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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.
Summary. Throughout the Center’s operations, there is clear evidence of an overall commitment to the principle of consumer control, and of the Center’s responsiveness to the expressed needs and priorities of consumers. 1 – Sec. 725 (b)(1)(A), “The Center shall promote and practice the independent living philosophy of… consumer control of the center regarding decision-making, service delivery, management, and establishment of the policy and direction of the center…”
Summary. The Center’s overall activity reflects an appropriate balance between direct service provision and teaching/empowering/supporting people to advocate and do for themselves. 2 – Sec. 725 (b)(1)(B), “The Center shall promote and practice the independent living philosophy of… self-help and self-advocacy…”
Summary. The Center clearly demonstrates a recognition of the importance of peer relationships in its overall operations, e.g. as: a) an empowerment mechanism, b) a way to achieve cost-effectiveness, and c) an opportunity for cross-disability connections. 3 – Sec. 725 (b)(1)(C), “The Center shall promote and practice the independent living philosophy of… development of peer relationships and peer role models…”
Summary. The center’s overall operations reflect a clear commitment to cross-disability and cross-cultural provision of services. 4 – Sec. 725 (b)(2), “The Center shall provide services to individuals with a range of severe disabilities. The Center shall provide services on a cross-disability basis (for individuals with all different types of severe disabilities, including individuals with disabilities who are members of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this Act). Eligibility for services at any center for independent living shall not be based on the presence of any one or more specific disabilities.”
Summary. The Center consistently emphasizes independent living as an overall priority focus of the Center. 5 – Sec. 725 (b)(3), “The Center shall facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals selected by individuals with severe disabilities who seek such assistance by the center.”
Summary. The Center makes high-quality independent living skills training available on a regular basis to all consumers, either by directly providing the training, by facilitating the process of individuals receiving it elsewhere, or both. 6 – Independent Living Skills Training is one of the core services an ILC must provide.
Summary. The Center provides timely, accurate information and appropriate referrals to a wide variety of consumers in a wide range of issue areas. 7 – ‘Information and Referral’ is one of the core services an ILC must provide.
8 – ‘Advocacy’ is one of the core services an ILC must provide. Sec. 725 (b)(1)(D), “The Center shall promote and practice the Independent living philosophy… equal access of individuals with severe disabilities to society and to all services, programs, activities, resources, and facilities, whether public or private and regardless of the funding source.” Sec. 725 (b)(4), “Community Options – The Center shall work to increase the availability and improve the quality of community options for independent living in order to facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals by individuals with severe disabilities.” Sec. 725 (b)(6), “Activities to Increase Community Capacity – The Center shall conduct activities to increase the capacity of communities within the service area of the center to meet the needs of individuals with severe disabilities.”
(i) Facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services. (ii) Provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals may remain in the community. (iii) Facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities, who were eligible for individualized education programs under section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)), and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school, to postsecondary life.
Summary. The Center has a clear, well-constructed long-range strategy for resource development. The Center is effectively implementing this strategy, and the Center has experienced some positive outcomes as a result of its strategy (e.g. expanded fiscal resources, and successful retention of existing fiscal resources). 10 – Sec. 725 (b)(7), “Resource Development Activities – The Center shall conduct resource development activities to obtain funding from sources other than this chapter.”
Summary. The Center’s overall governance and management have generally led the Center in a manner that has resulted in a good return on the investment of public monies, as experienced by consumers who rely on the Center.
Summary. The Center’s overall structure is appropriate to carrying out the mission of an Independent Living Center.
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