Do You Have To Be Certified To Be A Driver Rehabilitation Specialist?
The short answer is no. At the time this article is being written, most states do not require you to have a certification in order to operate a driver rehabilitation business and drive with patients. As occupational therapists, we know that when it comes to stepping into a new specialty related to our field, there…
Read MoreHow To Start Your OT Driver Rehabilitation Business
Starting your own driver rehabilitation business allows you to help clients safely return to driving. It is also a rewarding, flexible career in occupational therapy (OT). Steps to starting your own OT driver rehabilitation business include: Working with Adaptive Mobility for ongoing education Understanding your state licensing laws Securing a specialized vehicle with adaptive equipment…
Read MoreHands-On, Minds-On: Specialists Explore Clinical Reasoning In Vehicle Modifications At BraunAbility
What happens when classroom learning meets cutting-edge mobility innovation? You get a truly unforgettable workshop experience like Clinical Reasoning for Complex Vehicle Modifications, held at the world-renowned BraunAbility headquarters in Winamac, Indiana. This wasn’t just another lecture or slideshow — it was a hands-on, minds-on deep dive into the essential considerations that make independent community…
Read MoreDriving & Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience various symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, poor coordination, cramping or stiffness in the muscles, and paralysis. Other symptoms include unusual fatigue, changes in focus and attention, and blurred or double vision. Special equipment or accommodations may be needed for individuals with MS to retain their mobility…
Read MoreSpecialize In Driving & Stroke As An Occupational Therapist
OTs are particularly suited to assist stroke patients regain their confidence and independence behind the wheel are occupational therapists focused on driver rehabilitation. To navigate the results a stroke has on driving ability, OT driver rehabilitation specialists need a combination of professional knowledge, empathy, and ingenuity. From evaluating physical restrictions to correcting cognitive and visual…
Read MoreSpecialize In Driving & Dementia As An Occupational Therapist
As occupational therapists who focus on driver rehabilitation, we want to help people with dementia. Helping them and their families through the challenging and stressful journey of driving with dementia is invaluable. Many times the family contacts us because they are feeling stressed over their parent’s safety while driving. We are in a key position…
Read MoreDriving & Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic, neurodegenerative disorder that causes a progressive loss of brain cells in regions of the brain that regulate voluntary motions, like turning a door knob, opening a car door, turning the steering wheel, or lifting a coffee mug. As the condition progresses, people may develop abnormal body postures, uncontrollable movements,…
Read MoreEquipping a Tesla with Veigel’s Compact II and Classic II Hand Controls
At Adaptive Mobility Services, we care about educating OT driver rehab specialists, and assisting people in achieving safe and independent driving. Because of this we are excited to share our experience equipping a Tesla with Veigel’s Compact II and Classic II hand controls. These upgrades effortlessly integrate functionality with Tesla’s design. We now have a…
Read MoreParkinson’s Disease’s Impact On Driving
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disorder that can impair motor skills, vision, cognitive ability, and other physical and neurological processes needed for safe driving. These changes are not a result of personal shortcomings, but of problems caused by the illness itself. It can be very challenging seeing a loved one impacted by Parkinson’s.…
Read MoreDriving Challenges With Aging
Our bodies and brains naturally change as we get older, which will undoubtedly have an influence on our driving skills. These changes, ranging from reduced response times to changes in visual and cognitive processing, vary based on the individual. While being old does not inherently make a driver hazardous or a risk factor on the…
Read MoreDriving With An Amputation
Limb amputation is a major life change that can impact many facets of your life, including driving. It’s important to understand that with the right adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications, it is possible to safely return to driving after limb amputation. By working with your team of healthcare professionals and an Occupational Therapy Driver Rehabilitation…
Read MoreDriving With Peripheral Neuropathy
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic condition that involves damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves play an essential role in transmitting sensory information from the limbs to the brain and sending signals from the brain to the muscles. What Are The Causes Of Peripheral Neuropathy? Because the condition is typically acquired…
Read MoreDriving After a Stroke
For many people, driving is an essential aspect of their independence – not just a benefit. However, an individual’s capacity to drive may be significantly impacted after experiencing a stroke. Understanding these challenges and looking for available solutions can help many stroke survivors regain their independence on the road. How Does A Stroke Impact Ability…
Read MoreDriving & Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Deciding whether or not to allow a loved one with dementia to continue driving is a very difficult choice that families have to face. The progression of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, can have a substantial impact on cognitive abilities, such as judgment, memory, processing speed, and spatial awareness. Understanding the consequences and making informed decisions…
Read MoreDriving & Mild Cognitive Impairment
Driving is a complex activity that requires various cognitive abilities, including memory, focus, and decision making. For individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), these abilities may begin to diminish and create major concerts about their safety behind the wheel. Understanding how MCI impacts driving abilities is essential not only for the benefit of your loved…
Read MoreDriving and Macular Degeneration
The ability to drive safely is closely related to effective visual function. Approximately 90% of the information a driver receives is visual, making good eyesight essential for operating a vehicle. Key functions that contribute to safe driving include: Peripheral Vision: The awareness of the surrounding environment to detect potential hazards from the left and right…
Read More15 OT Certifications and Specialties
The dynamic and multifaceted field of occupational therapy is essential in assisting people navigating challenges and enhancing their quality of life. With a wide variety of specialties and certifications available, occupational therapists (OTs) can customize their expertise to meet the unique needs of their clients. Here, we will go over some of the most popular…
Read MoreADED’s 48th Annual Conference Recap
Adaptive Mobility had the pleasure of participating in the 48th annual ADED Conference! This year’s conference took place in Kansas City, Missouri, from October 4 to 8. This event is a highlight for us and many other driver rehabilitation specialists. Being able to listen to experts to share information, experiences, and the most recent breakthroughs…
Read MoreTips for the OTP: Help Your Patient Return to Driving After Illness or Injury.
🗺️ Driving in an unfamiliar area without GPS is stressful. 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘳𝘺. Navigating the return to driving without support or guidance creates more stress and frustration than is necessary. As an OTP, you’re uniquely positioned to support these clients with expertise and empathy,…
Read MoreTips for the OTP: How to Talk to My Patient About Driving Retirement
𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴? 🛑 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼. Driving retirement often becomes a traumatic loss of independence where clients and their families are left to figure out their next steps… 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺.…
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