• Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) is proud to be the first developmental services congregate care setting, nationally and internationally, to be awarded the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) in 2024.
  • The BPSO designation program demonstrates the commitment of organizations to promote the development of evidence-based cultures, improve care for the people we support and enhance the quality of care being delivered by health care providers and members of the care team. RNAO launched the program to support implementation of best practice guidelines at the organizational and system levels.
  • “We are thrilled to have CWSDS join our more than 1,000 BPSOs at home and abroad,” says RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun, founder and visionary of the program. “We are approaching our 20th anniversary of this program, and with committed organizations like CWSDS, evidence-based practice – and RNAO BPGs – has become a global gold standard. Kudos to CWSDS for their inspiring leadership. The biggest winners of our collective effort are the communities we serve.”

  • With persons supported in mind, CWSDS has identified the following BPGs to implement and guide the care we provide:

  • “CWSDS and RNAO’s collaboration aims to advance specialized clinical services and collectively optimize health outcomes within our organization. This allows all to be the best that they can be,” says Susan Quinn-Mullins, CWSDS Board Member “Our shared focus is to improve the quality of life of the people we support through a comprehensive plan of care and to promote continuity of care within and across all community sectors.”

“Grounded in our organizational values of collaboration, adaptability, inclusion, respect, accountability and innovation, CWSDS’ multi-disciplinary teams exemplify clinical excellence each day through their dedication to the people we support and passion for safe, compassionate, evidence-based care”, said Patricia Kyle, CEO.

Person- and Family-Centred Care | RNAO.ca

This guideline is designed to promote the evidence-based practices associated with person – and family-centred care and to help nurses, clinicians and other care providers gain the knowledge and skills to ensure a person-centered care approach within their daily routine practices.  For optimal effectiveness, the guideline provides recommendations for the direct care of persons in health-system setting, education for supporting professionals, and organizational and policy recommendations.

Our goal is to develop a comprehensive plan of care utilizing the person and family centered care approach and additionally, enhance the therapeutic relationship between supporting professionals and families’/caregivers.

Preventing Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls | RNAO.ca

This guideline focuses on the prevention of falls and falls injuries in all adults at risk of falls and receiving care from nurses and other care providers across the health – care continuum including those living in the community. The recommendations aim to outline an evidence- based approach for preventing falls and reducing injury along with risks and benefits for the person that should be considered when implementing interventions to prevent falls and minimize injuries.

In collaboration with members of our multi-disciplinary team, we will develop effective ways to conduct screening, complete comprehensive assessments, and monitor and implement interventions to prevent falls and injuries related to falls.

 A Proactive Approach to Bladder and Bowel Management in Adults | RNAO.ca

This guideline focuses on bladder and bowel management in adults through evidence-based recommendations for effective strategies to support adults with urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and/or constipation that will improve quality of life and lead to positive health outcomes. The recommendations provided are primarily intended for health care professionals across the continuum of care (i.e.: community and primary care) and various domains of practice (i.e.: clinical, education, policy).

Our goal will be to assess, identify and develop tools and resources to promote, educate, and facilitate practice change aimed to increase hydration, reduce constipation and promote good bowel health, specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as these concerns often contribute to gastrointestinal complications and complex behavioural issues.

Care Transitions | RNAO.ca

The guideline is focused on ensuring continuity of care and ensuring the rights of persons supported is understood and respected while understanding that transitions can occur within organizations (internal) or between them (external). To further promote safe and effective care, this guideline provides recommendations to ensure a coordinated and standardized systematic process to transition, with a focus on communication and flow of information. This guideline is intended for the purpose of all supporting professionals to focus on evidence-based strategies to facilitate safe and effective care transitions while acknowledging the unique needs of persons and applicable resources in the delivery of care.

Our goal is to develop a comprehensive transitional plan of care to ensure that during transition of care, seamless transition, effective communication and continuity of care occurs.

Oral Health: Supporting Adults Who Require Assistance | RNAO.ca

The purpose of this guideline is to provide nurses, clinicians and other supporting professionals with evidence-based recommendations for the provision of oral care for adults who require assistance. The recommendations promote a multi-disciplinary approach to providing oral care and interventions to enhance the delivery of oral care which ultimately leads to positive oral health outcomes for persons supported.

Our goal is to assess, identify and promote excellence in oral health care and hygiene as well as develop educational tools and resources for all direct support professionals and other disciplines supporting adults who require assistance with oral healthcare.

Our Vision and Purpose

Vision: Driving excellence in specialized services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex needs

Purpose: To improve the quality of life for the community of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex needs by providing specialized services and supports

Our Values

Accountability

Adaptability

Collaboration

Inclusion

Innovation

Respect

Annual Reports

Project Transform – Our Future

Project Transform, our strategic plan is all about making life better for the people we support. It’s about moving towards a future where everyone feels included, where our services are excellent, and where we’re there for each other every step of the way.

Because here’s the thing: YOU are the heart and soul of what we do. Whether you’re a cherished colleague, one of the incredible people we support, or a family member, we’re in this together, as one big family. Your voice is the heart of our journey to belonging.

Together, we’re an unstoppable force of positivity, inclusion, and empowerment. Let’s make magic happen!

Our strategic framework ensures we break down silos, enhance services, foster collaboration, and strengthen the foundation that supports people, families, and our team.

Empowering Lives, Enriching Communities

Join us in creating a future where people with developmental disabilities receive the specialized support they need to thrive. Whether you’re looking for services, career opportunities, or ways to contribute — CWSDS is here to support, empower, and transform lives. Get involved today!

Community Programs & Support