Susie Touchinsky, Owner of Adaptive Mobility
Let’s decipher the driving rehab credentials!
The world of driving rehab is riddled with credentials – SCDCM, CDRS, DRS, and more. Does any of it make a difference? Let us help decipher these driving rehab credentials.
Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS)
Driver rehabilitation specialist (DRS) is a general term that may be used by anyone with training in driver rehab. Currently, there are no requirements that define when someone may or may not use this title. After completing Adaptive Mobility’s Part 1 & 2 Courses, most are confident with using the title DRS.
“Driver rehabilitation specialist (DRS): Provides clinical driving evaluations and driving mobility equipment evaluations and intervention to develop or restore driving skills and abilities. [Note: A DRS may or may not have a health professional background. With a health professional background, a DRS can provide a comprehensive driving evaluation.]” Taxnonomy & Terms for Stakeholders in Senior Mobility.
Specialty Certification in Driving & Community Mobility (SCDCM)
SCDCM is the American Occupational Therapy Associations (AOTA) Specialty Certification in Driving & Community Mobility. This is a certification specifically for occupational therapy practitioners. An OT with this credential has passed a rigorous peer review and provided multiple examples of evidence demonstrating advanced knowledge & practice focused on driving. This credential is offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association. This process is currently being redesigned (2020). We may see this distinction grow and change into an examination based credential in the future.
“Occupational therapy practitioners who hold AOTA’s Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM, SCDCM-A) are formally recognized for engaging in a voluntary process of ongoing professional development and for translating that development into improved outcomes for clients. Occupational therapy practitioners with AOTA’s Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility have met the criteria delineated for a specialized practitioner by successfully completing a peer-reviewed process that includes: demonstration of relevant experience, a reflective portfolio, & ongoing professional development.” – American Occupational Therapy Association
Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS)
The Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) is a credential offered by the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). This is an exam-based credential. Applications first must have completed advanced education and have worked in the field of driver rehab for two years, or 1664 hours, providing direct patient care. Mentorship is preferred, but not mandated at this time. A variety of medical and non-medical professionals including occupational therapists, driving instructors, and more may hold the certification of CDRS.
Choosing your credentials
As OTs, it is important we gain both education and hands-on experience before getting into the car. Adaptive Mobility is the only workshop setting to offer formal, hands-on training. You can learn more by exploring Part 2 In the Car: Take the Wheel. Choosing, using and selecting the best credentials is a personal choice for the occupational therapy practitioner and one that should be done with support from a mentor and leaders in the field.
Click here to learn more about Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS
Explore all of Adaptive Mobility educational course offerings.
Read more How to Become a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS)
