Results from our Program Evaluation
At Horizons, we continually strive to improve the services we provide for our special
individuals. To help us know how we are doing in the eyes of our parents, guardians,
case managers/social workers and our individuals, we evaluate our progress each year
through a survey process. The evaluation has two components:
- The first component involves looking at the characteristics of the individuals we
serve. - The second component is seeking input from various people including the
individuals we serve, parents, guardians and social workers.
Many questions were asked. The following bar graphs highlight some of our findings
from the Program Evaluation that was completed for the period of July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
For more information on programs or for a complete copy of the evaluation, contact
Horizons Unlimited's Program Managers at prgrmgr@ncn.net.
Survey Results
Please share your impression or how you view the services we provide.
Download printable copy of report
Recommendations from data review: Program data for individuals served tracking and trends reveals little change in the number of individuals served in both the vocation and residential programs combined. However, the vocation program without residential services appears to be diminishing. Therefore, programmatic changes within the vocational department should be considered as vocational programming appears to be shifting. Discharges appear to remain fairly stable. Admissions reflect a minimal increase over the past six years, while referrals peaked in 2008. Increased admissions seem reflective of increased referrals, ongoing review of service options should be considered to meet increased referral needs.
Horizons Unlimited evaluated programs and services in 2007/2008 after the departure of the previous CEO. Hope Haven, an established Community Rehabilitation Provider, assisted in program and service evaluation through onsite assessments and recommendations. Recommendations included restructuring the vocational and residential staff and financial accounting system. Several recommendations were implemented within this evaluation period, however Horizons Unlimited continues to evaluate its programs through the Quality Assurance Team, too.
Work Activity Funding: Horizons received funding from Counties, State, ICF/MR, School systems, and Private pay. County funding equaled 67% of total work activity funding. State equaled 12% of the work activity total funding. ICF/MR equaled 15% of total work activity funding. School systems and Private pay funding together equaled 6% of total work activity funding.
Recommendations from data review: Data was not recorded prior to FYE 2008 for HCBS funding. Recommend we continue tracking and trending HCBS funding to identify programmatic changes. County funding has historically been our main funding stream. Due to changes in funding, programmatic changes should be considered. Recommend continuing to monitor demographic information of consumers for the identification of trends and needed programmatic changes.
Recommendations from data review: The data indicates a decline of skill levels from FY2007, but generally maintaining approximate levels throughout the seven year data period. The generally lower Self Care skills level may be reflective of a generally higher level of assistance required by the individuals. Horizons Unlimited shall continue to evaluate programmatic review to ascertain if increased training is required.
Due to reduced workload and review of unsuccessful community employment contracts, some community employment jobs were reduced and hours were affected. Previous year had 38 clients involved in 23 job sites and 1,139 hour worked per month. FY 07/08 had a reduction of hours worked per month to 1,098, a 4% reduction. Contracts were reviewed and this resulted in the loss of three community job sites and a gain of one. Hours were reduced for clients from 8 hours per day to 6 hour Work Activity hours and clients were reduced from 38 to 31, which was an 18% reduction.
Through the Program Evaluation, we also asked specific questions and here is a highlight of some of the answers we received:
Do you feel the individual’s current program does the following?
Promotes independence:
2005 – Yes – 74% Sometimes – 20% No – 5% No Answer – 1%
2006 – Yes – 85% Sometimes – 11% No – 1% No Answer – 3%
2007 – Yes – 86% Sometimes – 14% No – 0% No Answer – 0%
2008 – Yes – 65% Sometimes – 30% No – 0% No Answer – 4%
Is positive:
2005 – Yes – 81% Sometimes – 12% No – 5% No Answer – 2%
2006 – Yes – 84% Sometimes – 12% No – 0% No Answer – 4%
2007 – Yes – 85% Sometimes – 15% No – 0% No Answer – 0%
2008 – Yes – 64% Sometimes – 30% No – 0% No Answer – 2%
Is appropriate for skill level:
2005 – Yes – 77% Sometimes – 18% No – 2% No Answer – 3%
2006 – Yes – 98% Sometimes – 2% No – 0% No Answer – 0%
2007 – Yes – 49% Sometimes – 27% No – 0% No Answer – 24%
2008 – Yes – 56% Sometimes – 30% No – 0% No Answer – 14%
Supports the individual’s goal:
2005 – Yes – 72% Sometimes – 22% No – 3% No Answer – 3%
2006 – Yes – 83% Sometimes – 12% No – 1% No Answer – 4%
2007 – Yes – 90% Sometimes – 10% No – 0% No Answer – 0%
2008 – Yes – 56% Sometimes – 30% No – 0% No Answer – 14%
Provides for input by individuals:
2005 – Yes – 69% Sometimes – 18% No – 3% No Answer – 10%
2006 – Yes – 89% Sometimes – 6% No – 0% No Answer – 5%
2007 – Yes – 85% Sometimes/yes –7% Sometimes –8% No – 0% No Answer – 0%
2008 – Yes – 47% Sometimes – 0% No – 35% No Answer – 18%
ALL PROGRAMS:
- Does Horizons Unlimited promote a positive image of individuals served?
2008 – Yes – 89% No – 1% Maybe – 0%
- Does Horizons Unlimited promote a positive image of employees?
2008 – Yes – 87% No – 5% No Comment – 10% - Does Horizons Unlimited promote a positive image in the community?
2008 – Yes – 90% No – 5% No Comment – 12% - Does staff treat you with respect and dignity?
2008 – Yes – 90% No – 4% No Comment – 6%
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