Stannah and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)

At Stannah, we understand that it can be difficult to distinguish one stairlift company from another. We often hear people ask the question, “Aren’t they all the same?” While it can seem that way on the surface, the short answer is a resounding, “No!” Still, we recognize that a stairlfit is a significant investment and it can be hard to know if you’re making the right decision. That’s why we’re so focused on manufacturing products that not only meet our standards for quality and reliability, but also address the very real needs of our customers. Identifying and understanding the practical, intuitive and ergonomic concerns that impact the daily lives of our customers is a constant effort. To that end, we’ve engaged with occupational therapists to better understand our customers and improve our stairlifts. But, what is occupational therapy, anyway?

You’ve probably heard the term “Occupational Therapy” mentioned at one time or another. Even if you aren’t directly involved in a program yourself, you likely know someone who is benefiting from the services and educational opportunities that OTs provide. Occupational therapists are university educated and trained professionals, who specialize in helping people overcome physical, neurological and psychological disabilities in order to live healthier and more productive lives. This type of work can manifest itself in any number of ways, from physical training and exercises to teaching alternative methods for completing every day activities. OTs have the skills and training to help their clients get their lives back on track.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is a national organization, comprised of more than 16,000 occupational therapists working across Canada. The CAOT is focused on quality care and client-centered solutions that improve the performance of daily living activities. This includes services, products and educational programs that assist OTs as they work toward making everyday life easier for their clients. The CAOT identifies the following as its strategic priorities:

• Support occupational therapists in the evolution of their practice and the pursuit of excellence.
• Advance awareness, understanding, and use of occupational therapy.
• Position CAOT as the knowledge and resource hub for occupational therapy practice in Canada.
• Foster a vibrant and sustainable CAOT.

In 2014, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) first developed their product recognition program as a means of reviewing applicable products that their clientele might find useful on a regular basis. The program was enacted with the goal of fostering a peer to peer system, where certified occupational therapists judge a product on its various merits and overall value.

CAOT’s Product Recognition Program (PRP) benefits both members and consumers. CAOT members conduct a comprehensive professional review of submitted products, publish a consumer report and award a CAOT Seal of Recognition to applicant organizations that meet PRP’s rigorous criteria. The Seal can then be used in product advertising, to help occupational therapists and consumers make informed choices.

As a company focused on helping its customers age in place, Stannah has a long history of utilizing the skills of occupational therapists in the development and design of our products. Our standard power footrest, out-front safety belt, and hand control are all examples of the impact that OTs have had on making sure that our products fit our common clientele.

We are proud to be the exclusive stairlift holder of the CAOT seal of recognition and we look forward, in continued partnership with the CAOT, as we jointly make Canada’s stairways safer.