Quality Indicators

The Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC) has developed the Quality Indicators for Independent Living Services (QUILS), which has and will benefit new or established Centers for Independent Living (CIL’s). This unique system has been developed specifically for community based not for profit independent living centers and is the only one of its kind in the nation.

QUILS is based on two interrelated components.

The first component is the Quality Indicator document. This document provides Quality Indicators which are derived from current federal “standards and assurances for Centers for Independent Living”, but further details quality visions of best practice.

The second component of QUILS is a facilitated, on-site review by members of a peer review team. The peer review utilizes extensive interpersonal contact with consumers, Board and staff members to assess Quality Indicator achievement. This external assessment is enhanced through a thorough preparation of both the peer review team and the CIL staff, the latter are provided checklists of the resources needed in advance of the site visit.

The people who developed these indicators made a conscious decision to go beyond minimum requirements for compliance with federal or state standards. Instead, these indicators are intended to be signposts for CIL’s in the pursuit of excellence. Thus, the document can be used by the CIL’s to conclude an internal self-assessment or to conduct an external assessment by a team of peers. The results of a survey using the instrument are great for the foundation of a strategic plan.

If you would like a quote for a QUILS review, please use the form on the right side of this page.

The Quality Indicators are: