This was a very
informative lecture. The material covered complemented classes
we have taken recently. The main take away points from this lecture include:
·
An occupational
therapist in driving and community mobility has 3 main roles 1) to assess individuals
for safety and potential to drive 2) evaluate persons with physical disabilities
for appropriate adaptive equipment 3) train individuals in the use of adaptive
equipment and/or compensation techniques for driving.
·
The most
common diagnoses include CP, intellectual disabilities, stroke, TBI, SCI, Alzheimer’s
Disease, visual processing deficits, and amputations.
·
Clients’
age varies from as young as 14 to 75+ years old.
·
It is
difficult for anyone to hear they can’t do something they have had the ability to do in the past, however, it is important therapists separate the feeling the situation and perform
accurate evaluations because we are responsible for the safety of the affected
individuals as well as everybody else on the road (including us).
·
An evaluation
has 2 components – clinical evaluation and the behind the wheel assessment.
·
Driving
is a multi-dimensional task – it includes vision, ROM, cognition, sensation,
insight and awareness, and grip/strength.
·
Appropriate
assessments used for driving and community mobility include Trailmaking Tests A
and B, MoCA, SIMARD – MD.
·
Certified
Driving Rehabilitation Specialist Therapist (CDRS) is a certification therapists
should obtain in order to accurately evaluate whether individuals are competent
to drive.
Two occupational
therapy interventions appropriate for this topic are:
1) Prepare an individual
with intellectual disabilities to driving safely by helping them learn and understand
the road signs and laws of the road. This is a one-on-one intervention appropriate
for anyone age 14+.
2) Hold a group
therapy class where individuals with TBI discuss and work together to come up with
strategies to improve their low tolerance to frustration. By working together
the individuals will increase their potential for improvement as they will
hold each other accountable and share helpful techniques.