A Step by Step Guide to Becoming a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist
Driving is one of the most valued instrumental activities of daily living. Clients tell me that it is only once they return to driving that they feel like a whole person again. As an OT driver rehabilitation specialist, I get to help clients regain their freedom! I absolutely love being a DRS, but the path to becoming a DRS is not always clear.
Are you like me? Do you love driving rehab? Are you confused about how to become a DRS? Read on for my insider tips on how to get into the field of driving rehab.
Become An OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist
Becoming an Occupational Therapy Driver Rehab Specialist (OT DRS) is such a fulfilling path that integrates the knowledge and expertise of occupational therapy with the specialized skills required to assess and improve driving abilities. The role of an OT DRS is essential to support individuals regain independence and confidence while driving, after experiencing an injury or illness.
Where Do You Start Your OT Driver Rehab Specialist Career?
The path to becoming an OT driver rehab specialist isn’t always clear, which is why Adaptive Mobility is happy to outline the journey for you! Several key steps are involved in becoming an OT DRS, including advanced education, outfitting your own driver rehabilitation vehicle, obtaining advanced liability coverage, and understanding your state’s regulations regarding licensing and becoming a driving instructor.
1. Online Education To Become A Driver Rehab Specialist
Begin taking advanced education courses to help you build and expand your OT skills! In our online courses given by OTs for OTs, first learn about the three parts of a comprehensive driving evaluation: clinical assessment, on-the-road assessment, and outcome discussion. Next, learn how to complete different tests and measures that help you understand your patient’s capabilities needed for driving, such as vision, movement, reaction time, and thinking. Then, learn how to set up and complete an on-road assessment. Finally, learn how to help determine and deliver outcomes to patients and their families, including fitness to drive recommendations.
Adaptive Mobility’s online courses give you a strong foundation in driving rehab so you are ready to continue on with your training to become an OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. In order to become an OT DRS, you must complete 60 hours of online and hands-on advanced education and complete content-based examinations that focus on the role of occupational therapy in driver rehabilitation. Check out our online coursework designed by OTs, for OTs to work towards becoming an OT DRS!
2. OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Workshop: Hands-On Training!
The 60 hours of required advanced education also includes a 3-day, in-person, hands-on training workshop with a vehicle fitted with adaptive driving equipment. This in-person training is designed to teach the new OT DRS how to use adaptive driving equipment and risk mitigation strategies for behind-the-wheel assessments with clients. After successfully completing this course, participants will officially be ready to start in the field as an Occupational Therapy Driver Rehabilitation Specialist!
Adaptive Mobility’s hands-on training will teach you all the skills needed to work in the field as a DRS. I think we can agree that there is no replacement for hands-on training, and when it comes to risk management, having formalized training is an advantage. Our workshop gives you experience in a driver rehab car as the client and as the OT DRS. Practice your new skills from the passenger seat and gain experience with basic adaptive equipment. The Adaptive Mobility workshop also provides you with tips on documentation, tips to mitigate risk, evasive maneuvering practice, and considerations for setting up your own behind-the-wheel-evaluations – including vehicle selection, driving route setup, and more.
Adaptive Mobility proudly offers in-person training and comprehensive driver rehabilitation education designed specifically for OTs, by OTs. Contact us today to learn more!
3. Ongoing Mentorship For Occupational Therapy Driver Rehab Specialists
Now that you have your training as an OT DRS, what’s next? This is where ongoing mentorship and coaching can be extremely beneficial. By working with a coach or mentor, you can clearly and effectively map out your plan for your future career. This could be starting your own driver rehabilitation practice or developing a driver rehab program at your local hospital or rehab center.
Whether you are building a private practice, expanding an existing practice, or starting a hospital-based program, Adaptive Mobility is ready to help! We provide professional guidance for occupational therapists in driver rehabilitation. Regardless of which path you would like to pursue, we are here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about Adaptive Mobility’s mentorship program!
4. Driver Rehab Vehicle & Adaptive Equipment
As you begin your career in OT Driver Rehabilitation, there are a few key considerations that are essential for your safety and success. Before anything else, you will need to outfit your driver rehabilitation vehicle with appropriate equipment, such as an instructor brake and adaptive equipment to fit your clients needs. This is why it is so important that you never conduct a driving assessment in a client’s vehicle – they do not have the proper safeguards in place.
5. Advanced Liability Coverage On Your Vehicle
To further protect yourself and your clients during training sessions, make sure that you obtain advanced liability coverage that goes above and beyond what is traditionally covered in standard OT liability coverage. You, your vehicle, and your client need to be protected, so it’s important to find a comprehensive insurance policy that meets your new needs.
6. Understand Your State’s Licensing Regulations
Lastly, familiarize yourself with your state’s regulatory requirements surrounding driver’s licensing and providing driver rehab services. This will ensure that your practice fully abides by state laws and you can provide the best services to your clients.
Contact Adaptive Mobility For OT Driver Rehabilitation Education
Ready to take the next step in your career as an occupational therapist? You’re in the right place! Adaptive Mobility is proud to support occupational therapy practitioners expanding into driver rehabilitation. Contact Adaptive Mobility today to learn more about our educational programs on driver rehabilitation and enroll. We look forward to working with you!
