The role of the Occupational Therapist....
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has funded many grants to the American Occupational Therapy Association to explore and develop the role of the OT in serving the driving and community mobility needs of our society.
Our group of Occupational Therapists received a Mini-Grant from AOTA, funded by NHTSA, to address the needs of the older driver. We are ready to help older adults explore the issues related to safety on the road. Competent drivers should be supported in continuing to drive; drivers who have impairments that make them unsafe on the road should be supported in obtaining transportation to participate in activities in the community without driving.
Mary Jo McGuire, MS, OTR/L, OTPP, FAOTA, the Director of our group of Occupational Therapists co-edited the text (pictured above) with Elin Schold Davis, OTR/L, CDRS, FAOTA, that was published by the American Occupational Therapy Association in 2012.
Our Occupational Therapists can test the underlying skills necessary for driving, and determine if an older adult needs to be evaluated by a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist or an on-road driving evaluator in the community. We are networked with people in the community who can help you continue to make good decisions about driving safety and community mobility.
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HERE IS A FREE WEB-BASED ASSESSMENT WHERE FAMILIES CAN BEGIN:
Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure (CLICK LINK BELOW)
http://fitnesstodrive.phhp.ufl.edu/
The Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure was developed at the University of Florida’s Institute for Mobility, Activity, and Participation by Dr. Sherrilene Classen and colleagues. The FTDS is a screening measure designed to be completed by a proxy rater (usually a family member, friend, or caregiver) familiar with the driver’s driving abilities. If desired it can be completed as a self-report. The FTDS has three sections: Demographics or general information about the rater (section A.1) and the driver (section A.2); Driving history profile (section B), and ratings of driving difficulty with 54 driving skills (section C).
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NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL- NSCDD for Seniors ($19.99)
Discounted Defensive Driving Course for Clients over 50 years old
http://www.nscddconline.com/seniors/
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The Hartford provides some wonderful online resources:
https://www.thehartford.com/resources/mature-market-excellence
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FREE ONLINE TRAFFIC SIGNS TEST
Just taking these tests will improve your awareness! Watch how you notice signs more quickly after spending a little time on these tests!
http://www.usa-traffic-signs.com/Test_s/50.htm
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Ohio's Free Distracted Driving Course
https://www.drivertraining.ohio.gov/courses.aspx
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Make a Transportation Plan
https://planfortheroadahead.com/take-control/make-a-transportation-plan/
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LifeLong Driver
https://www.adeptdriver.com/lifelong-driver/
