Results of Consumer Satisfaction Survey Highlighted

As required by the Settlement Agreement, the Division of Mental Retardation Services conducted a consumer satisfaction survey in the fall of 1997. Results of this survey 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. We would like to share some of the results of the survey.

For individuals living in Community settings, parents/guardians were asked the following questions: (623 were sent out, 257 responses were received (41%)

1. In general, how do you feel about the care this individual is receiving at the type of residence where he/she now lives? 84% felt that it was good or very good.
2. Overall, how satisfied are you with the place where this individual is living? 87% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.
3. Overall, how satisfied are you with what this individual does during the day? 79% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.
4. How happy do you think this individual is living at this individual's residence? 83% felt they were happy or very happy.

When asked how well has the community residence and/or living environment provided each of the following services for this individual:

• Medical care: 81% felt it was done very well or well
• A secure permanent home: 81% felt it was done very well or well.
• Safety and protection from injuries: 81% felt it was done very well or well.
• Teaching self care skills: 74% felt it was done very well or well.

For individuals living in Developmental Centers, parents/guardians were asked questions regarding care and services:
(1,475 were sent out, 656 responses were received (44%)

1. How satisfied are you with the Developmental Center where the individual lives? 92% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.
2. Overall, how satisfied are you with what the individual does during the day? 82% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.
3. How satisfied do you think the individual is living at the Developmental Center? 75% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied.

When asked how well has the Developmental Center provided each of the following services for the individual:

• Medical care: 92% felt it was done well or very well.
• A secure permanent home: 91% felt it was done well or very well.
• Safety and protection from injuries: 82% felt it was done well or very well.

Do you agree with these statements?

1. I trust the ability of the staff who work with the individual to handle almost anything that comes up. 87% agreed or strongly agreed.
2. The most important thing I want for the individual is a permanent place to live. 67% agreed or strongly agreed.

The Division thanks everyone who participated in the survey. The results are informative and are being taken seriously in planning for systems improvements.

A Success Story

Community Jobs

Jobs were secured for J. and S. J. will be operating a drill press (real safe) and S. will be sorting/sanding machine parts. They have safety glasses, gloves, and ear plugs and will follow all safety rules of the factory.

They will each have a job coach every day. They will be making anywhere from $6 to over $7 an hour based on productivity. When visiting the job site, they loved it and did not want to leave!