CQL

What CQL does

CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership is a U.S.-based non-profit organization founded in 1969 and headquartered in Towson, Maryland. The organization provides accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to human service providers, state agencies, and managed care organizations serving people with intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities. Its core intellectual property consists of the Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) interview framework — a validated tool exploring 21 quality-of-life indicators across 5 factors — and the Basic Assurances® organizational evaluation system, supported by the PORTAL Data System for longitudinal outcome aggregation across 1,900+ users.

CQL's product portfolio is organized around a tiered accreditation pathway (Systems, Quality Assurances, Person-Centered Excellence, Person-Centered Excellence with Distinction, and Network) delivered through a consultative, multi-year sales cycle led by Quality Enhancement Specialists. Complementary revenue comes from training (POM workshops at $800/registrant, single-topic sessions at $75/registrant), individual POM certification, manual sales ($38/printed copy), and customized consultation. The methodology is explicitly human-centered and interview-based, with no AI components; the technology stack centers on data capture and benchmarking rather than automation.

The go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales for accreditation, event-based self-registration (JotForm) for training, content marketing (Capstone newsletter, webinars, peer-reviewed research), and community-led growth through a 500+ accredited organization network. Customer concentration sits in the non-profit IDD provider and state human services segments, with growing forays into aging-in-place services. CQL operates with 11-50 employees and has been led by President & CEO Mary Kay Rizzolo, with no disclosed funding, M&A, or ownership changes.

Name

CQL

Legal name

The Council on Quality and Leadership Inc.

Website

https://c-q-l.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership is a non-profit founded in 1969 that provides accreditation, training, certification, and research services to human service organizations serving people with intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities, anchored by its proprietary Personal Outcome Measures® framework.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Services Accreditation and Quality Improvement

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (5419), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Management Services (8741), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Platforms (BPAEAPAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Clinical Quality Assurance (GCP QA, TMF/QMS oversight) (HLAGAKAI), Program Monitoring & Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Services (EDACAKAL)

Keywords

• Human services accreditation
• Quality improvement services
• Outcome measurement tools
• Disability services certification
• Person-centered training

Headquarters

HQ city

Towson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Accreditation Services: CQL provides formal accreditation to human service organizations through multiple accreditation tracks (Systems, Quality Assurances, Person-Centered Excellence, Person-Centered Excellence with Distinction, Network). Organizations engage via inquiry, self-assessment, site visits, and ongoing partnership. Revenue is generated through accreditation fees across the multi-year accreditation lifecycle.
2. POM Workshop Training: CQL delivers multi-day virtual POM For Adults Workshops (5-day intensive format) at $800 per registrant, with discounts for accredited organizations. Workshops include printed POM manual, interactive sessions, practice interviews, and serve as a pathway toward CQL Certification.
3. CQL-Hosted Training Sessions: CQL offers individual training topics (e.g., Person-Centered Thinking) at $75 per registrant. Both in-person and virtual formats are available. Training is delivered by CQL Quality Enhancement Specialists and counts toward professional development.
4. Manual Sales: CQL sells printed copies of the Personal Outcome Measures® Manual for Adults at $38 per unit. International shipping incurs additional charges. An electronic download version is available for free. Revenue is supplemented by related manual/guide sales.
5. Certification Services: CQL offers individual certification to ensure the quality and consistency of POM implementation. Certified professionals undergo training and examination. Accredited organizations receive a 5% discount on certification activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

CQL provides accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services for human service organizations serving people with intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities. Its core framework centers on the proprietary Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) interview tool exploring 21 quality-of-life indicators and the Basic Assurances® organizational evaluation system, supported by the PORTAL Data System for outcome benchmarking. CQL offers five accreditation tiers (Systems, Quality Assurances, Person-Centered Excellence, Person-Centered Excellence with Distinction, and Network) and trains approximately 5,000 professionals annually.

