What does it take to become an OT Driver Rehab Specialist?
When families or caregivers become concerned about a person’s ability to drive, a driving risk assessment can provide the answers drivers and loved ones need in order to make informed decisions. The role of an occupational therapist in these situations, specifically OTs who have received specialized Driver Rehab Specialist training, is crucial for the safety…
Read MoreMeet Susie Touchinsky
If you’re cruising along the streets of a Pennsylvania town and pass a car occupied by two people who seem to be thoroughly enjoying their drive, you may have just seen Susie Touchinsky and one of her clients. As “the Driving OT,” Susie has the pleasure of training people who have suffered an injury or…
Read MoreAddressing Driver Concerns
The topic of driving and the thought of not being able to drive can bring up a lot of emotions – worry, anxiety, stress – to name a few. I get it. So when I first meet a driver, I like to share that it is my goal to maximize their independence and safety.…
Read MorePartnering with Occupational Therapy
I often work in partnership with referring physicians, and occupational therapy practitioners. I want to see clients who are ready for the car. So partnering with the doctors is essential. When I get a referral, I generally know that the doctor believes the patient is ready, therapy is reaching their goals and the person…
Read MoreOccupational Therapy Driving Evaluation Process
April is OT Appreciation Month. And, I am SO proud to be a part of the OT community. This vocational calling is a huge privilege. As I do this work, I often get asked what the evaluation process looks like for someone who wants to drive again. It feels scary and intimidating and, frankly,…
Read MoreStroke Recovery Includes Occupational Therapy to Learn to Drive Again
A stroke doesn’t have to keep you from behind the wheel. Stroke recovery includes Occupational Therapy to learn to drive again. For over a year after his stroke, my client regularly went to physical, speech, and occupational therapists to help him recover from his stroke. Finally, he went home in a wheelchair…
Read MoreWhat is Adaptive Driving Training
A person’s ability to drive gives them the freedom and flexibility to care for themselves and to make meaningful connections with friends, family, and resources. When illness or injury takes away that ability, adaptive driving training can give drivers the skills and confidence to get back on the road. In this post, we meet…
Read MoreThe Role of Occupational Therapy in Driving
What is the role of occupational therapy in driving? Helping clients regain their sense of freedom and independence is at the core of why many of us became Occupational Therapists (OTs). And while there are roles for us across the spectrum of care, there’s one practice area that can be incredibly fulfilling. Helping clients drive…
Read More3 Easy Steps to Explore OT & Driving
Yes!!! I love that you are taking a moment to check out this article and explore your unique OT role with driving! When it comes to driving, fitness-to-drive, and even adaptive driving equipment, we OTs have a unique set of skills that can greatly help our patients. Whether you are an OT thinking about driving…
Read MoreSafe Driving Tips for Transporting Grandchildren
Are you a grandparent lending a hand with transporting grandchildren? As offices across the country start to reopen, many parents return to the office for work, leaving grandparents in charge of childcare. This includes handling everyday tasks such as running errands, doctor appointments, and taking the kids to activities or other events. This also means…
Read MoreWhy you need to talk to your patients about non-covered services.
Why you need to talk to your patients about non-covered services. Listen, as occupational therapists, we have all been there. There is some great resource, program, provider, device that is NOT COVERED and we think…. hmmm… will my patient go for this? Should I even bring it up? Can they afford it? Maybe there is…
Read MoreHow has the past year changed our need to drive?
How has the past year changed our need to drive? In my opinion, one of the best outcomes from 2020 has been the increased acceptance and opportunity for working from home, ordering necessities online, and having more access to food & leisure right at our fingertips (thank you DoorDash). For my clients with disabilities, this…
Read MoreOTs Who Address Driving Change Lives!
Hey, there fellow OT Superheros! I am excited to connect with you. Did you realize that OTs who address driving change lives? It’s true! But you don’t have to take my word for it… check this out: When OTs address driving we give more than feedback on readiness for an IADL, we give hope. We…
Read MoreDriving Post-Stroke with a Left Foot Accelerator
Meet Michael. Michael has returned to driving post-stroke with a left foot accelerator! Please join me in congratulating Michael on passing his adaptive equipment driving test on a very cold and windy Tuesday! Michael is a young, very independent, hard-working father. About a month into the pandemic, he woke up, alone in his home, unable…
Read MoreStart Your Own OT Driving Risk Assessment Program
Calling all Generalist Occupational Therapy Practitioners: Start Your Own OT Driving Risk Assessment Program The OT Driving Risk Assessment is quickly becoming the next big trend in healthcare. This is a reimbursable service covered by the trained occupational therapy practitioner and it is easily integrated into the standard OT evaluation or the current plan of…
Read MoreACL (Allen Cognitive Lacing) for the Win!
And the Allen Cognitive Test (ACL) comes to the rescue again for a win!! Hello OT friends! I used the ACL (Allen Cognitive Lacing Test) to understand my client’s readiness to drive again! It is really a great tool. This time my client, had no more than an eighth-grade education and grew up as a…
Read MoreBe OK with Not Knowing
HOW DO YOU RESPOND WHEN THE WORLD KEEPS SHIFTING AND IT’S HARD TO KEEP FINDING YOUR BALANCE? I use a mantra – Be OK with not knowing. It helps me focus, center, and re-group. I like to remind myself that not knowing is part of the process and part of what I need in my…
Read MoreMy Renewed Love for OT
How starting my own private practice renewed my love for OT Setting the Stage It is July 1, 2020. I am home today with my daughter. My small private practice has survived COVID-19 and the 3-month state-imposed stay at home orders and I have found my renewed love for OT! The primary elections are approaching…
Read MoreBecome a Driver Rehab Specialist
Change Lives. Become a Driver Rehab Specialist! Follow Our 3 Part Process to Become a DRS & Change lives! Part 1 In the Clinic Part 2 In the Car Part 3 Mentorship Part 1 In the Clinic: Building Blocks Bundle (10 ONLINE Courses – 25 hours) Part 1: Driving Risk Assessment starts your introduction…
Read MoreDriving After a Stroke
Did you know that in the United States every 40 seconds someone has a stroke? It’s true! Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Stroke reduces mobility in more than half of stroke survivors. It can change the way we see, move, taste, think, and more. Therefore, it is important to see a…
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