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Volume 3 - Number 7

July 1999

Consumer's Satisfaction Questionnaire Results

As required by the Settlement Agreement, the Division of Mental Retardation Services conducted a consumer satisfaction survey in the fall of 1998.

Results will help the Division identify strengths and weaknesses of the service system based on the evaluation

of the individuals and their parents in the community and in the developmental centers.

Last month we shared a comparison of 1997 and 1998 surveys sent, number of surveys returned and percentages sent and returned. This month we are sharing comparison of important issues.

Comparison of 1997 and 1998 important issues

For individuals living in community settings, parents/guardians emphasized the following:

Overall, how satisfied are you with the place where this individual is living? In the 1997 survey 87% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied. In the 1998 survey parent/family 84% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied; guardians 86% very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.

Overall, how satisfied are you with what this individual does during the day? In the 1997 survey 79 % were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied, and in the 1998 survey parents/family 75% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied; guardians 76% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.

When asked about medical care: In the 1997 survey 81% felt it was done very well or well, and in the 1998 survey parents/family 77% felt it was done very well or well; guardians 89% felt it was done very well or well.

When asked about Safety and protection from injuries: In the 1997 survey 81% felt it was done very well or well, and in the 1998 survey parents/family 75% felt it was done very well or well; guardians 89% felt it was done very well or well.

For individuals living in Developmental Centers, parents/guardians emphasized the following:

How satisfied are you with the Developmental Center where the individual lives? In the 1997 survey parents/guardians 92% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied, and in the 1998 survey parents/family 94% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied; guardians 100% were very satisfied or satisfied.

Overall, how satisfied are you with what the individual does during the day? In the 1997 survey parents/guardians 82% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied, and in the 1998 survey parent/family 85% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied; guardians 76% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.

When asked about medical care: In the 1997 survey parents/guardians 92% felt it was done very well or well, and in the 1998 survey parents/family 94% felt it was done very well or well; guardians 93% it was done very well or well.

When asked about safety and protection from injuries: In the 1997 survey parents/guardians 82% felt it was done very well or well, and in the 1998 survey parents/family 82% felt it was done very well or well; guardians 88% felt it was done very well or well.

No More Acting: Brent Named Deputy Commissioner

Finance and Administration Commissioner John Ferguson officially named Barbara Brent deputy commissioner for the Division of Mental Retardation Services effective May 17, 1999.

Brent, acting deputy commissioner since the resignation of Tom Sullivan in January, joined DMRS in May of 1997. Prior to this appointment, Brent was assistant deputy commissioner of program services.

Developmental Center Volunteers Honored

Two volunteers from the developmental centers were honored last month at the DMHMR's 10th Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at Montgomery Bell State Park.

Nelle Adams, whose 41 years of volunteer service has brightened the lives of hundreds of people at Clover Bottom, received the Commissioner's Award for Volunteer Services.

Eleven year old Holly McAmis, who is a special playmate to clients in Greene Valley earned the department's Volunteer Spirit Award.