Driving and Community Mobility

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Guest lecture on Driving and Community Mobility with Cody Stovall 
Key takeaway points 
·     What it takes to become a Certified Driving Rehab Specialist 
o  Trained under CDRS 2 years 
o  Pass national exam
o  Maintain continuing education 
·     Insight and Awareness 
o  How someone views the differences in their thinking processes and physical ability
o  Major concern for people with Alzheimer’s and TBI 
·     We also discussed common screens and assessments used 
o  SIMARD MD – Screen for the Identification of the Cognitively Impaired Medically at-Risk Driver A Modifications of the DemTect 
o  Manual Muscle Test and AROM 
o  Trail making A and B (sustained and dividing attention)
o  Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA)
·     Easiest most cost-effective way to improve safety is mirrors!!!
o  Enlarge rearview mirror 
o  Blind spot mirrors 
Two possible interventions
1.     Group therapy for people with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
·     It could be on safety education and common difficulties
·     A great recourse is At the Crossroads… the Support Group Kit on Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and Driving 
2.     Individually assess people’s cars when they come to therapy in an outpatient clinic
·     Also known as CarFit (helping drivers find their safest fit)
·     We can bill for safety and education
·     10 inch or grater from airbag
·     Line of sight 3 inch above steering wheel 
·     Adjust seat, then seatbelt, then mirrors 


Overall, I enjoyed this lecture. Mr. Stovall was very knowledgably and was able to keep the class engaged. I personally relate to this because my grandfather is a bilateral BKA. He is able to drive his power wheelchair straight into the driver’s seat. This gave him so much more independence and a sense of freedom having the ability to drive again. I can see myself working in this area at some point in my life. 

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