Adaptive Driving Evaluation and Training Program

Based on our guest lecture regarding adaptive driving, there were a few key takeaways that I feel are very important. Having the ability to drive, no matter the situation, promotes a sense of independence and freedom. From the moment we all reach the 16 year old age requirement our dream of driving is the only thing on our minds and that freeing feeling follows us even into older age. There are several reasons why driving abilities need to be adapted or even eliminated throughout the lifespan. These reasons range from diseases or disorders that someone has had since birth, to surgeries or events that can occur in later years such as spinal fusions and strokes. As occupational therapists, we can become Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS), which allows us to evaluate someone on their ability to drive safely through a clinical assessment and a behind-the-wheel assessment. This will allow the therapist to make a recommendation as to whether or not a client is capable of safely navigating roads and interstates. There is a very delicate way to approach this topic with clients, because we always need to refer back to the fact that most people do not see this as a way to maintain safety because they do not see an issue with their driving abilities, rather, they see it as taking away their freedom.

Intervention strategies that can be conducted by an OT could vary depending on the person. If a person does receive adaptations to their vehicle, an intervention that could be specific to an individual would be transferring in and out of the vehicle while taking into consideration transport of any durable medical equipment they may be using such a wheelchair or walker. Learning how to get into and out of an adaptive vehicle without leaving your equipment behind can be a challenge. Further, an intervention for a group of clients who have reported issues with driving could simply be education about what equipment you can buy locally that could resolve the issue. As we learned in our lecture, there are several, cost efficient, easy to install items, that can be bought to assist with driving ability that the group could learn about. The type of group could vary between low vision, stroke, amputations, and many more.