Product overview

CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership offers a comprehensive suite of person-centered quality improvement services for human service organizations. The core offerings center on the Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) framework—a validated interview-based tool exploring 21 quality of life indicators—and the Basic Assurances® system for measuring organizational practices. These are supported by the PORTAL Data System for aggregate data analysis and reporting. CQL provides multiple accreditation pathways (Systems, Quality Assurances, Person-Centered Excellence, Person-Centered Excellence With Distinction, and Network) for organizations seeking formal recognition of quality standards. Training services include CQL-hosted, organization-hosted, and e-learning options, culminating in POM Certification. The organization also offers consultation services and publishes resources including manuals, guides, and conversation card tools. The portfolio operates on a human-centered, interview-based methodology without AI or automated components.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Systems Accreditation Accreditation option that validates non-negotiable organizational systems are in place, focusing on foundational organizational infrastructure for human service providers.
• Quality Assurances Accreditation Accreditation option that strengthens an organization's person-centered approaches through systematic quality assurance processes.
• Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation Accreditation option that integrates person-centered tools to improve organizational quality and transform service delivery.
• Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction The highest tier of CQL accreditation, requiring organizations to demonstrate sustained excellence across all person-centered practices and organizational transformation.
• Network Accreditation Accreditation designed for large human service entities, Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), and state systems seeking organization-wide quality transformation.
• CQL-Hosted Training In-person and virtual training programs led by CQL experts covering topics including POM implementation, Person-Centered Thinking, organizational culture, and rights.
• Organization-Hosted Training Customized training programs delivered by CQL using its frameworks and materials for the internal staff development of client human service organizations.
• E-Learning Courses Online self-paced learning courses providing flexibility for professional development in person-centered practices.
• POM Certification Certification program ensuring the quality and consistency of how Personal Outcome Measures® are implemented by organizations and governmental agencies.
• Consultation Services Customized consultation with CQL experts to implement tailored approaches for unique organizational needs in human services.
• PORTAL Data System A data collection and analytics platform enabling accredited organizations to track POM outcomes over time, inform decision-making, assess ROI, and direct person-centered plans. Aggregates data across 1,900+ users for benchmarking.
• Personal Outcome Measures® Manual for Adults A comprehensive printed manual detailing the 21 POM indicators that focus on quality of life for adults, including factor descriptions, process guidance, interviewing techniques, and measurement approaches. Sold at $38 per printed unit with a free electronic download also available.

Quantifiable outcome

• When individualized supports are in place, older adults with disabilities are 41.7 times more likely to participate in the life of the community, 89.7 times more likely to choose where and with whom to live, and 93.5 times more likely to live in integrated environments.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered affiliated, collaborative and minor.

