Putting people first

ONEIDA, N.Y. >> The Arc of Madison Cortland has been awarded the four-year Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership.

This award confirms that the organization embraces personcentered solutions to improve the quality of life for people receiving supports and services.

The Arc of Madison Cortland is a strong parent/family-based organization. Two-thirds of the board of directors are blood relatives of a person with a developmental disability. They offer their unique experiences to ensure the best quality of support and services The Arc can provide.

“We are excited to receive the CQL reaccreditation in Centered Excellence through March of 2023,” said Perry Courto, executive director of The Arc of Madison Cortland. “The Council of Quality and Leadership ensures we are person-centered, allowing us to be focused on the individual, their outcomes, wishes, and dreams.”

When The Arc of Madison Cortland partnered with CQL to pursue accreditation, it undertook a rigorous process to review and

improve supports and services. The efforts of The Arc of Madison Cortland continue to be focused on empowering the people who receive supports to pursue what really matters in their lives, and achieve their personally-defined outcomes.

The Arc of Madison Cortland has been awarded CQL accreditation as a result of demonstrating proficiency in the following areas:

• Basic Assurances - Ensuring fundamental safeguards related to health, safety and human security

• Personal Outcome Measures - Supporting and empowering people to achieve their goals and dreams

• Person-Centered Excellence - Demonstrating organizational commitment to continued enhancement of systems

“CQL commends The Arc of Madison Cortland for its success in increasing the quality of life for the people it supports. We are pleased to partner with them on this journey of ongoing organizational transformation,” said Mary Kay Rizzolo, president and CEO of CQL.