Residential Facility Ombudsman Program

Description

Individuals served often experience communication and accessibility barriers that require face-to-face visits to introduce program services and to assist in resolving concerns. The program’s purpose is to serve the individual resident. RFO endeavors to never become the voice of the individual, but rather works to amplify the individual’s voice.

Volunteers with a heart for working with individuals who experience an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability, as well as those experiencing chronic mental illness, are powerful allies in achieving quality of life in homes and facilities. The RFO program welcomes interested individuals age 18 and over in a wide variety of capacities. Self-advocates and peers have been instrumental to the creation and ongoing development of the RFO program. Their guidance and continued active participation in all areas of the program are actively sought.

Creating, producing and providing program materials in accessible formats that meet ADA guidelines is one way that RFO honors the populations we serve and protects the integrity of the program.

RFO Certified Ombudsman

Certified Ombudsmen (CO) work to identify, investigate and resolve complaints with and on behalf of individuals. They receive complaints from individuals during regular in-home visits as well as referred by the deputy ombudsman. The CO works closely with the supervising RFO deputy.