid minimum wage for the work they completed. Until July 2016, some individuals were receiving sub-minimum wages. Review of time studies and pay rates from the previous six months showed that VEA complied with all state and federal Department of Labor (DOL) requirements. State and federal DOL certificates were current and applicable time studies were conducted accordingly.

Review of areas subject to certification found that individuals had the opportunity to provide feedback on staff performance. The agency recognized the importance of feedback received from individuals on their services and supports. Review of employee evaluations showed that this feedback was consistently incorporated into the staff evaluation process.  There was evence that communication with guardians had occurred when necessary to report illness or significant events. Individuals who received employment supports worked in integrated job settings.  VEA offered various integrated work opportunities for individuals in the survey sample, including packaging jobs as well as janitorial crews. The agency also maintained ongoing contact with employers regarding individuals' job performance. 

The survey team also identified a few areas in which Valley Educational Associates may productively focus its attention. Among these is the need to strengthen current practices related to community-based day supports. In the area of meaningful and satisfying day activities, the agency needs to ensure that individuals are supported to explore their interests in community activities that connect them to other people and enhance their relationships with others. The agency also needs to ensure that individuals are able to revisit decisions about their daily routines and activities. Within the agency's employment support service, the agency is encouraged to be more comprehensive in the use of interest inventories, and ensure that work interests are fully explored with individuals. Lastly, the agency needs to provide individuals with information on the potential impact of wages on their entitlements. 

Based on results of the agency's current licensing and certification review, VEA received a Two-Year License for its Employment and Day Supports, and certification was renewed for its community-based day and employment service models.	

LICENSURE FINDINGS

	Met / Rated	Not Met / Rated	% Met	
Organizational	10/10	0/10		
Employment and Day Supports	53/53	0/53		
    Community Based Day Services
    Employment Support Services
				
Critical Indicators	8/8	0/8		
Total	63/63	0/63	100%	
2 Year License				
# indicators for 60 Day Follow-up		0		

CERTIFICATION FINDINGS

	Met / Rated	Not Met / Rated	
Certification - Planning and Quality Management	6/6	0/6	
Employment and Day Supports			
Employment Support Services
	15/18	3/18	
Community Based Day Services
	7/12	5/12	

	Summary of Ratings	
	Employment Support Services- Areas Needing Improvement on Standards not met:	
	Indicator #	Indicator	Area Needing Improvement	
	 C22	Staff have effective methods to assist individuals to explore their job interests.	The agency needs to develop and utilize effective methods to assessing individuals¿ job interests and ensure that these identified interests are fully explored. 	
	 C26	Career planning includes an analysis of how an individual's entitlements can be managed in a way that allows them to work successfully in the community.	The agency needs to develop a system of informing individuals on how their work earnings may have an impact on their disability benefits. Such a system might include written or pictured information which could be reviewed with each individual on an annual basis.  	
	 C29	Individuals are supported to obtain employment that matches their skills and interests.	The agency needs to ensure that individuals' are provided opportunities to work in jobs and occupations that reflect their personal interests. 	
				
	Community Based Day Services- Areas Needing Improvement on Standards not met:	
	Indicator #	Indicator	Area Needing Improvement	
	 C40	Individuals are supported to explore their personal interest and options for community involvement, personal interest and hobbies.	For individual receiving community-based day supports, the agency needs to develop effective methods to assist them in exploring their interests and options for community involvement. This might be achieved through standardized interest inventories by the agency, or structured interviews with individuals seeking such assistance, or other means developed by the agency.	
	 C41	Individuals participate in activities that reflect their interests.	Individuals need to be regularly involved in community activities that reflect their interests. 	
	 C42	Individuals are involved in activities that connect them to other people in the community.	The agency must provide regular opportunities for individuals to participate in activities that bring them naturally into contact with others in the community.  	
	 C43	Staff support individuals to maintain and enhance relationships with others.	The agency needs to provide ongoing support to individuals to maintain and enhance relationships with others.	
	 C45	Individual's decisions of what to do during the day are revisited on a regular basis.	The agency needs to ensure that individuals' choices and decisions regarding their scheduled activities and routines are regularly revisited. 	

MASTER SCORE SHEET LICENSURE
Organizational: VALLEY EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATES
	Indicator #	Indicator	Met/Rated	Rating(Met,Not Met,NotRated)	
O	 L2	Abuse/neglect reporting	6/6	Met	
	 L3	Immediate Action	1/1	Met	
	 L4	Action taken	1/1	Met	
	 L48	HRC	1/1	Met	
	 L65	Restraint report submit	98/100	Met(98.00 % )	
	 L66	HRC restraint review	95/95	Met	
	 L74	Screen employees	4/4	Met	
	 L75	Qualified staff	1/1	Met	
	 L76	Track trainings	4/4	Met	
	 L83	HR training	4/4	Met	

Employment and Day Supports:
	Ind. #	Ind.	Loc. or Indiv.	Emp. Sup.	Cent. Based Work	Com. Based Day	Total Met / Rated	Rating	
	 L1	Abuse/neglect training	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
	 L5	Safety Plan	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
O	 L6	Evacuation	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L7	Fire Drills	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L8	Emergency Fact Sheets	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
	 L9	Safe use of equipment	L	3/3			3/3	Met	
O	 L11	Required inspections	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
O	 L12	Smoke detectors	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
O	 L13	Clean location	L			1/1	1/1	Met	

