Driving Screening for the Generalist OT Practitioner (Live Webinar)

Course overview

Over 51 million licensed drivers in the United States are age 65 and older. This is approximately 22% of all drivers. There are fewer than 370 Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists throughout the US and Canada and the vast majority of these are located in large metro areas. There is a significant need for reliable, local driving safety screening throughout rural areas. This course introduces entry level occupational therapy practitioners to the essential principles and practices of driving safety screening. Through a combination of presentation and discussion of case studies, participants will explore the occupational therapists role in promoting safe and independent driving. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the physical, cognitive, and visual demands of driving, identifying appropriate screening tools, and applying clinical reasoning to make informed recommendations. Participants will learn to communicate effectively with clients and families as well as collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with foundational skills to assess driving safety and initiate steps toward using alternative forms of community mobility.