In a powerful example of cross-organizational collaboration, The Arc of Southern Maryland has reached out to AHRC Nassau to engage in a process of appreciative inquiry. The purpose: to learn how AHRC Nassau utilizes Personal Outcome Measures data not just to measure outcomes, but to actively support and evolve a person-centered culture—ultimately shaping policy, refining practices, and transforming experiences for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Appreciative inquiry is a strengths-based, collaborative approach to organizational development that seeks to identify what works well, understand why it works, and build on those strengths. For The Arc of Southern Maryland, this inquiry is more than a fact-finding mission—it is a strategic move toward deepening its commitment to person-centered practices by learning from a like-minded organization with proven methodologies.

AHRC Nassau is dedicated to data to drive person-centered supports for each person. In addition, by focusing on themes that emerge from Personal Outcome Measures—individual interviews and evaluations that identify what matters most to each person—AHRC Nassau has built a culture where data is not just collected but meaningfully applied.

During a recent technical assistance call hosted by CQL AHRC Nassau was asked to present for CQL’s Community of Practice on some of AHRC Nassau’s initiatives including the annual POM Rally and other innovative practices. CQL has a regularly scheduled POM Community of Practice call for trainers and interviewers to enhance their practices.

This call is an opportunity for regular technical assistance and a sharing ideas of and information. CQL Certified Agencies from across the country were in attendance for their zoom presentation. The presentation was the opening for a broader dialogue on many items. CQL Certified Trainer Susan Gill-Orange and Assistant Director Bridget Cariello wrapped up the day by inviting CQL organizations across the country to join in AHRC Nassau’s upcoming hybrid POM Rally spring of 2025.

The dialogue between the two organizations has already sparked rich conversations about shared challenges, successes, and future possibilities. Leaders at The Arc of Southern Maryland are particularly inspired by how AHRC Nassau identifies recurring themes across individual outcomes and then uses that thematic data to guide initiatives.

“This process has been incredibly illuminating,” said a representative from The Arc of Southern Maryland. “What stands out is how AHRC Nassau doesn’t just gather data—it listens to it. That listening shows up in everything from hiring practices to how staff approach their daily work. It’s a living, breathing culture of responsiveness.”

AHRC Nassau is happy to also be sharing information at the CQL Annual Conference this year.

Using Data to Strategically Plan Your Year: A Review Of Themes, Initiatives And Indicators

Bridget M. Cariello, AHRC Nassau
Susan Gill-Orange, AHRC Nassau

Join us for this fun and interactive session, where we’ll explore how to effectively use POM data to strategically plan for success in the year ahead. This insightful workshop will provide you with the knowledge, and frameworks needed to assess key themes to identify initiatives to drive the delivery of high-quality, person-centered experiences and initiatives at your organization.

For More Information Visit:

2025 CQL Conference: Go The Distance! – The Council on Quality and Leadership