About the Case
The case originated
during the Disability Agenda 2000 campaign in Pittsburgh, PA. A unique experience
brought together People with disabilities and Healthcare Management,
allowing Management to hear the actual experiences of real people
in thei facilities. A decision to bring these stories to the employees
was the initial cause for the development of a Problem Based Learning
case reflecting a composite of a few of these real life stories.
The case was then developed as a collaboration between the UCLID
Center and the Hospital Council
of Western Pennsylvania. It was originally presented at a conference
in Wexford, PA drawing in representatives from over 25 local healthcare
facilities. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and there
was a request for further presentations of the program. In an effort
to allow the maximum participation and ease of attendance,
the presentation is currently offered to facilities at their site.
Please contact us about visiting your facility.
About the Facilitator
In addition to taking the basis of the case from true life stories
of people with disabilities, the Every Contact Counts program utilizes
facilitators with disabilities. This unique approach further reinforces
the concept of individuals with disabilities being part of the process
and being valuable assets in the process of delivering quality healthcare.
The primary facilitator, Rob Oliver, is a motivational
speaker, advocate and educator. Paralyzed at
the age of 21 by a body surfing injury, Rob has a real world perspective
on healthcare, customer service
and disability awareness. With a Masters Degree in Psychology,
he shares his expertise and insights from the lived experience
of life with a disability. The combination of his qualifications,
experiences, disability and personality provide an unforgettable
experience for participants.
About the Sponsors
The FISA Foundation's
mission is to build a culture of respect and improve the quality
of life for three populations in southwestern Pennsylvania:
women, girls, and people with disabilities. Formed in 1911, the foundation
was instrumental in founding what is known today as the Harmarville
Rehabilitation Center. In 1996, because of the increasing challenges
presented by managed care, the trustees of the Center and the Federation
Board found it necessary to explore a number of options for future
viability. After considerable deliberation, they decided to sell
the real estate and operating assets to HealthSouth Corporation.
As the founder and owner of Harmarville, the Federation received
the proceeds of the sale and established a charitable grantmaking
foundation.
The Hospital Council of Western
Pennsylvania is located in Warrendale, PA and represents Healthcare
facilities in over 30 Counties. The Hospital Council
of Western Pennsylvania is a strategic partner with western Pennsylvania
health care providers and affiliated organizations, enabling them
to realize their missions while maintaining their status as economically
viable entities. The staff provides a variety of resources to member
Hospitals with expertise in hospital operations, management,
finance, government relations, communications, disaster and emergency
preparedness,
grant funding, clinical operations, health information management,
business development, reimbursement, and governance, among others.
