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Driver's
Rehabilitation Services
The decision
of whether an individual is safe and capable of driving is
one of the most important decisions health care professionals
make. It is important for a person's safety as well as their
self- esteem that this is a well informed decision. Clinical
evaluations and simulated driving evaluations are completed
by Origami's Registered Occupational Therapists who are specialized
in Cognitive Perceptual Motor Retraining. Our collaborative
arrangement with a certified driving rehabilitation specialist
(CDRS) makes cost effective behind-the-wheel evaluations,
vehicle modifications, and driver's rehabilitation also available
at Origami. 
Admission Criteria
- Male or Female 18 years or older
- Driving safety is in question
- Has a disability that is neurological, orthopedic, or developmental from aging, traumatic or congenital condition
- Not actively engaged in substance use
- Not a danger to self or others
- Does not require skilled nursing, medically stable
Services
Offered
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Clinical Pre-Driving Evaluation and Rehabilitation
Evaluation
consists of a combination of standardized and non-standardized
assessment tools for visual perception, tactile-kinesthetic
perception, motor performance, and cognitive skills. The
Useful Field of View (UFOV®) pre-driving assessment is incorporated
to further evaluate skills needed for safe driving within
the community. Computerized exercises, paper/pencil activities,
community-based practice, and functional scenario training
are tailored to the client's cognitive, perceptual, and motor
needs.
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Simulated Hands-On Driving Evaluation and Rehabilitation
Using
a golf cart equipped with motor vehicle-like accessories (i.e.
turn signals, hand controls, hazard lights, horn, canopy with zip up cover, compass, clock, heater, all terrain tires, seat belts and headlights) allows
clients to "drive" in a safe, protected environment with a
therapist. The course extends into a rural-like setting
following mapped and marked trails within Origami's woods,
on our 34-acres of land. There are plans to
develop a city-like course with real donated traffic signs
and signals, as well as divided highways and one-way streets.
This provides the evaluator with functional observation
of visual perceptual functions such as depth perception, spatial
relations, visual scanning, visual attention, and visual processing
speed; motor skills in such areas as coordination, range of
motion, reaction time, motor control, and needs for adaptive
technology; and cognitive skills such as the anticipation
of hazards, concentration/attention, following directions,
problem solving, decision making, sequencing, judgment, reasoning
and impulse control.
Possible
Recommendations
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Clinically based driver's rehabilitation (OT-Cognitive
Perceptual Motor Retraining)
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Sheltered hands-on driving course rehabilitation
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Referral to a Neuro-ophthalmologist/ophthalmologist
or other specialists
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A behind-the-wheel assessment by a CDRS
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Vehicle modifications and/or retraining to
accommodate physical needs
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Discontinuation of driving secondary to safety
concerns
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Re-evaluation at a later date
For more information on the impact of brain injury and driving: Special Report
For tips on driving safely: http://www.aota.org/featured/area6/docs/driver.pdf
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