Valley Educational Associates

Home   |    The VEA Story     |     Benefits to You     |    VEA Services    |    Contact us   |    Valley Industries    |   Valley Manufacturing   |   Valley Bookcases
 

The Office of Quality Enhancement (OQE) is located within the Office of Quality Management of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). As with all components of DDS, the OQE is committed to the Department’s mission of creating innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.  

Valley Educational Associates Inc. has participated in  (as of March 2010) eight survey and certification reviews and has achieved seven consecutive Certifications with Distinction.  Few agencies in the state of Massachusetts have been able to equal this outstanding record.  The following policies and practices were determined by OQE to be examples of why VEA Inc. has achieved this high level of success. 

The following quotes were provided by OQE following the latest licensure: 

A primary strength of Valley Educational Associates is the availability, presence, and effectiveness of their clinical component.  Clinicians spend approximately eighty-five percent of their time within program work sites, serving as role models, collecting and analyzing data, conducting training, and providing feedback to staff on an ongoing basis.

Another significant strength of the agency is its ability to recruit and retain many long-term, knowledgeable staff.  Retention for managers averaged fifteen to seventeen years and for staff, averaged five and one-half years.

The combination of long-term knowledgeable staff and the presence and effectiveness of clinicians has fostered a competent and professional team approach to supporting individuals.

The agency employed several other mechanisms which have contributed to individual successes.  For example, people at each work site had opportunities to experience and receive training in all aspects of available work to further develop their skills.

The work sites and work expectations promoted a culture of teamwork and valued work ethics.

 Job readiness classes were conducted weekly at each site for people in supported work locations and for those who are ready for this advancement.  Individuals’ success was acknowledged at all locations through ongoing employee recognition events and was reported to be a big incentive by many people.

The agency demonstrated a commitment to work place safety and rights affirmation.  Comprehensive safety assessments are in place for all people and monthly inspections are conducted at all sites. 

 Human rights trainings are completed annually in a group setting or individually, depending on the needs of each person.  In addition to an active human rights committee, the agency had a peer review committee in place to assess behavioral interventions’ compliance with regulatory and clinical standards.

 A significant strength of VEA is the combination of mechanisms, such as strategic planning, yearly internal program evaluations, and an involved Board of Directors, which are utilized for the planning and management of the agency.