There's an unspoken sense of pride that comes from being behind the wheel of your own car - going
wherever you want, whenever you want, without relying on a family member, friend or public transportation.
Whether you're an older driver adapting to the aging process, or recovering from a disabling injury or illness, driving represents your freedom.
Our Adaptive Driver Program can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, while helping you get back
into the driver's seat - even if you have/had a spinal cord injury, stroke, head injury, arthritis, amputation,
neurological, or sensory dysfunction or other disabling condition. Our occupational therapist specializes in driver
training and works closely with the Department of Motor Vehicles, so this professional has a keen understanding
of what's required to help you obtain or maintain your driver's license.
The Adaptive Driver Program is recommended if you have either long-standing or new limitations of:
- Physical strength
- Coordination
- Endurance
- Vision
- Safety perception
- Decision-making
The program includes four key components:
Clinical Assessment: Our occupational therapist will evaluate your physical status, cognition, and communication
skills as well as attitude and behavior. If further evaluation or training is required, you will have access to a wide
range of clinical services available at Casa Colina by referral.
Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation: Our occupational therapist will evaluate your basic skills in vehicle operation, along
with your knowledge of road and traffic situations. Your vision, reaction speed cognition and other practical skills
will be measured using appropriate clinical tools. If needed, you'll have access to driving aides, such as adjustable
hand controls, steering devices and a left-foot accelerator. For your safety, our vehicle is also equipped with dual
steering, gas and brake pedals.
Engineering and Equipment: If you should need adaptive equipment, our occupational therapist will make specific
recommendations or prescriptions. We'll provide you with resource information to help you choose the vehicle or
specially constructed devices that are right for you. We will also show you ways to compensate for particular
problems, such as hearing impairment, movement deficits, or perceptual difficulties.
Training: We'll show you basic vehicle operation, road skills, driving in accordance with the law and the use of
adaptive equipment. Our occupational therapist's instruction also includes the loading and unloading of a wheelchair
and appropriate parking. We'll prepare you for DMV testing and independent driving. If you prefer, we can help
you make arrangements for training through other sources.
We want you to be able drive safely and competently, regardless of the kind or extent of your disability.
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