Driving and Community Mobility Reflection

Retrieved from https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/driving-with-a-disability/

     When considering the many populations that occupational therapists typically work with, individuals needing to be assessed and treated for driving and community mobility related deficits are typically not among the first populations stated.  With driving and community mobility being included as an instrumental activity of daily living within the 3rd version of the OTPF, I know that this area is within our scope of practice. Mr. Cody Stovall provided an ample amount of information to us about what being an occupational therapist and certified driving rehab specialist (CDRS) involves.  Over the last year and a half, we have learned many ways to adapt vehicles for individuals' unique conditions.  Mr. Stovall offered the same information with more insight and depth for us today  along with other necessary aspects.

     When discussing the most common diagnoses that he would see as a CDRS, I learned a couple new things.  Prior to this lecture, we have learned that anyone in the state of Tennessee who has had a stroke cannot drive for up to 6 months after the stroke. However, those who have had a limb amputated do not have any set laws about when they can or cannot begin driving after.  I was unaware of this fact until this lecture.  Additionally, I was unaware that when certain adaptations are made to the way an individual drives a vehicle, the individual must go to the department of transportation to demonstrate his/her ability to drive and have a restriction placed on his/her license.

     A couple interventions that Mr. Stovall does with his clients are CarFit and other activities to improve their safety while driving.  CarFit is focused on ensuring that drivers have made proper adjustments to their car, understanding the safety features of the car, and ensuring that the driver understands how to remain safe while driving and his/her mobility options.  While carrying out the CarFit initiative, Mr. Stovall would assess a variety of things while the driver is sitting in the car, such as the amount of space between the driver's chest and steering wheel, accessible distance to the pedals, and easily operated controls within the car.  Other interventions he could try with his clients are things like hood taping, enlarged mirrors, glare reduction techniques.  He could carry out these interventions individually with certain clients or even educate a group of clients with similar problems on what technique may be best for them.

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