As I look back at 2019, I am amazed by all the new developments and the incredible work put in by everyone at VTI and our international network. As you read through this list of Top 10 Accomplishments please keep in mind that VTI has 2 part-time consultants, a volunteer Executive Director, a volunteer Board of Trustees, 17 Validation Masters who volunteer their time to create new policies and translate important materials into other languages, plus volunteer Teachers who have led our online support groups and played important roles in every project listed below.
New Website – it’s totally redesigned so you can easily find what you need: https://vfvalidation.org
5 New ‘How–To’ Videos – teach simple, useful techniques that improve communication: YouTube channel They are available in French, German, and Italian. Soon in Chinese and Swedish too.
Quality Manual in New Languages – Our 128-page Quality Manual is now available in English, French and German – keeping standards high and Validation’s integrity sound.
New Master Validation Teachers – We are proud to welcome 3 new Master Teachers, Waltraud Pommer (Austria), Sarka Lahner (Austria) and Francesco Mosetti (Italy).
New Board Member – Molly Balunek, Founder/President at Laurel Tree Advisors is our latest board member addition and will oversee our new Endowment Fund.
New Authorized Validation Organizations – We welcomed new AVOs in Basel, Switzerland and Vienna, Austria.
New Japanese and Chinese Validation Presenters – We welcome new Chinese and Japanese Validation Presenters after 3 intensive years of training.
Validation for First Responders – VTI published a workbook called “Communicate with Older Adults with Cognitive Decline: Validation for First Responders.” The German translation will be available this year.
GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency – We are proud to receive platinum status for our GuideStar profile page.
The Family Caregiver Course, a unique, hybrid of both in-person and web-based training, proved to be successful during our pilot in Denver, CO.
My deepest gratitude to everyone who helped us grow and develop this year.
My goodness, what will 2020 bring?
Vicki de Klerk