• National Leadership Consortium (NLC)affiliatedStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National Leadership Consortium is an affiliate of CQL, operating as a related entity that shares CQL's mission of advancing quality and leadership in disability services. The affiliation provides mutual brand reinforcement and collaborative reach into leadership development networks.
• Opportunities for Positive GrowthcollaborativeStrategic or Co-development PartnerCQL collaborated with Opportunities for Positive Growth to develop the Personal Outcome Measures® In Pictures: For Adults tool, a visual interviewing resource designed to support POM interviews with people who communicate differently.
• National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG)collaborativeStrategic or Co-development PartnerCQL partnered with the NTG to deliver a webinar on Intersections of Dementia and IDD. Kathryn Pears, NTG's Chief Operations Officer, served as the featured expert presenter, providing strategies for identifying and navigating dementia's impact on people with IDD.
• Ray Graham AssociationcollaborativeOthersA CQL partner organization in Illinois providing services to people with disabilities. Contributed expertise on aging in place, home accessibility, capital campaigns for home modifications, and universal design. Member of CQL's partner network sharing best practices.
• Emory Valley CentercollaborativeOthersA CQL partner organization in Tennessee providing services to people with disabilities. Shared insights on aging in place using technology, adaptive equipment, remote supports, Alexa reminders, pendant systems, and sensors. Contributed to CQL research on best practices.
• St. Louis ArccollaborativeOthersA CQL partner organization in Missouri providing services to people with disabilities and aging adults. Contributed expertise on home modifications, specialized staff hiring (LPNs, Registered Dietician), hospice partnerships, and grief/loss training. Actively cited by CQL as a model for accreditation outcomes.
• The New York FoundlingcollaborativeOthersA CQL partner organization in New York serving children, youth, and adults with disabilities. Shared expertise on age-in-place features including accessible elevators, ramps, open floor plans, updated flooring, lighting adaptations, and multi-sensory gardens. Cited as an accredited organization model.
• North Dakota Health & Human Services – Aging & Adult Services SectioncollaborativeOthersA state-level government partner contributing to CQL's research on aging in place. Shared data on 43% growth in home and community-based services users, assistive technology partnerships, virtual supports, and smart home modifications. Represented by Nancy Maier (Director) and Erica Reiner (Nurse Administrator).
• Envision UnlimitedcollaborativeOthersA CQL partner organization in Illinois that successfully implemented remote supports. Dr. Kristen Salkas (Director of Innovation), Tina Lowry (Director of Quality Assurance and CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist), and Jesse Brian McMorris (person served) participated as expert presenters in a CQL 'Ask The Expert' webinar on remote supports.
• Camphill Communities OntariocollaborativeOthersA provider organization in Ontario, Canada, sharing how it intentionally supports non-traditional forms of spirituality for people with disabilities. Contributed a detailed account of Anthroposophy-based practices, staff education, community events (Novalis Hall), and Eurythmy performances. Featured in CQL's Capstone newsletter on spirituality.
• JCFS ChicagocollaborativeOthersJCFS Chicago contributed Tammy Besser (LCSW, NCG), a member of AAIDD's Religion and Spirituality Interest Network, who provided expertise on non-traditional forms of spirituality for CQL's Capstone newsletter. Contributed definitions, examples, and strategies for supporting diverse spiritual practices.
• AAIDD Religion and Spirituality Interest NetworkminorOthersCQL collaborates with AAIDD's Religion and Spirituality Interest Network for expertise on spirituality and disability. Tammy Besser is a member of this network and contributed to CQL's spirituality resources.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• URAC: URAC is a healthcare accreditation organization covering a wide range of health and human services programs, offering an adjacent alternative for organizations considering CQL accreditation in areas like case management and behavioral health.
• National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA): NCQA is a leading healthcare quality accreditation and measurement organization. While focused on health plans and providers, it overlaps with CQL's quality measurement and benchmarking mission, particularly for MCOs that CQL also serves through Network Accreditation.
• The Joint Commission: The Joint Commission is a large, established healthcare accreditation body that also accredits behavioral health and human services organizations — competing with CQL for the broader human services and behavioral health accreditation market.
• Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC): ACHC provides accreditation for healthcare and human services providers, with overlapping coverage in behavioral health and disability services that compete with CQL's portfolio of accreditation tracks.

Others

• National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS): NASDDDS represents state agencies overseeing intellectual and developmental disability services — direct stakeholders of CQL's Network Accreditation. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant that influences state-level accreditation purchasing decisions.
• American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): AAIDD is a professional association that publishes intellectual and developmental disability standards and research, and is referenced as a collaborator with CQL. It is thematically related as a peer authority in the IDD field, though not a direct accreditation competitor.
• ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources): ANCOR is a national trade association representing community-based disability service providers — CQL's core customer base. It is an ecosystem partner and indirect peer in setting industry quality and policy standards.

Regional players

• Plan Institute for Citizenship and Disability: Plan Institute is a Canadian disability-focused organization advancing person-centered planning and citizenship — overlapping conceptually with CQL's person-centered practices, though operating regionally in Canada rather than as a direct US competitor.

Direct peers

• CARF International: CARF International is the most direct competitor to CQL, accrediting human service organizations across aging services, behavioral health, child and youth services, and employment and community services — directly overlapping CQL's IDD and human services accreditation footprint.
• Council on Accreditation (COA): COA accredits community-based human service organizations and behavioral health providers, overlapping directly with CQL's target market of human service providers, child welfare organizations, and behavioral health programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCn6I64c4gYfRoq8zP5h7mHQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheCQL
• Xx.com/TheCQL

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CQL