Driving Rehabilitation
What is a Driving Rehab Program?
CRHC’s Rehabilitative Driving Program is designed to assess and support individuals who may be experiencing changes in their ability to drive due to medical conditions, aging, or physical disabilities. Led by Occupational Therapist Abbey, the program includes a thorough evaluation of physical, cognitive, and visual abilities, as well as on-road assessments to ensure safe driving practices. Personalized training and adaptive equipment recommendations help participants regain confidence behind the wheel, ensuring continued independence while prioritizing safety. Whether recovering from an injury or adapting to new challenges, our program is tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. This program is only available by referral of a medical provider.
Thanks to our Partnership with local business, Shore Motor Company, and CRHC's Medical Foundation, Partners in Exceptional Care, for their support in making this program possible.
Now accepting clients for CRHC's New Driving Rehab Program! Call 712-542-8224
WHO MIGHT NEED A DRIVING EVALUATION?
Medical conditions can change the way we move, think, and see. If you show any of these changes or other characteristics, you may benefit from a driving evaluation with CRHC's Rehabilitation Provider:
- Recent major medical illnesses or events
- Physical impairments
- Diminished night vision
- Hearing problems
- Reduced memory
- Slower reaction time
- Shorter attention span
- Forgetfulness
- Increased anxiety and agitation
- Frequent falls
- Poor Eye Sight
- Lagging Reflexes
- Stiff joints
- Weak Muscles
Driving Rehab Process
Clinical Testing:
Once a referral from your provider is received and paperwork has been completed we can begin clinic testing. This testing includes vision, motor, coordination, sensation, and cognition. These tests help us to know if you are ready to be in the driver’s seat.
Behind-The-Wheel:
Using CRHC's driving rehab car, you will drive routes in our community so we can evaluate your fitness to drive. During this process Abbey will determine your need for vehicle modifications (hand controls or adaptive seating) or specialized training to improve driving skills.
Outcome Discussion
Using information from steps 1 & 2, Abbey will discuss outcomes and next steps. This will be a conversation with you, your family, and/or your referring doctor. Next steps at this point may include writing a prescription for adaptive equipment.
Adaptive Equipment
Equipment is prescribed and ordered based on each patients specific need, but here are some common examples of adaptive equipment and how they might assist an individual in driving safer.
Petal Extenders
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Steering Wheel Attachments
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Adapted Shifter
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Parking Brake Extension
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THERAPY SERVICES
Physical - Speech - Occupational
PERSONAL TRAINING
Individual - Partner - Group
CARDIAC & PULMONARY REHAB
Phase I - Phase II - Phase III
SPORTS MEDICINE
Athletic Programs & Guidance
Meet our Driving Rehab Specialist
Abbey Orme, MOT, OTR/L
CRHC's Driving Rehab Specialist is an experienced Occupational Therapist with advanced training in driving rehabilitation. She is here to help individuals with medical conditions, disabilities, or age-related changes regain or maintain their ability to drive safely. Their goal is to assess, train, and provide adaptive strategies or equipment recommendations to ensure safe driving.
Call CRHC's Rehab & Sports Medicine Center
Driving Rehab FAQs
What is a Driving Rehab Specialist?
Our driver rehabilitation specialist is Abbey, an experienced occupational therapist with advanced training in driving rehabilitation. She provides driving evaluations to determine safe goals for travel.
What Can I Expect From CRHC's Driving Rehab Services?
- Our driving evaluation includes an in-vehicle time to observe real driving potentialOutcomes are reviewed directly with you and your familyPrompt, clear, and timely evaluations are providedWe are well-versed in the IowaDOT Medical Review process and able to provide support
How Can I Get A Prescription for Adaptive Driving Equipment?
Are you thinking you might need equipment to aid you in driving? We can help with that! Our driver rehab specialist is skilled at identifying and training drivers to use a range of equipment including hand controls, left foot accelerators, and steering devices. Adaptive driving equipment training involves a comprehensive driving evaluation, individualized training, support for state’s relicensing process, equipment prescription, and fitting to ensure equipment works in your own vehicle.
How do I get started in your Driving Rehab Program?
To enroll in our program, you will need a valid driver’s license and an order from your doctor for “Occupational Therapy Driving Evaluation & Treatment.”
Who might need a driving assessment?
Medical conditions can change the way we move, think, and see. If you show any of these changes or other characteristics because of an accident, or disease progression,, you may benefit from a driving evaluation
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