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Driving Assessment

Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP

June 19, 2013

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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. 


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