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!"
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