225XE0001X - Occupational Therapist Environmental Modification

Updated on July 01, 2023. Version 23.1

Occupational therapy practitioners are experts at identifying the cause of difficulties in performance of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Occupational therapy practitioners evaluate the client, their environment, and their occupational performance in that environment, as well as make recommendations for products to improve the fit between the client, place, and activity. Occupational therapists can evaluate both the skills of the client and the environmental features that support or limit the performance of meaningful or necessary activities, thereby enhancing health, safety and well-being. Based on this assessment, they recommend modification and intervention strategies that improve the fit between the person and his or her environment.

Source: The Guide to Occupational Therapy Practice, 2nd edition. Bethesda: American Occupational Therapy Association, 2007. [7/1/2008: new] Additional Resources: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) does offer voluntary specialty certification for an Environmental Modification Occupational Therapist if the applicant meets the following requirements:

• Professional or technical degree or equivalent in occupational therapy.
• Certified or licensed by and in good standing with an AOTA recognized credentialing or regulatory body.
• Minimum of 2,000 hours of experience as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.
• 600 hours of experience delivering occupational therapy services in the certification area to clients (individuals, groups, or populations) in the last 3 calendar years. Service delivery may be paid or voluntary.
• Verification of employment.

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