- The OT generalist can perform a driving risk assessment. This includes review of vision, cognition, motor skills, & other IADLs. A great resource for learning how to do this is the Generalist Resource to Integrate Driving (GRID). https://
adaptivemobility.thinkific. com/courses/GRID. As a footnote, some clinics are using the term "pre-driving" or "clinical assessments" for this type of testing. It is important that we move away from this language and start calling this activity a driving risk assessment. This assessment is completed as part of the plan of care, it is reimbursement, and should be included as an intervention for any patient being discharged to home how was previously a driver. It is also important to note that the OT completing clinic based assessments is not an OT DRS. The OT DRS is an individual who has obtained advanced training in driver rehabilitation and has had experience/training in a moving vehicle. The OT DRS understands the connection between the clinic and the vehicle.
A funny little known fact, you actually have to become an OT DRS before you become certified. In the world of driver rehabilitation, certification is offered to a range of medical & non-medical professionals who have gained experience (~840 -1600 hours) as a driver rehab specialist. You must complete your advanced education and gain hands-on experience with clients before you apply and sit for your certification exam. In addition, as an OT DRS you will need to follow any state specific requirements outlined by your state driver's licensing administration. As many OTs hesitate to start in a field without obtaining their certification, ADED has added a 'driver rehab professional' (DRP) badging option. This badge may be obtained by any OT who has completed Part 1 & Part 2 of Adaptive Mobility Services education (as noted above) and completes the application & quiz process as outlined by ADED. Adaptive Mobility is proud to support this new process and many of the new DRP are Adaptive Mobility graduates.
Helping someone achieve freedom and mobility by being able to drive independently. Many of us are lucky enough to have friends and family ready to lend a hand, run an errand, and give us a ride, but let's face it. There is NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING like being able to drive yourself somewhere alone. This feeling never gets old and it is humbling and exhilarating with each client.