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The IM4Q is a statewide i initiative, funded by the Office of Mental Retardation (OMR) that provides consumers of mental retardation services a means to express their level of satisfaction with the services they receive and to play an active role in improving their quality of life.
The CILCP has been selected to administer the Independent Monitoring for Quality Project in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata counties. The term "independent" means that IM4Q projects must not be providers of certain types of services to persons with mental retardation.
Independent Monitors trained by CILCP gather information by visiting and interviewing consumers using a standardized survey instrument. For each completed survey Independent Monitors are paid a stipend and reimbursed for travel expenses.
The information gathered by the Independent Monitors is shared with both the state OMR and local MR programs. The provision of needed services is discussed by CILCP and County MR program staff via a process called "Closing the loop." This process ensures that issues raised at the interviews are dealt with effectively.
The CILCP continues to seek people with disabilities, family members, retired persons, college students, and interested others in Juniata, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Cumberland, Perry and Dauphin Counties to conduct the interviews. This project offers an excellent opportunity for people interested in enhancing the quality of services being offered to consumers of mental retardation services.
If you would like more information on IM4Q contact Gil Selders at 731-1900, extension 19 or e-mail him at im4q@cilcp.org.
IM4Q Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP)?
The CILCP is a non-profit, non-residential organization established by and for people with disabilities. To empower people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society is the guiding principle of the CILCP. The CILCP offers services to anyone with a disability who resides in Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin, or Perry County. There are no age restrictions to receive services. Services are available to families of individuals with disabilities, community service providers, governmental agencies and private businesses.
2. What is the IM4Q Project?
The IM4Q Project is a statewide initiative of the PA Office of Mental Retardation and administered through local county Mental Retardation (MR) programs. Our IM4Q Project operates within Cumberland, Dauphin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry Counties. Its primary purpose is to conduct individual interviews with persons with mental retardation receiving services from county Mental Retardation programs Through the interviews, information is obtained about the services people receive, their life outcomes and level of satisfaction.
3. Why was IM4Q created?
To improve the quality of life of individuals served by the mental retardation system by "identifying life outcomes, measuring achievements, recommending improvements, and promoting the values of Every Day Lives."
4. Who can become an Independent Monitor and are there any qualifications to become a monitor?
People with disabilities, family members of persons with disabilities, and other individuals committed to enhancing the quality of the lives of people with mental retardation can become an Independent Monitor. Consumers are highly encouraged to apply. Per State OMR requirements a team of two Independent Monitors is required to complete the survey process.
An individual wishing to be considered for appointment as a Monitor must posses the following attributes: ; a passion for enhancing the lives of individuals with mental retardation, experience with and an understanding of the lives of people with disabilities; honesty; common sense; the ability to establish rapport; good observation and listening skills; the ability to accurately record responses from the interview; follow through on administrative responsibilities after the survey; the willingness and ability to maintain good levels of communication with CILCP staff.
NOTE: People who are employed by MR provider agencies are ineligible to become Independent Monitors
5. Who determines who gets monitored?
The State OMR and the county MR programs randomly chose who gets monitored.
6. What happens with the survey and information collected?
The completed survey is returned to the CILCP IM4Q Project. The information documented on the survey is then entered into the State’s Home Community Services Information Systems (HCSIS) website. This website is designed to make it easier and more efficient for the project to store and retrieve data in order to improve the lives of individuals across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
7. How long does an interview usually last?
An interview takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Independent Monitors will also invest time in arranging the interviews and traveling to the site, which may be an individual’s residence or place of employment.
8. What do I do to become an Independent Monitor?
Potential Independent Monitors must complete an application for the IM4Q Project. Criminal Background checks are mandatory. Child Clearance Checks are optional. Newly appointed Monitors will then complete a thorough training program.
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