The ECHM, Executive Certificate in Home Modification, is another credential some rehab professionals pursue.
The ECHM program focuses on maximizing home environments for disabled or elderly people. It’s designed for professionals working in the field of supportive home environments, such as remodelers/contractors, occupational and physical therapists, and Assistive Technology Professionals. Our Executive Director of Rehabilitation Erin Zablocki holds this certification among others.
The University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology offers the ECHM program. It involves five distinct on-line courses. Content covers assistive devices and home modifications to promote a person’s independence.
The classes also go into how to select a qualified contractor, negotiate for services, and read architectural plans. And there’s instruction on disease and function-specific modifications and ethics.
The whole point of home modifications, or as we call them—adaptive housing solutions—is to convert the environment to make performing tasks easier and support independent living. This can range from adding grab bars and ramps to complete kitchen remodels so an injured worker in a wheelchair can cook for themselves.
ATF Medical approaches these projects by evaluating the injured worker and the home and then deploying a team of experts in mobility, accessibility and construction to design and produce a new home setting for a specific injured or ill worker.
We evaluate rehab technology, assistive devices, and construction changes to create the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for a specific person. Our construction specialists select and oversee the contractors and ensure the work is completed on time and within budget. And we communicate with claims representatives every step of the way.
If you’d like more information on ECHM certification, please go to https://homemods.org/echm/ and to learn about ATF Medical’s adaptive housing solutions, contact Erin Zablocki, ECHM, CEAC at ezablocki@atfmedical.com.
