Occupational Therapy Launches Driver Rehab Program

A dream two years in the making recently became a reality thanks to the efforts of the Occupational Therapy Department and the Methodist Hospital Foundation. The hard work of both resulted in the unveiling of a new driver rehabilitation program on April 4. The program will target anyone who has risks associated with driving which may include those with orthopedic, neurological, cognitive, or visual impairment as well as those that have diminished driving abilities due to aging.

 

“The need for this program was brought to us by both physicians and therapy staff,” said Kelli Eaton, OTR/L, director of therapy services, wound and diabetes centers. “Occupational Therapy focuses on the skills people need to complete activities of daily living and driving is a piece of that. There are many components associated with driving which include, but are not limited to vision, strength, range of motion, cognition and the ability to multi-task. Driving is a habitual process and because of that, we simply think we are capable.”

 

The program became a reality thanks funding from Methodist Hospital Foundation. The vehicle, which has been named Ruby, has been adapted with a right-handed brake for the occupational therapist, various styles and functionality of hand controls, spinner knobs, and the ability to modify the gas and brake pedals which are all key to meeting individualized needs.

 

Mary Turner, OTR/L; Kelina Moore, OTD, OTR/L; and Melissa Kimmerling, MOT, OTR/L will oversee the program, which includes both a clinical and behind-the-wheel evaluation process. The clinical evaluation is comprised of a battery of standardized tests that assess various skills required for safe driving. The behind-the-wheel evaluation involves driving the adaptive vehicle progressing from low distraction situations to those that are increasingly challenging. Physician referral is required for program participation.

 

“A person’s ability to drive shouldn’t come down to an all-or-nothing situation,” Eaton said. “Our job is to help that person work toward being able to drive safely. If they are not able to do so, then we have conversations about what we can do to adapt their daily life so they can still be active and independent.”

 

The new program will be just the third of its kind in the Omaha area and one of only 362 nationwide. According to Eaton, waiting lists for the existing programs are as long as two months. Learn more about the program.

 

“We know the program is needed and look forward to having this program not just for Methodist Health System, but also for our community,” Eaton said.