AABR: A COMPASS Agency—Thirteen Years in a Row 

To be an example for others to follow takes an extraordinary amount of dedication, determination and persistence.  Few individuals or organizations ever earn the status of being a “model,” and even fewer hold this distinction on a consistent basis.   When it comes to caring for people with special needs, AABR is one of only eight agencies in New York State certified to be a COMPASS agency, and it is the only organization that has held this distinction for thirteen consecutive years.

 On July 20, 2007, AABR again was given the green light by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) to continue as a COMPASS agency.  What does it take to be apart of this select group, you might ask?  Every year, state auditors from OMRDD visit AABR to review each of its 20-plus programs, either via a personal visit or perusing documentation.  Since 1994, auditors have come and gone only to leave behind a stamp marked: “Exemplary.” 

As a COMPASS agency, AABR is allowed to self-audit some of its programs, mentor other agencies and launch innovative programs for people with disabilities.  Most importantly, at the heart of being a COMAPASS agency is, of course, the consumers.  Consumers are literally brought into the decision making process of management.   

Being one of the best in your field is not always easy. 

“To work together as a team is always challenging,” comments Kathy Flood, Assistant Executive Director.  “The policies set forth by the Board of Directors have to be carried out by management and staff.  We are always checking and re-checking to make sure we are all working as a unified team.” 

Flood attributes AABR success as an organization to the dedicated leadership team and staff, many of whom have been with the agency twenty-plus years.  “We know each other really well,” Flood comments.  “The distinction is great [of being a model agency], but it’s service to the consumers that really matters.”