ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act

The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and requires public buildings to make reasonable accommodations to enable access. It also requires employers to provide accommodations, such as modified job duties and work schedules, and equipment. And the ADA prohibits employers from denying benefits or terminating employment due to a work-related injury/illness.

AT – Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology Industry Association defines this as “any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.” Wheelchairs (power and manual), transfer equipment, Hoyer lifts, sip-and-puff controls, and computer accessibility systems are examples frequently found in workers’ comp. Adaptive housing solutions and vehicle mods are also considered assistive technology, which is sometimes abbreviated as AT.

ATP – Assistive Technology Professional

ATPs analyze the needs of people who have disabilities and guide the selection of their assistive technology. In workers’ compensation, they assess an injured worker’s functional and clinical condition and their homes. ATPs consider family dynamics, lifestyle, pre-injury activities, and return-to-work options when recommending appropriate rehab technology. ATPs are typically involved in mobility, seating and positioning and work with injured workers on the proper fit and use of equipment and they handle repairs and work on adaptive housing plans.

CAPS – Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist

Construction pros and specialists involved in home modifications for older people or those with disabilities often hold the CAPS certification. The National Association of Home Builders collaborated with the AARP to create the CAPS program, which teaches the business and technical skills needed to modify homes.

CEAC – Certified Environmental Access Consultant

Environmental access refers to the process of physically changing a home, workplace or vehicle to foster independence and functionality for an injured worker. The CEAC program was created to reduce the disparity in the training and practices of contractors and rehab specialists and its certificate symbolizes competence that separates environmental access professionals from a para-professional trade. A few years ago, a Master CEAC designation was created for highly experienced professionals. Our Erin Zablocki was one of the first five people in the US to earn the Master CEAC certificate.

C.H.A.M.P. – Certified Home Assessment and Modification Professional

C.H.A.M.P. is a home modification certification created specifically for workers’ compensation. Initially designed for builders and remodelers, its content now includes case managers and claims representatives who need to better understand adaptive housing projects.

CRT – Complex Rehabilitation Technology

CRT is medical equipment that is configured for the functional, medical, social, and workplace needs of a specific injured employee. Some of the CRT provided for seriously injured workers include powerchair systems, standing chairs, rehab exercise systems, vehicle lifts and modifications, customized manual wheelchairs, seat elevation and other seating and positioning products.

CRTS – Certified Rehabilitation Technology Supplier

Primarily for people who sell customized rehab and mobility equipment, the CRTS is also held by technicians and other specialists who fit, maintain, and repair equipment. Professionals with this credential can evaluate an injured worker’s needs and recommend appropriate assistive technology to facilitate the individual’s recovery and independence. Before receiving the CRTS, the individual needs to maintain the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification for a minimum of three years.

ECHM – Executive Certificate in Home Modification

This certification is for professionals working in the field of supportive home environments, including remodelers, contractors, physical and occupational therapists, and assistive technology specialists. The ECHM indicates the person possesses the specialized knowledge and skills needed to recommend and oversee changes to the homes of injured workers or seniors.

OT – Occupational Therapist

OTs help people regain strength and functionality after an illness or injury. They take a holistic approach to evaluating an injured worker’s condition, home and work environment and often lead the team that recommends adaptive housing solutions and assistive technology. OTs also work with seriously injured employees to recover the ability to perform activities of daily living. There are also OTs involved in return-to-work programs.  These OTs evaluate the employee’s functional ability along with the worksite and develop a plan that can include work conditioning, worksite modifications or task modifications.

OTR and OTR/L

OTR stands for Registered Occupational Therapist, meaning the OT has completed required education and training and is registered or licensed to practice.

OTR/L indicates the OT is registered and also licensed to practice legally in a particular state or county.

ATF Medical encourages employees to become certified in areas that are relevant to our field. We tend to hire people with appropriate certifications, too. Certification shows that the person cares about their profession, continues to learn about it so they can make sure that our injured workers receive the best rehab technology, adaptive housing and vehicle modifications, and mobility equipment.