ADED

What ADED does

ADED (Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association founded in August 1977 and incorporated in Kentucky in 1995, headquartered at 200 First Ave NW, Suite 505, Hickory, NC. It is the only professional organization in the U.S. and Canada solely dedicated to driver rehabilitation education and credentialing, and is the sole issuer of the Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) credential — the field's gold-standard certification recognized by 31 state DMVs, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, workers' compensation carriers, and the U.S. Veterans Administration. ADED serves roughly 1,100+ members across nearly every U.S. state plus Canada, Australia, and England, supported by 12 state/area chapters and a member-coordinated mentorship program.

The organization's core product is its credentialing stack: the CDRS certification (rigorous examination, 3-year renewal cycle requiring 30 contact hours), the DRP (Driver Rehabilitation Professional) microcredential for basic and low-tech driver rehabilitation programs (2-year renewal, $399 members / $798 non-members), and seven stackable digital badges covering specialized competencies (Older Driver, Specialized Instructor, Autism, Wheelchair Seating, Inclusive Communication, Vision Levels 1 and 2, and Vehicle Modifications). Supporting infrastructure includes an eLearning portal at elearning.aded.net (built on YourMembership association management software), an Exam Prep subscription product ($59-$109 across 1/3/6-month terms), foundational live-virtual courses, a Provider Contact Hour Program (CHAP) that approves third-party continuing education, an online provider directory enabling consumers to locate CDRS/DRP/ADED members, and the annual conference (50th edition scheduled August 7-11, 2026 in Richmond, VA, with up to 33.5 contact hours). Academic co-development partnerships with McGill University and the University of Florida extend the credentialing pathway into graduate-level certificates.

Revenue is generated across multiple subscription and transaction streams: tiered annual membership dues (Individual $170, Facility I-III $335-$1,160, Mobility Equipment Dealer $280/location, Corporate $670, Associate $160, Student $99); CDRS application ($50), exam ($500), and renewal ($200 member / $400 non-member) fees; DRP microcredential and renewal fees; exam prep subscriptions; foundational course fees; annual conference registration and expo; corporate sponsorship through the ADED Allies marketing bundle program; donations via PayPal Giving Fund, Amazon Smile, eBay for Charity, and American Express JustGiving toward the Memorial Scholarship Fund; and media kit advertising (newsletter, website, chapter sponsorship). The organization operates with a 4-person staff led by CEO Elizabeth Soles (OTR/L, CDRS, CAE) and Director of Education & Credentialing Lynn Rocap (MBA, CAE, CMP, ICE-CCP), and is governed by a Board of Directors representing practitioners, industry partners (Adapt Solutions, Mobility Works), and a consumer member.

Name

ADED

Legal name

Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists

Website

https://aded.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ADED is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association founded in 1977 that grants the CDRS gold-standard certification, DRP microcredential, and stackable badges for driver rehabilitation specialists, serving 1,100+ members across the U.S., Canada, and beyond through credentialing, continuing education, and an annual conference.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Credentialing & Continuing Education

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (62134)

akta.pro primary industry

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) & Self-Care Skills Training (EDAKAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Personal Care & ADL Assistance (bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility) (HLADAGAA)

Keywords

• Driver rehabilitation certification
• Professional credentialing services
• Continuing education programs
• Membership association services
• Specialty healthcare training

Headquarters

HQ city

Hickory

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from Individual, Facility, Corporate, Mobility Equipment Dealer, Associate, and Student categories. Membership active January 1 - December 31. Members joining after September 30 enjoy benefits for rest of year and full next year.
2. CDRS Certification and Renewal Fees: Application processing fee ($50), examination fee ($500), and renewal fees ($200 members/$400 non-members). Certification valid for 3 years with 30 contact hours required for renewal.
3. DRP Microcredential Fees: Member $399, Non-Member $798 for initial microcredential. Renewal every 2 years with $75 fee and 15 ADED approved continuing education hours.
4. Exam Prep Subscriptions: Online study tool with subscription rates: 1-month $59, 3-month $89, 6-month $109. Rebates available through Adaptive Driving Alliance.
5. Courses and Continuing Education: Foundational courses offered in live-virtual format (Feb-May) over five consecutive evenings. Fees vary with early bird and standard rates. Additional behind-the-wheel experience courses.
6. Annual Conference Revenue: Registration fees for 50th Annual Conference in Richmond, VA (August 7-11, 2026). Early bird and standard registration rates. Includes expo, gala, and contact hours.
7. Donations and Scholarships: Memorial Scholarship Fund receives donations to support continuing education attendance. ADED is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with $30,000 annual fundraising goal.
8. Marketing and Advertising: ADED Allies marketing bundles, newsletter advertising, website advertising, and chapter meeting sponsorship opportunities for industry partners and corporate members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

