About NEHEP

NEHEP Partnership Directory

National Accreditation Council

Description

• Mission:

  To promote and recognize high-quality and efficacious rehabilitation and education services for people who are blind or have significant vision loss through a meticulous accreditation process that is guided by contemporary service standards. This accreditation process requires an honest, in-depth self-study by all applicants. The process is guided by evidence-informed service standards and exemplary operating procedures, followed by an onsite peer review to verify reported compliance and to help address identified deficiencies.

  Vision Statement

  To be the recognized accreditation body in the industry for agencies and schools serving the blind and visually impaired.

  Purpose

  NAC exists to encourage optimum outcomes for persons who are provided services by individuals and organizations through monitored compliance with established standards that are accepted by leaders in the field and revised as innovations are made in rehabilitation and education of the blind.

• Membership/Affiliates:

  Members of onsite review teams are recruited from among professionals with training and experience in rehabilitation, education, or other aspects of work with the blind. An individual’s training and skills are matched with the services provided by the agency or program. Care is taken to avoid any conflict of interest or partiality in the review process and in the awarding of accreditation. Review team members volunteer their time but have their travel, meals, and lodging paid. Reviewers consistently report that the onsite experience increases their understanding of how important and beneficial the accreditation process is for them as well as for the agency they visit.

• Programs/Activities:

  Agencies and programs wishing to be accredited by NAC apply to undertake a self-study. During the self-study, standards are applied based on the mission and functions of the agency or program and rated as “exceeds expectations” (3), “meets standards” (2), “does not meet standards” (1), or “not applicable” (0). The self-study is then verified by a team of professionals with experience and training in work for the blind during an onsite review of ratings, documentation, and interviews with consumers and collaborating agencies. A report of the onsite review is then brought to the Committee on Accreditation and Recognition, which may grant accredited status for up to five years or stipulate actions before accreditation is granted. Annual reports are required to inform the Board of significant changes in the organization and steps that have been completed to meet recommendations made by the onsite review team. Agencies that are accredited become members of NAC and pay annual fees based on a sliding-fee schedule.

Date Last Updated
January 2012