Complaint Review: Foundation of Exceptional Achievers - Atlanta Georgia

In all outward appearances the Foundation of Exceptional Achievers, seems kosher. However, on the other side of the glass, things are not at all what they seem. This business promotes itself as a well run organization. An organization whose primary concern is the consumers that it serves.The company mission statement basically says that it's goal is to foster the social and personal growth of it's consumers.

The premise of the foundation is the supposed education of consumers. The staff hired as instructors dont have credentials or training in the areas in which they work. Clients who are deaf or cannot verbally communicate suffer the most. They dont have reasonable accommodations. Maybe a sign chart and a restaurant picture chart to be shared amongst the building. None of the instructors are trained in sign language. Pictures and other devises that are needed for individuals with speech and language problems are not available. Equipment such as computers for those with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy are unheard of.

I witnessed things that not only upset but saddened me. The foundation prides itself on consumer safety. But, only after numerous investigations by the Georgia Department of Human Resources this year did the company require extensive background checks and fingerprinting of his staff. This requirement now extends to interns/externs of which the foundation heavily relies upon. As they provide a free workforce . The foundation also recently began offering non violent intervention training to its interns/externs where previously these individuals were not background or fingerprint checked let alone trained in how to deal with violent consumers of which there are many. Quite frankly anyone under the control of a mind altering substances such as mental or behavioral medications has the potential to become violent.

Around the time that these changes were made a licensed nurse was brought into the facility to distribute medication to consumers. Previously unlicensed, uncertified individuals openly distributed medication to consumers on a daily basis. An unlicensed, uncertified case manager handled consumers personal case information. Also earlier this year less than fifteen-percent of the staff had CPR and FIRST AID training and or credentials, this includes the CEO-OWNER.

On one occasion, re-occurring plumbing issues in the building on both floors resulted in male consumers being taken outside behind the dumpsters to urinate. The building roof leaked constantly resulting in mildewed carpet. It was not unheard of to arrive at the building to the stench of wet carpet and box fans blowing cold air to supposedly dry the floor. Black mold was visible in the staff restroom due to the constant moisture. It was also not unheard of for classes to be taking place while the heat was off, which happened on more than one occasion

Basic supplies that were needed to prevent the spread of infection were always in short supply, if available at all. Supplies such as hand soap, and gloves. This in an environment where staff has the potential to come into contact with bodily fluid everyday through toileting incontinent consumers.

Consumers are paying for educational training that they are not truly getting. Daily progress notes are how the center receives its money and ultimately how the staff is paid. So there is a very high premium placed on case notes being completed. This can lead to falsification of documents.

Ultimately the business should change its classification from day habilitation program to adult day-care. Please dont be fooled by a walking tour. Investigate this business, drop in unannounced before you send your child or loved one here.

Concerned Advocate