Other service agencies and the general public have sought the involvement of one or more of the DiverseAbilities agencies to access the larger disability community. The DiverseAbilities service integration is still in its infancy. Simple information and referral is, however, more qualitative. Consumers are then informed of additional service options from the partner agencies and asked if referral is wanted. The initial staff member can immediately go with the consumer across the hall to meet a staff member from the partner agency and begin to discuss possible service requests.
Accountability is improved and service lapses can be resolved more quickly.
The consumer is not separated into service pieces, but provided with a continuity of options in a friendly manner. Not only does the consumer benefit from this process, but there is also a quality improvement element as staff members from one agency indirectly train staff members in another agency. Better service is the bottom line. In any outcome driven format, the primary thrust of a meaningful measurement needs to be associated with the consumer's achievement of goals. Through the services of the individual partner agencies and the combined services that DiverseAbilities enables the partner agencies to collectively deliver, people with disabilities have set and achieved goals in education, independence, and vocation, improving their lives with assistive technology and a personal confidence that comes from being valued.