Spain
Posted by: CQL on 01/08/2007
Filed under: International
National FEAPS Conference
The Situation
FEAPS is an umbrella organization that advocates for the rights of people with developmental disabilities in coordination with affiliates throughout Spain.
The Quality Network of FEAPS wanted to learn more about alternative approaches in measuring quality. Their priority was to explore new and improved best practices in quality of life strategies for system enhancement based on individual outcomes. FEAPS members had a strong interest in CQL’s Personal Outcome Measures ® and how they contrast and compare to their current model of quality.
What CQL Did
CQL staff traveled to Madrid and Bilbao in Spain and delivered the keynote address (in Spanish) at the 2006 FEAPS’ national conference with approximately 500 people in attendance. We shared information about CQL, Social Capital and CQL’s Quality Measures 2005 ®.
We also opened a dialogue with the FEAPS Quality Network – with approximately forty administrators from around Spain attending a two-day session. We shared information on the Personal Outcome Measures ®, Shared Values and Basic Assurances ® – and began to explore how CQL and FEAPS might collaborate in improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Spain.
FEAFES Quality of Life Conference in Alicante
The Situation
The Spanish Confederation of Families and People with Mental Illness (Confederación Española de Agrupaciones de Familiares y Personas con Enfermedad Mental—FEAFES) consists of multiple associations based on geographic regions throughout Spain. FEAFES’s supports and services range from medical support to community coaching to residential supports. They base their forward movement on recent legislative advancements as well as international best practices. They seek to grow their mission and strengthen their values through international exchanges and interactions. For that reason and from having been referred to them by FEAPS, I was asked to present their key note address.
What CQL Did
Anne Buechner was referred to FEAFES by FEAPS, and was the invited keynote speaker at the annual national conference in Benidorm, Spain.
The conference took place from April 19-21, 2007 with approximately 370 participants from around Spain. This year’s theme was Quality of Life. The keynote address focused on the importance of Social Capital and the link to quality of life. Additional sessions at the conference included round table presentations and discussions about employment, self-determination, and community integration with many of Spain’s national experts. The conference ended with a theater production and a choral concert provided by people receiving services and their family members.