Thursday: Equipment That Can Empower Drivers
Driving intervention is based on a plan that is drawn up between the client and therapist. The goal of intervention is to explore ways for individuals to drive safely for as long as possible.
Occupational therapy practitioners trained in driving rehabilitation can suggest a broad range of solutions, tailored to the individual driver. These suggestions sometimes include adaptive equipment, such as low-effort steering, hand controls, a Handybar, OnStar navigation, extra or extended mirrors, a swing-out seat, a siren detector, back-up cameras, seat cushions, and height-adjustable gas pedals, to name a few.
Occupational therapy practitioners can work with older drivers in their vehicles to see which types of equipment, if any, are necessary to help them remain comfortable and safe on the road.
Note: occupational therapy practitioners are health care providers, not equipment vendors. Although they may have a limited array of samples for you to try, they are bound by their professional code of ethics to obtain the education and knowledge of a wide range of products. The field of driver rehabilitation is multidisciplinary. Following your driving evaluation you may be referred to a Mobility Dealer or equipment vendor for installation of recommended devices. Always return to your therapist for a final checkout to ensure your set-up is adjusted just for you!
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