Admissions, the provisions of services, and referrals of clients shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin (including Limited English Proficiency), age, or sex.
Program Services shall be made accessible to eligible persons with disabilities through the most practical and economically feasible methods available. These methods include, but are not limited to, equipment redesign, the provision of aides and the use of alternative service delivery locations. Structural modifications shall be considered only as a last resort among available methods.
Any individual/client (and/or their guardian) who believes they have been discriminated against, may file a complaint of discrimination with:
- Kiski Valley Opportunities Unlimited
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services BEO/Office of Civil Rights Compliance
- Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centralized Care Management Operations
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)
If you have a friend or family member who would be interested in our program, you or your Supports Coordinator may contact KVOU administrative office at 724-567-7799.
KVOU strives to ensure services offered to those supported by KVOU are following the Person-centered thinking principle. To accomplish this, equal emphasis will be on quality of life, well-being, and informed choice. The full benefits of community living will be offered to each person supported by KVOU; they will be supported to live their idea of a good life. They will be seen and known for their strengths, talents, and interests. They have a right to fail and learn from their mistakes (Dignity of risk).
ISAC’s recommendations as stated in Everyday Lives: Values in Action publication and what KVOU is doing to support those we serve are listed below. KVOU stives to follow the motto Nothing About Me Without me.
- Assure Effective Communication
Everyone supported by KVOU will have their preferred mode of communication used when employees are communicating with them.
- Promote Self-Direction, Choice, & Control
Every person supported by KVOU will be respected as a person, opportunities will be given to them to make choices when needed, and their decisions will be honored. If someone needs assistance to make a decision, that assistance will be provided to them in their preferred mode of communication.
- Increase Employment
When someone supported by KVOU expresses a desire to work, CPS or competitive employment, the individual and their team will meet to discuss available options.
- Support Families Throughout the Lifespan
Families of people supported by KVOU, unless the family member has opted out of/declined to receive this information, will be kept updated on their loved one’s progress, health, medications, and community involvement.
- Promote Health, Wellness, and Safety
Everyone supported by KVOU will be educated on and encouraged to eat healthy (or how to follow their recommended diets), exercise, lead a healthy life, and participate in relaxing/calming/enjoyable activities to aid in mental/emotional health. They will be educated on their medical and treatment needs, diagnoses, and medications.
Support staff will be trained on each person’s health promotions and risk mitigation strategies and will ensure all recommendations are followed.
- Support People with Complex Needs
Whether the complex need is physical, medical, or behavioral, everyone supported by KVOU will have support staff that are trained on their specific needs. Staff will, at all times, follow any plan, risk mitigation, protocol, and/or procedure that is created to best support the person.
- Develop and Support Qualified Staff
KVOU has a thorough new hire orientation training that exceeds regulatory requirements. In addition, KVOU employees receive training throughout each year on general topics as well as specific information about the people they support.
- Simplify the System
KVOU employees will explain aspects of the system to people they support in plain understandable language using their preferred mode of communication when the need arises.
- Improve Quality
The person-centered services provided to the people supported by KVOU will be continually monitored and measured. It is a goal to, at all times, provide the best services to everyone in KVOU care, so everyone experiences an everyday life.
- Expand Options for Community Living
People supported by KVOU will be included in the decision of where they want to live when alternate homes are being sought by the agency. When a referral is received for an individual needing residential placement in an agency home with a vacancy, the people already living in the home will be asked if they want this person as a housemate.
- Increase Community Participation
Every person supported by KVOU will be encouraged to not only go into the community, but to participate in their communities, to make friends, contribute, experience new things, and develop new interests and hobbies.
"KVOU offers individuals the opportunity to live independently in a warm, loving, family setting. The staff are truly wonderful caring for my sister and she is safe, happy and well-cared for. The home is situated in a residential setting and provides for a comfortable living environment. I would highly recommend KVOU group homes to anyone seeking to place a loved one in a home that is staffed with dedicated and conscientious employees."
Michelle Kozlowski
Sister
It is very difficult to place a loved one in a group home when she has been so loved and cared for by her family. When my sister decided to move into KVOU, we reluctantly agreed. Our fears were quickly put to rest. We were impressed with the intake process where they got as much information about her health history, as well as her likes and dislikes, so that they could provide her with the complete care she needed. Shortly after moving in we could see that she was happy living there. When asked why she liked it, she replied "I love them and they love me." She found another family that loved her and cared for her!!!. We are thankful that KVOU was able to provide that!
Emilia