The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification at the University of Southern California offers the only Executive Certificate Program in Home Modification. This program is designed for professionals (e.g., remodelers/contractors, planners, personnel of organizations representing the elderly and people with disabilities, occupational and physical therapists, policymakers) who work directly or indirectly in the field of supportive home environments. Students can take one course or all five right from the comfort of their computer. By completing all five courses, students will obtain an Executive Certificate in Home Modification.

The Executive Certificate Program consists of five courses. Each course is approximately 2-3 weeks long. After enrolling in the first course, those students who decide to continue in the Program to obtain the Executive Certificate must enroll in and commit to the next 4 courses andthen complete a finalexam. Eachcourse is $150.

Each course includes two online lectures with email and Cyber Classroom exercises, graphics, resources, and technical assistance from the instructors. The lectures are made available to you on a specific start day. On that day, you will receive a user ID and password to access the course. Students spend approximately 4-6 hours each week completing the assignments. Each week's assignments must be completed within the week; however, they may be submitted at any time during that week. Students interact with each other via a Course List Serve and Cyber Classrooms. The courses connect professionals from around the country who learn from each other as well as experts in the field. Students will have access to the latest on home modification research, products, funding strategies, and community planning.

Read the course descriptions below to learn more. Questions? Contact Julie Overton at overtonusc@aol.com or register online below.

COURSE 1 :Home Modification: The Basics and Beyond

Course Dates Below [Start Course! ] This course covers what home modifications are and why they are important. It will discuss the important aspects of universal design and assistive devices in maintaining independence. Students will become familiar with home assessment instruments and safety checklists. Students will learn important communication skills for making suggestions and recommendations for home modifications. Students will learn about common home modifications. Internet-based. Instructors: Jon Pynoos, Ph.D.; Julie Overton, MSG/MHA. $150 application fee.

COURSE 2: Home Modification: How to Get It Done

Course Dates Below [Start Course!] This course will equip students with the skills to: identify a qualified contractor; negotiate for contractor services; read architectural drawings and plans; individualize home modification strategies to meet users' needs; locate products; and evaluate a project upon completion. Instructor: Anna Quyen Do Nguyen & Carrie Bruce $150 application fee.

COURSE 3: Home Modification: Funding Resources and Financing Mechanisms

Course Dates Below [Start Course!] This course covers how to fund home modifications and how to tap into community resources. It will discuss finding resources within individual communities as well as at state and federal levels. It will also discuss what opportunities are available in the private sector. Internet-based. Instructor: Diane Sprague $150 application fee.

COURSE 4: Home Modification: Raising Community Awareness and Coalition Building

Start Date: Course Dates Below [Start Course! ] This course examines the process of raising community awareness about the need for home modifications. It will teach students how to assess the home modification needs of their community and how to build strong, effective community coalitions. It will teach students how to tap into the national home modification network. Students will gain the skills necessary to conduct community outreach events and market their home modification services. Internet-based. Instructors: Julie Overton, MSG/MHA $150 application fee.