Progressive Center offers support coordination, providing services that assist participants in gaining access to needed program and state plan services, as well as needed medical, social, educational, and other services.
A support coordination agency is an organization qualified by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to provide services that assist participants in gaining access to needed program and state plan services, as well as needed medical, social, educational, and other services. Support Coordinators complete a variety of responsibilities in partnership with the person, his/her family, DDD, and service providers, which include:
How would you describe the experience your support coordinators have working with individuals with disabilities?
PCIL’s experience in assisting individuals with disabilities of all ages for nearly 20 years has provided us with extensive knowledge on disability topics and resources, including education, transition, advocacy, peer support, case management, recreation, independent living skills, as well as many other topics. What sets us apart and makes us unique from other human service agencies, is that we are staffed and governed by people with disabilities.
What training and mentoring do your support coordinators receive to give them the knowledge and skills needed to help my family member obtain the supports and services needed to live the life (s) he wants? Please describe some of the key skills your support coordinators have.
As support coordinators, PCIL staff receives extensive orientation and continued training in support coordination services through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). PCIL requires ongoing training for staff on human services related topics and staff continually participates in community outreach and refinement of resources in our region. Staff receives updated information on assistive and communicative technologies through local organizations that specialize in this area. In addition, PCIL is a certified master trainer through Cornell University’s ADA Trainer Network, providing information and education on ADA rights and responsibilities. We also partner with the Aging & Disability Resource Connection network and provide training throughout the state to other providers on a variety of disability related topics.
How do your support coordinators develop or adapt services and supports to address the needs and preferences of culturally diverse communities? Provide some examples.
It is PCIL’s 19-year history and experience of serving individuals with disabilities and our diverse staff that allows us to deliver a model of service as support coordinators that is culturally sensitive to a diverse disability population. PCIL prides itself on serving all individuals equally and with dignity and respect. We recognize the cultural differences among individuals, and consider those differences when developing an individualized plan of service. Support coordinator staff are happy to utilize any form of communication in order to provide successful interviews.
How are your support coordinators connected with the local community and resources? Please give examples.
One of PCIL’s free core services is information and referral, not only have we amassed an extensive library of resources, but we maintain partnerships with agencies and service providers within our community to keep this library up to date.
How do you educate and empower people and families about the support options that are available to them?
It is because we have a myriad of local and regional resources available that we can educate and empower individuals about a variety of support options.
How do your support coordinators monitor the quality of support received and work with the person, family and providers to ensure that quality is achieved?
After the initial intake, PCIL support coordinators will do concentrated and thorough research to find and match appropriate services to the individual. We keep open communication between the individual, the family and providers to ensure that quality services are provided and to ensure that services are meeting the needs of the individual and the family.
How do you get feedback from the people you service and how do you use this information to improve services?
PCIL has an open door policy with consumers and individuals we serve, thus allowing free and open exchange of information and feedback to improve the quality of our services. Individuals and families are encouraged to ask questions, discuss suggestions, address problems and concerns with any staff member or officer to ensure quality of services.
How is your agency different from others? How do you stand out from other support coordination agencies?
What sets us apart and makes us unique from other human service agencies, is that we are, at minimum, staffed and governed by 51% people with disabilities.
Are there people or families using your support coordination services I can contact as a reference?
Yes, references are available upon request and at the discretion of the individual or family.
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