Horizons Unlimited Achieves CARF accreditation

Horizons Unlimited has been awarded a three year accreditation by CARF.

This accreditation represents the highest level of accreditation. It is awarded to organizations that show substantial fulfillment of the standards established by CARF and clearly indicates that present conditions represent an established pattern of total operations that is likely to be maintained and/or improved in the foreseeable future.

The latest action marks the fifth consecutive three-year accreditation awarded to Horizons Unlimited by CARF, an international accreditation body.

According to Brian J. Boon, Ph.D., President and CEO of CARF, "Horizons Unlimited has put itself through a rigid peer review process and has demonstrated that its programs and services are of the highest quality measurable and accountable."

Horizons Unlimited is a non-profit organization.  It has been providing opportunities to individuals with disabilities for more than 37 years.

CARF, a private, not-for-profit, Tucson-based accreditation body established in 1966, is committed to promoting the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.

HORIZONS UNLIMITED MEETS REQUIREMENTS AGAIN FOR OSHA VPP STAR SITE

“KNOCK! KNOCK! It’s OSHA!”

It’s a fear that every company has that OSHA (Iowa’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration) might just show up one day at your door for a surprise inspection. Horizons Unlimited does not have to worry about this as long as they remain an OSHA VPP Star Site and do not have a serious accident.

Horizons Unlimited has been a VPP Star site since 1998. Horizons is one of only 34 VPP sites in Iowa and it is the only facility of its kind in the United States to achieve this top safety and health award from the state.

Becoming a VPP Star Site means that Horizons Unlimited has gone above and beyond the requirements set by OSHA to be a safe and healthy work place. There are 19 elements that must be applied and followed to become and remain a VPP Star Site. VPP requires that all staff be involved in safety.

Horizons Unlimited has to have a complete inspection every five years in order to keep their superior safety status. Horizons recently completed their rigorous inspection with OSHA June 19 –21, 2007. While in Emmetsburg for the audit, several other Emmetsburg companies took advantage of an invitation from Horizons to come visit with the inspectors about “what it takes” to become a VPP Star Site. OSHA found nothing out of compliance at Horizons Unlimited when they finished their inspection.

In addition to having an inspection every five years, Horizons Unlimited also has to prepare and send an OSHA Consultation Report every year. This report describes how they have met the 19 elements, and explains any changes they have made in their policy and procedures that will improve safety and health for all staff and clients.

In May of 2007, Horizons Unlimited hosted two OSHA trainings on “Walking/Working Surfaces.” The trainings were well received with 100 people in attendance. All Horizons Unlimited staff were required to attend.

Horizons Unlimited would like to thank all employees at Horizons for their hard work in preparing for the audit. A special thank you also goes to Deb Hughes who supervised the audit preparation and Larry Bruellman from Ottosen who donated countless hours of his time in helping Horizons Unlimited prepare for the audit.

For more information about becoming a VPP Star Site, please contact Marvella Wickman at Horizons Unlimited, 712-852-2211, or OSHA at 515-281-3124.