ADED is a nonprofit professional association that delivers the Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) credential, the Driver Rehabilitation Professional (DRP) microcredential, digital stackable badges, and an eLearning curriculum that includes foundational courses and exam preparation. It also provides professional membership, an annual conference, and a public-facing provider directory for locating certified specialists.

Product overview

ADED (Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists) is a professional organization offering a comprehensive credentialing and education ecosystem for driver rehabilitation professionals. The core portfolio includes the CDRS certification (the gold standard credential requiring examination), the DRP microcredential for basic/low-tech programs, and multiple specialized badges. Supporting infrastructure includes ADED eLearning (online education platform), Exam Prep (preparation tool for certification), and the annual conference providing continuing education. Membership provides access to resources, directory listings, discounts, and networking. The organization also operates CHAP for approving third-party education and maintains a provider search directory for consumers seeking driver rehabilitation services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) Credential The CDRS is ADED's flagship professional certification for clinicians who evaluate and train individuals with disabilities, age-related conditions, or injuries to drive safely. It signals competency in driver rehabilitation to employers, referral sources, and clients.
• Driver Rehabilitation Professional (DRP) Microcredential The DRP is an entry-level microcredential within ADED's stackable badge framework, intended for professionals working in or entering driver rehabilitation who are not yet pursuing the full CDRS. It validates foundational competency and can be stacked toward further credentials.
• ADED eLearning (Foundational Courses and Exam Preparation) The ADED eLearning platform delivers self-paced online courses covering foundational driver rehabilitation topics and dedicated exam preparation materials for the CDRS. It serves occupational therapists, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals seeking continuing education credits or certification readiness.
• ADED Annual Conference and Exhibition The ADED Annual Conference is the association's flagship in-person professional development event, featuring educational sessions, exhibits of adaptive equipment and assessment tools, and networking for driver rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists, and program managers.
• ADED Professional Membership ADED professional membership provides individuals working in driver rehabilitation with access to the association's community, member-only resources, continuing education offerings, and the benefits of belonging to the recognized specialty association.
• ADED Provider Directory (Find a Provider) The ADED Provider Directory is a searchable online directory of credentialed driver rehabilitation specialists, available to consumers (individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers) and referral sources seeking qualified practitioners in their geographic area.
• ADED Stackable Digital Badges ADED's stackable digital badges are issueable micro-credentials that recognize discrete competencies within driver rehabilitation and can be accumulated toward higher-level ADED certifications such as the DRP and CDRS.
• Champions of Highway and Auto Program (CHAP) The CHAP program is an ADED advocacy and outreach initiative focused on promoting safe mobility, driver rehabilitation awareness, and adaptive driving for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and other populations that benefit from specialized driver services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 350 active CDRS professionals certified in U.S. and Canada
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Adapt SolutionscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor of ADED Memorial Scholarship Fund. ADED Ally providing mobility equipment for driver rehabilitation specialists and consumers with disabilities.
• AMF BrunscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze level sponsor of ADED Memorial Scholarship Fund. Manufacturer of wheelchair securement systems for accessible vehicles.
• BraunAbilitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor and premier partner banner advertiser. Leading manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles and mobility products.
• Electronic Mobility ControlscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Provider of electronic mobility controls and adaptive driving equipment for individuals with disabilities.
• Mobility InnovationscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMultiple banner advertisements and sponsor showcase participant. Provider of adaptive driving equipment including Smart Lifter, Connect, and vehicle seating solutions.
• Q'StraintcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze level sponsor. Manufacturer of wheelchair tiedowns, restraints, and securement systems for accessible transportation.
• Suregrip Hand ControlscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze level sponsor. Provider of hand control systems for adaptive driving.
• Vantage MobilitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Provider of wheelchair accessible vehicles and mobility solutions.
• Stereo OpticalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze level sponsor. Provider of vision screening equipment for driver rehabilitation assessments.
• McGill University School of Physical & Occupational TherapycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnline Graduate Certificate in Driving Rehabilitation partnership. Application deadline June 1st annually for September studies.
• University of Florida Department of Occupational TherapycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional Certificate in Driver Rehabilitation Therapy partnership. 80% online/20% on-campus format.
• MedbridgeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline education partner offering two ADED courses at discounted rates with promo code ADED. Credits approved for ADED contact hours.
• Adaptive Driving Alliance (ADA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting organization providing rebates to ADED Exam Prep subscribers. Offers 1-month and 3-month subscription rebates.
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNHTSA-funded Pathways Project collaboration on occupational therapy practitioner roles in driver rehabilitation. ADED is AOTA Approved Provider #9245.
• RESNAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial RESNA CEU Provider partnership for continuing education credits for Assistive Technology Professionals.
• Continuing Competency Board for Kinesiotherapy (CCB-KT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApproved CEU provider for kinesiotherapy continuing education programs.
• YourMembershipcoreTechnology or IntegrationAssociation management software provider powering ADED's membership portal, website, event management, and member communications.
• A' La Carte Promotional ProductsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPromotional products store partnership where portion of sales donated to ADED Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Medbridge: Medbridge is an emerging online continuing education platform that already distributes ADED courses at member-discounted rates. It is a partial competitor and channel partner in the same digital CE-credit infrastructure for rehabilitation professionals.

