DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Achieve program recently passed its annual licensing inspection at its location in the Mill Town Shopping Center. It was the first on-site inspection since January 2020.
Achieve is a program for adults with disabilities, ages 21 and older, who wish to develop a wide range of life skills while engaging and participating in their community. The program uses a person-centered approach to develop learning opportunities based on the unique skills and interests of the individual.
The comprehensive inspection included an intensive review of the program regulations and procedures, an assessment of the building and confirmation that the proper safety measurements were in place. The maintenance team was critical to the preparation for the inspection. They routinely collaborate with Achieve program specialists to ensure that the building is maintained to the highest standards in compliance with licensing regulations, and are always responsive to any maintenance requests and updates to safety elements when needed.
The CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services staff, who work on-site in partnership with the CCIU, also played an integral role in the inspection. Not only did staff assist with organizing documents and supplies, but the licensing inspector also noted that the staff had caring and strong relationships with the consumers. CCRES is a non-profit organization that works alongside intermediate units and school districts to provide educational and behavioral support services to children and adults with special needs.
Camaryn Canton, a direct support professional from CCRES, shared, “I have a good relationship with my consumers because I treat them with respect. Our relationship is special because they know they can trust me and that I support them.”
The coordinators for the Achieve program were particularly proud of the accomplishment. Laurie Masino, community-based instruction and adult services supervisor for the Achieve program, commended her staff on this important achievement. “Our team goes above and beyond and takes pride in every aspect of what they do. To be acknowledged by the licensing review committee for maintaining the highest of standards in programming is a testament to the team and the love for what they do on behalf of our consumers,” Masino stated.
Stephanie Garrett, program specialist for Achieve, shared similar sentiments about working on this team, saying, “We are so lucky to have a team of direct support professionals who really take pride in the work they do, parents and families who care about us and one another, and an organization like the CCIU to back our program. Our team works tirelessly day after day to ensure that each consumer has a meaningful experience while they are with us.”
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