1st Choice Stairlifts launch CPD learning platform for Occupational Therapists

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Stairlift Academy, our educational brand exclusively developed for stairlift specifiers such as Occupational Therapists, Housing Surveyors, Grants Officers, etc.  This online platform will enable specifiers to enroll and learn all about how to specify the right stairlift for their clients through our Stairlift Assessments Seminar, case studies, and helpful blogs and videos.

Just after 1^st Choice Stairlifts was formed in 2004, a lead Occupational Therapist asked Directors Colin and Coral if they would present an hour slot at their annual OT training day and conference.  The OT’s wanted to know how they could assess for the best stairlift for their service users and what information they needed to take into account when recommending a lift.  It was overwhelmingly received and we then went on to develop the course further into around 1.5-2 hours of learning together with a product hands-on demonstration.

It was such a hit that we kept re-running the course and updated it throughout the years to reflect the current changes in lift technology and specifications.  It was so popular we even used to have a waitlist!

During Covid and the boom in online learning, we decided to record the seminar and split it into bitesize video learning modules so learning can be done online, from home, at your own pace.  Once the course is completed you will also be able to download your CPD certificate after completing the easy online quiz.

Our Director Coral Affleck-Major said “This has definitely been my passion project of 2021 and 2022!  We love helping to educate people about stairlifts and getting the right lift installed is so crucial for user comfort, operation, and safety.  We’ve trained over 1,000 specifiers in our local area throughout the years and have seen the benefits that completing the course can bring to their job and understanding of stairlifts.  We love it when we are able to help a specifier find a solution for a client and their stairs where they previously thought a solution was not possible, enabling more people to stay in the home they love with the best fitting lift for their needs.”

Our director’s combined 60+ years of stairlift expertise is poured into the online course to educate specifiers on:

• Staircase Assessments – What to look out for when assessing clients’ stairs
• Person-centred Client Assessments – Discover which products will fit your client and their lifestyle
• Straight Stairlifts Explained – Find out what solutions are available
• Curved Stairlifts Explained – An in-depth look at models for even the most complex of stairs
• Key Features – Learn which elements are available to help your client operate their model safely
• Stairlift Alternatives – Determine when a stairlift may not be suitable and what solutions are available

If you are an Occupational Therapist or professional stairlift specifier, the Stairlift Academy is free to enroll in just click “enroll now” to join.