OT & Driving
The occupation category that driving falls into.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)
This hand-controlled device allows users to operate the gas and brake pedals.
What is a hand control?
This law prohibits discrimination in public transportation for people with disabilities.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
If possible, this is the safest way for a wheelchair user to travel in a car.
What is transfer into the car seat with a seatbelt?
These devices replace the standard steering wheel for people with limited hand function.
What are steering knobs or spinner knobs?
For clients with cognitive impairments, OTs may recommend this low-tech assistive tool to support independent bus or rideshare use.
What is a visual schedule or cue card system?
Turn signals and windshield wipers are examples of this type of driving control.
What are secondary controls?
This type of ramp is often used to help wheelchair users enter a van.
What is a portable or fold-out ramp?
These services provide curb-to-curb or door-to-door transport for individuals with disabilities.
What is paratransit?
True or False: Only OTs can become certified driver rehabilitation specialists.
False. You do not have to be an OT to become a certified driver rehab specialist.
A rotating platform that helps users transfer from wheelchair to vehicle seat.
What is a swivel seat base?
This federal agency offers funding and guidance for improving transportation access for people with disabilities.
What is the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)?
Three examples of primary controls.
What are the gas, brake, and steering wheel?
This comprehensive process evaluates a person's cognitive, visual, and physical readiness for driving with adaptive equipment.
What is a driver rehabilitation evaluation?
This program, under Medicare/Medicaid, may cover transportation to medical appointments for eligible users.
What is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)?