Clinical Tests: Step 1 of the Driving Rehab Assessment Process
The first step in a comprehensive driving assessment at Adaptive Mobility is a personalized, in-home clinical evaluation. This evaluation is carried out by Susie Touchinsky, a licensed occupational therapist (OT), specialist in driving & community mobility, and certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS). This visit is important for allowing us to understand not just a client's medical history but unique abilities related to safe driving.
Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (DRS), sometimes referred to as Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS) when credentialed through ADED, play a critical role in helping clients return to driving safely.
Assessment Points
During this part of the occupational therapy driving assessment process, your OT CDRS will ask about your driving history, the vehicle you currently use, and any medical conditions that impact your ability to drive. Then, we complete a series of clinical tests that focus on some essential areas for performance while driving.
Vision
We’ll assess your distance and near vision, as well as your contrast sensitivity. This plays a role in how well you see at night and in low-visibility conditions. We will also take a look at your visual fields and depth perception.
Physical Movement & Sensation
We evaluate your strength, motion, coordination, and ability to get in and out of a car. Sensation in your feet is also tested to make sure you can control the foot petals.
Brake Reaction Time
We use a specialized brake reaction timer to measure how quickly you can move your foot between the pedals.
Cognition & Thinking
We assess your working memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. All of these are vital for decision-making as you are behind the wheel.
Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS is an occupational therapy certified driver rehabilitation specialist, with experience as a driving instructor, and owner of Adaptive Mobility Services, LLC serving southeastern, PA and surrounding areas including Orwigsburg, Reading, Hershey, Harrisburg, Allentown, and throughout Pennsylvania.
For decades, Susie has been committed to helping drivers understand and improve their driving ability and confidence after medical illness, a major medical event, health conditions, and injury.