Live at Home takes another step toward home access certification

FLUSHING, Mich. – VGM Live at Home (LAH) in April took another step toward launching its Institute of Home Access Professionals (IHAP) certification program by participating in an open house at the Victor House, a fully renovated “living showroom” for home accessibility solutions.

The Victor House, a three-bedroom, two-bath residence in Flushing, Mich., serves as the backdrop for education and training videos that will make up the coursework for the IHAP program. The home showcases a wide range of accessible design and aging-in-place products in a real-world environment.

“We previously completed the first half of the video shoot of the home in its condition before construction to show the home’s barriers,” said Cindi Petito, director of LAH. “Over the summer, we’ll shoot the second half of the videos to show all the solutions available.”

COR Freedom Home Accessibility purchased the property and completed the renovation of the home, which is named after its previous owner, a veteran of World War II. The rehab included construction of a bedroom and bathroom addition and the installation of numerous accessibility products and features, ranging from grab bars to powered kitchen cabinets and countertops.

Once launched, the IHAP program will be approved by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and will establish best practices and standards for both health care and home accessibility industries, Petito said.

“What we aim to do is not just build a foundation of best practices but also bring together the two siloed industries so they understand each other’s professional roles, responsibilities and expertise in the provision of providing home access products and services,” she said.

The certification will require participants to complete a defined amount of education, pass an exam and renew their credentials every two years – similar to other certification programs in the complex rehab technology (CRT) industry.

“There will be accountability,” Petito said. “Home accessibility has long operated like the Wild West and with the rapid growth of aging in place, we believe professional education is essential, so companies are properly trained to evaluate needs and recommend the right solutions, ultimately delivering better outcomes for consumers.”

To support the program’s launch later this year, LAH plans to introduce a new LAH Store in May. Initially, the online portal will feature a library of on-demand webinars. Once IHAP goes live, the store will serve as the central hub for the certification program.

LAH is also rebranding its annual Building Opportunities Summit, which will now be called the Live at Home Summit. The event is scheduled for Oct. 14-16 in Atlanta.

Photo courtesy of VGM Live at Home.