FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Chris Hilderbrant, office (585) 546-7510
September 2, 2010 cell (585) 267-0343

Survey Says: People served by CDR’s program are very satisfied
100% of respondents say they would recommend CDR to others

Rochester, NY – The Center for Disability Rights today released the data gathered from the exit surveys of the first 28 consumers who have left CDR’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) services since August 1, 2010. The data shows an overwhelming level of satisfaction with services from CDR, despite allegations from Monroe County that CDR was guilty of “widespread neglect.”

It is the standard practice of CDR’s Quality Assurance department to perform an exit survey with any individual choosing to end their services with CDR. “This practice is normally an effort to gather information from consumers who may have not been satisfied with our services and to learn how we can improve,” said Staci Kominiarek, CDR’s Manager of Quality Assurance. “In August, however, it has been an exercise in collecting rave reviews from people who are disappointed that they are being forced by Maggie Brooks to give up services they know and love.”

Survey participants are asked to respond on a 1 – 5 scale, with 5 as “strongly agree,” 4 as “agree,” 3 as “neutral,” 2 as “disagree,” and 1 as “strongly disagree.” Among the statements to which consumers leaving CDR’s programs are asked to respond to are:

1. “I had adequate CDPAS coverage.”
2. “My needs were met through partnership with the agency.”
3. “I would recommend the services and programs to others.”

Of the 28 consumers who changed CDPAP vendors before Friday, August 27th, survey responses were received from 21 of the consumers. This represents a response rate of 75% which is distinctly higher than the usual response rate.

For question #1, of the 21 responses received, 19 consumers indicated that they “strongly agree” that they had adequate CDPAS coverage. One other individual agreed and one other individual was neutral, indicating that s/he had difficulty finding enough attendants because s/he did not live near a bus line.

For question #2, of the 21 responses received, 19 consumers indicated that they “strongly agree.” One other individual indicated that they agreed and one other individual was neutral.

For question #3, 100% of the 21 responses received indicated that they “strongly agree” that they would recommend CDR’s services and programs to others.

“These numbers clearly show that people have been very satisfied with their services from CDR,” said Bruce Darling, President/CEO of CDR. “It’s sad that Maggie Brooks has chosen to disrupt their lives and services without actually asking them what they want!”

Transitioning services can be a very disruptive and challenging process for consumers. The data clearly indicates that the County is forcing consumers into a situation where they must end their relationship with CDR even though they are very satisfied with their services. Had they not received the directive from the County to transition, these consumers would have remained with CDR.