OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Driving Assessment

Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP

June 19, 2013

Share:

Question

When is it appropriate to recommend a driving assessment for a client?
 
 

Answer

A driving assessment is strongly advised for anyone about to begin driving with a disability.  It is important for anyone who has not ever driven before or has not driven since a disability has occurred.  If someone is ambivalent about his physical ability regarding maneuvering a vehicle, seeing, or reacting quickly to other vehicles, a driving assessment may help to increase their confidence with this skill.  Finally, if a person's overall physical ability has changed following an accident or progression of a disease or illness has occurred, a driving assessment would be recommended.  At that time any adapted equipment can be recommended as well.
 
According to AOTA, OT's role in driver rehabilitation includes:
 
*Administer assessments specific to the requirements 
involved in driving and community mobility such as:
     clinical assessment of vision, cognition motor performance, 
     reaction time, knowledge of traffic rules and behind the wheel 
     assessments. 
*Recommend Vehicle Modification and Driver 
retraining
 
“Confidence replaces worry when you get a safe 
driving assessment!"

 


theresa berner

Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP

Theresa Berner is an occupational therapist with specialized certification as an Assistive Technology Professional.  She works as a Rehabilitation Team Leader for the Assistive Technology Center at the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University. Theresa is a clinical instructor in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences for the OT Division and serves on their advisory board.  She has over 18 years’ experience in seating and positioning and is very involved in the field. She has completed several presentations on seating and positioning and spinal cord injury both locally, nationally and internationally. 


Related Courses

Using Assistive Technology To Increase Participation In Daily Life Podcast
Presented by Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP, Dennis Cleary, MS, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Audio

Presenters

Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATPDennis Cleary, MS, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Course: #5804Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Excellent content!'   Read Reviews
Technology has changed greatly in the last 20 years, and more assistive technology is available than ever. This podcast will explore how an occupational therapy practitioner evaluates what technology might work best to increase participation in all aspects of daily life, with a special focus on sports and leisure participation. This is part of the Continued Learning Podcast series.

Introduction to Driver Rehabilitation
Presented by Elizabeth Green, OTR/L, CDRS, CAE
Video

Presenter

Elizabeth Green, OTR/L, CDRS, CAE
Course: #4354Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'This course is very interesting and also gained knowledge about driving and community mobility'   Read Reviews
This course will provide an overview of driver rehabilitation as a specialty area in Occupational Therapy. The role of the generalist OT in discussing driving with their clients will also be covered.

Strategies For Correcting Postural Dysfunction: Tech Neck
Presented by Scott Cheatham, PhD, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS
Video

Presenter

Scott Cheatham, PhD, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS
Course: #6426Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'The examples provided and exercises to correct/prevent tech neck'   Read Reviews
Poor posture, such as tech neck, has reached epidemic proportions, which can result in dysfunction and injury. Healthcare professionals have a unique role in educating patients about the hazards of poor posture. This presentation will discuss the current evidence and management strategies for tech neck as it applies to healthcare professionals.

Home Assessment And Modifications For Aging In Place
Presented by Lee Lohrentz, MS, OTR, Dustin Drath, MS, OTR/L
Video

Presenters

Lee Lohrentz, MS, OTRDustin Drath, MS, OTR/L
Course: #5663Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'The fact that the speakers have practical experience'   Read Reviews
Home modification success depends on a well-thought-out home assessment. Using the PEO model, you can determine the correct modifications for each individual within their home. Secondary factors of building codes, the feasibility of construction, and cost-effectiveness also need to be considered to make sure each modification is safe and effective.

Continued Conversations, The CE Podcast: OT's Role in Medication Management
Presented by Fawn Carson, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, Nika Ball, MOT, OTR/L, ATP
Audio

Presenters

Fawn Carson, OTD, OTR/L, ATPNika Ball, MOT, OTR/L, ATP
Course: #4408Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'The information about health literacy'   Read Reviews
Dr. Fawn Carson and Nika Ball review assessment and intervention of medication management with an overview of research, intervention strategies, resources, and case studies.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.