Regional players

• Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (Canada): CADRS is the Canadian regional peer organization providing driver rehabilitation resources and professional support in Canada. Both organizations serve overlapping Canadian practitioners, with ADED positioning itself as the North American credentialing authority since 1977.

Direct peers

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): AOTA is the national credentialing and professional membership body for occupational therapists — the primary professional base for ADED's CDRS certification. Both organizations credential allied health professionals and provide continuing education in overlapping clinical domains (OT, aging, disability).
• National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA): NMEDA is the trade association for mobility equipment dealers and adaptive vehicle modifiers — the same industry partner segment that ADED's Corporate and Mobility Equipment Dealer membership categories target. Both serve as the connective tissue between CDRS professionals, dealers, and manufacturers.
• RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America): RESNA certifies Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP) and provides continuing education in rehabilitation technology. ADED is already an Official RESNA CEU Provider, making RESNA both a credentialing competitor and a strategic partner in the same practitioner ecosystem.
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT): NBCOT is the credentialing body for the OTR and COTA certifications — the entry-level credentials required before ADED's CDRS pathway. Both organizations monetize certification examinations, renewal fees, and exam-prep materials for occupational therapy professionals.
• American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA): ADTSEA is the national association for driver and traffic safety education instructors — the non-clinical counterpart to ADED's clinical certification. Both organizations credential professionals who evaluate driver readiness, with overlapping practitioner populations in the driver education space.

Broad incumbents

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA is the broad-incumbent professional association for physical therapists — one of ADED's core member segments (alongside OTs and kinesiotherapists). APTA offers continuing education and specialization pathways that overlap with ADED's credentialing ecosystem but at a much larger scale.
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): ASHA is the broad-incumbent credentialing body for speech-language pathologists, who are an emerging segment of ADED's addressable professional base. Both organizations monetize certification, CE, and specialty credentials through similar association-management platforms.
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): CAAHEP accredits allied health education programs — including those feeding into driver rehabilitation practice. It is a structural peer in the healthcare credentialing and continuing-education ecosystem that ADED operates within.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/adeddriverrehab
• Facebookfacebook.com/211314032237564
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aded-the-assn-for-driver-rehab-specialists

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ADED