The Aging & Disability Resource Center database is used to catalog community services, maintain the accuracy of community information, provide information to the public at large, and link people with needed services.

Purpose of Inclusion/Exclusion Policy

• To provide criteria and guidance in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive human services resource database to meet community needs.
• To insure the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date information available in an open and fair manner.
• To provide a written process for resolving local disputes regarding database content.
• To adhere to the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) Standards for professional information and referrals.
• To document services, identify gaps in service, and assist with related community needs assessment activities.
• To maintain the intellectual property rights and any corresponding property rights for the information contained in the data base.

Criteria for Inclusion

The following general guidelines are used to determine whether an agency, organization or program is eligible to be listed in the resource database:

• Agencies and programs maintained and listed in the database of the CONNECT 2 HELP 211 under a Limited License Agreement.
• Government agencies that provide services in the area of health, welfare, recreation, or education.
• Not-for-profit agencies programs, organizations, and community groups that provide direct and/or indirect health and human services with an IRS 501(c) (3) tax status.
• Public libraries, public and private educational facilities providing special services to the elderly and disabled.
• Churches, civic groups, and social or fraternal organizations that offer health and human services for the community-at-large.
• Help lines, information lines, or information and referral services that provide information on health and human services.
• Inpatient and outpatient facilities providing health and human services to the public.
• Agencies and Programs offering equipment or services that accept Medicaid, food stamps, or provide a free or low-cost service to the elderly and disabled.
• Home Health Care agencies and vendors that have service contracts with CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions.
• Counseling centers and self-help support groups that offer free services or reasonable fees on a sliding scale based on income.
• Licensed adult day care centers.
• Senior citizens centers.

The Aging & Disability Resource Center does not endorse or rate agencies, organizations, or programs included in the database and does not assume or guarantee the quality of service. Inclusion of services available only to a limited target population will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Criteria for Exclusion

The following general guidelines are used to determine whether an agency or program is excluded from the resource database:

• Agencies and programs that are located outside the geographic service area and are unable to provide services to individuals in our geographic service area.
• Agencies and programs that provide information or public awareness that is only of a political nature.
• Agencies and programs that deny or limit service on the basis of color, race, religion, or gender.
• Agencies and programs that violate local, state or federal laws.
• Agencies and programs which offer a service to members only.
• Agencies and programs that provide information primarily of a commercial nature.

The Aging & Disability Resource Center reserves the right to refuse or to cancel the listing of any agency, organization, or program.

Appeal Process

Agencies and Programs who want to appeal a decision regarding exclusion or cancellation from
the database shall adhere to the following process:

• Request inclusion by contacting and clarifying the agency, organization or program services with the director of the Aging & Disability Resource Center.
• If a resolution is not accomplished, a written request providing rationale for the appeal of the director’s decision may be sent to the CEO of CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions.

Disclaimer

The Aging & Disability Resource Center does not guarantee client referrals to agencies and programs. CICOA only provides limited screening of clients for eligibility for services. No endorsement or lack of endorsement of any agency, organization, or program shall be construed
from its inclusion or exclusion from the database.