Driver Rehabilitation
Community Therapists is a pioneer in the field of Driver Rehabilitation. Having developed an evidenced based protocol for Functional Driving Evaluation in 1994, we are one of the first practices to offer this vital service to the community and have completed more than 1500 evaluations and numerous training programs. This service meets the needs of individuals whose ability to drive has been challenged by illness or injury, cognitive impairment or visual deficit. Our programs are delivered by occupational therapists with specialized expertise and are undertaken in active partnership with the client, the primary care physician, a certified driving instructor, the Driver Fitness Program and the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (for those without a valid license).
Unlike other services which are heavily computerized and focus on a rigid “pass/fail” methodology with little or no opportunity for training, the Community Therapists methodology focuses on the assessment of the client’s rehabilitation potential to return to driving. Where appropriate, clients are offered a comprehensive driver rehabilitation program to facilitate a return to this vital daily activity.
Functional Driving Evaluation
Cognitive, perceptual, behavioural, visual and physical core skills are assessed to determine impact on operational, tactical and strategic driving. A battery of validated tests is used to assess skill deficits prior to proceeding on-road. Driving performance and ability to compensate for identified skill deficits is assessed through in-clinic and on-road testing. All vehicle classes can be assessed including ability to operate motorized equipment such as forklifts and excavators.
Vehicle Modification Assessment
Driver and vehicle assessment determines requirements for adaptive driving equipment and vehicle modifications. Vehicle modifications may include lifts, hand controls and a variety of devices to improve driver safety and on-road performance. Community Therapists works with NMEDA member dealers to ensure clients are referred to high quality vendors for professional installation and testing of the modifications we recommend.
Off-Road Remediation
Remediation targets improvements in cognition, scanning, visual processing and anxiety. Visual processing is improved using a clinically validated touch-screen system in the safety of the clinic. Clients with driving anxiety are gradually transitioned to on-road sessions.
On-Road Retraining
Adapted driving lessons with an approved certified driving instructor provide the opportunity to habituate compensatory strategies under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
|
