 Sister Kenny Rehabilitation InstituteDriving Fitness Services
Sister Kenny Driving Skills EvaluationSister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has been addressing the driving concerns of individuals for more than 25 years. The driving skills evaluation is designed to provide guidance and training to help people retain their driving independence as long as safely possible. It will be beneficial for individuals who are experiencing deficits in functioning due to the following conditions:
For more information, call Referrals, appointmentsWhen a person has concerns about driving ability, the first step is to speak with his/her medical provider, who can make a referral to Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. Insurance coverageReimbursement by insurance providers varies by service. Please check with your insurance provider or call 612-262-7979 (toll free 1-888-519-0014) for more information. Source: Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Reviewed by: Chris Tripp, MS, OTR/L First Published: 03/22/2011 Last Reviewed: 01/11/2012 Clinical assessmentAn occupational therapist with advanced training in driving assessments will evaluate basic visual, physical and cognitive abilities needed to safely operate a vehicle. The tests include the following: Visual screeningVisual screening assesses peripheral vision, visual acuity and scanning skills in order to assure that state vision requirements are met. Physical abilitiesTesting of physical abilities assesses the individual's strength and range of motion to manage the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, and turn signals, and evaluates the person's ability to monitor side view and rear view mirrors. In some cases, adaptive equipment can be suggested to improve these skills. Sister Kenny partner, Adaptive Experts, the nation's largest driver rehabilitation program, will make the recommendations and provide the training. Perceptual and cognitive abilitiesTesting of perceptual and cognitive abilities evaluates the individual's reaction time, attention and ability to make decisions, and how these impact safe operation of a vehicle. Overall community mobility skills will also be evaluated as appropriate. These include the use of taxicabs or other forms of public transportation. On-the-road assessmentAdaptive Experts partners with Sister Kenny to offer an on-the-road assessment. A certified driving rehabilitation specialist will come to the individual's home to conduct the assessment. Appointments may be scheduled for weekdays, evenings or weekend days through Adaptive Experts. The on-the-road assessment includes:
Please note that on-the-road assessments are not performed by Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. On-the-road testing is not covered by insurance. RecommendationsBased on the information gathering during both the clinical and on-the-road assessments, the occupational therapist interprets the results and makes recommendations based on performance strengths and limitations, as well as on driving potential. Recommendations generally fall into one of the following categories:
The results and recommendations will be discussed with the individual and his/her family. A detailed report will also be sent to the referring medical provider. Treatment optionsSister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers treatments designed to improve an individual's skills related to driving. Treatment may include one or more of the following:
Locations
Buffalo - Buffalo Hospital |