QWE implementation is similar to other continuous improvement processes; it begins with a self-assessment that enables you to pause and take stock of your agency’s current employment practices and environment. This assessment will serve as the starting point for the focused improvements the organization plans to undertake, and enable you to measure actual forward progress. The assessment and subsequent scores are intended for agency information and internal use only.
 

The QWE process consists of four general phases:
 

1. Conduct a self-assessment to determine best practices and potential action items

2. Learn from others  when needing guidance on how to overcome a barrier

3. Develop a Strategic Action Plan that outlines QWE goals

4. Implement the Strategic Action Plan to improve the quality of the work environment for employees who are blind or have significant disabilities.

The cycle of these phases will be determined by the length of time the CRP assigns to the complete all of the goals outlined in the Strategic Action Plan.  Most goals in a Strategic Action Plan can be completed in one to two years.  More complex goals or goals that are tiered may require up to three years for completion.  It is not recommended to set goals that can’t be completed within three years.  Once all goals are completed, the organization continues the QWE process by beginning the cycle again.  A new self-assessment is completed and a subsequent Strategic Action Plan is developed and implemented.  Organizations repeating the quality improvement cycle may turn in outstanding practices that were not previously submitted.
 

The QWE spreadsheet is a tool that contains the:

•  QWE Self-assessmentOutstanding Practices Worksheet
• Strategic Action Plan Worksheet
• Project Plans Template