	Ind. #	Ind.	Loc. or Indiv.	Emp. Sup.	Cent. Based Work	Com. Based Day	Total Met / Rated	Rating	
	 L14	Site in good repair	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L15	Hot water	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L16	Accessibility	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L17	Egress at grade 	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L20	Exit doors	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L21	Safe electrical equipment	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L22	Clean appliances	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L25	Dangerous substances	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L26	Walkway safety	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L29	Rubbish/combustibles	L			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L31	Communication method	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
	 L32	Verbal & written	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
	 L37	Prompt treatment	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
O	 L38	Physician's orders	I			4/4	4/4	Met	
	 L39	Dietary requirements	I			1/1	1/1	Met	
	 L44	MAP registration	L	2/2		1/1	3/3	Met	
	 L45	Medication storage	L	2/2		1/1	3/3	Met	
O	 L46	Med. Administration	I	2/2		4/4	6/6	Met	
	 L49	Informed of human rights	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
	 L50	Respectful Comm.	L	3/3		1/1	4/4	Met	
	 L51	Possessions	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
	 L52	Phone calls	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	

	Ind. #	Ind.	Loc. or Indiv.	Emp. Sup.	Cent. Based Work	Com. Based Day	Total Met / Rated	Rating	
	 L54	Privacy	L	3/3		1/1	4/4	Met	
	 L55	Informed consent	I	1/1			1/1	Met	
	 L57	Written behavior plans	I	1/1		4/4	5/5	Met	
	 L58	Behavior plan component	I	1/1		4/4	5/5	Met	
	 L59	Behavior plan review	I	1/1		4/4	5/5	Met	
	 L60	Data maintenance	I	1/1		4/4	5/5	Met	
	 L61	Health protection in ISP	I			3/3	3/3	Met	
	 L62	Health protection review	I			3/3	3/3	Met	
	 L63	Med. treatment plan form	I	1/1		4/4	5/5	Met	
	 L64	Med. treatment plan rev.	I	1/1		4/4	5/5	Met	
	 L73	DOL certificate	L	2/2			2/2	Met	
	 L77	Unique needs training	I	4/4		3/3	7/7	Met	
	 L78	Restrictive Int. Training	L	3/3		1/1	4/4	Met	
	 L79	Restraint training	L	3/3		1/1	4/4	Met	
	 L80	Symptoms of illness	L	3/3		1/1	4/4	Met	
	 L81	Medical emergency	L	3/3		1/1	4/4	Met	
O	 L82	Medication admin.	L	2/2		1/1	3/3	Met	
	 L84	Health protect. Training	I			3/3	3/3	Met	
	 L85	Supervision 	L	3/3		1/1	4/4	Met	
	 L86	Required assessments	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	

	Ind. #	Ind.	Loc. or Indiv.	Emp. Sup.	Cent. Based Work	Com. Based Day	Total Met / Rated	Rating	
	 L87	Support strategies	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
	 L88	Strategies implemented	I	4/4		4/4	8/8	Met	
	#Std. Met/# 53 Indicator						53/53		
	Total Score						63/63		
							100%		
MASTER SCORE SHEET CERTIFICATION
	Certification - Planning and Quality Management	
	Indicator #	Indicator	Met/Rated	Rating	
	 C1	Provider data collection	1/1	Met	
	 C2	Data analysis	1/1	Met	
	 C3	Service satisfaction	1/1	Met	
	 C4	Utilizes input from stakeholders	1/1	Met	
	 C5	Measure progress	1/1	Met	
	 C6	Future directions planning	1/1	Met	

Community Based Day Services Reviewed By -DDS	
Indicator #	Indicator	Met/Rated	Rating	
 C7	Feedback on staff performance	4/4	Met	
 C8	Family/guardian communication	4/4	Met	
 C13	Skills to maximize independence 	4/4	Met	
 C37	Interpersonal skills for work	4/4	Met	
 C38	Habilitative & behavioral goals	4/4	Met	
 C39	Support needs for employment	3/4	Met	
 C40	Community involvement interest	1/4	Not Met (25.00 %)	
 C41	Activities participation	0/4	Not Met (0 %)	
 C42	Connection to others	0/4	Not Met (0 %)	
 C43	Maintain & enhance relationship	1/4	Not Met (25.00 %)	
 C44	Job exploration	4/4	Met	
 C45	Revisit decisions	0/4	Not Met (0 %)	
Employment Support Services Reviewed By -DDS	
Indicator #	Indicator	Met/Rated	Rating	
 C7	Feedback on staff performance	4/4	Met	
 C8	Family/guardian communication	4/4	Met	
 C22	Explore job interests	0/4	Not Met (0 %)	
 C23	Assess skills & training needs	4/4	Met	
 C24	Job goals & support needs plan	4/4	Met	
 C25	Skill development	4/4	Met	
 C26	Benefits analysis	2/4	Not Met (50.0 %)	
 C27	Job benefit education	4/4	Met	
 C28	Relationships w/businesses	3/3	Met	
 C29	Support to obtain employment	0/4	Not Met (0 %)	
 C30	Work in integrated settings	4/4	Met	
 C31	Job accommodations	4/4	Met	
 C32	At least minimum wages earned	1/1	Met	
 C33	Employee benefits explained	4/4	Met	
 C34	Support to promote success	4/4	Met	
 C35	Feedback on job performance	4/4	Met	
 C36	Supports to enhance retention	4/4	Met	
 C37	Interpersonal skills for work	4/4	Met