Introduction:
The Center’s Driver Rehabilitation, Evaluation, and Training Program is overseen by two Occupational Therapists who have earned the Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist credential through ADED (Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialist), the gold-standard driver rehabilitation best practices and professional ethics. The demand for this program has traditionally resulted in a lengthy waiting list for services provided.
Individuals Served:
Any OVR consumer may be referred to the driving program by their case manager. Field counselors can refer for online permit classes for any consumer throughout the state or evaluation and training for those consumers who reside in the local area. Center case managers can refer consumers once they are enrolled in training programs. Consumers must be of legal age, abide by the Kentucky Graduated Licensing Law, and have medical clearance to participate in the program. It is noted that consumers appointed with legal guardianship may not be eligible to hold a Kentucky learner’s permit or driver’s license depending on the order of guardianship.
Program Services:
- Clinical Pre-Driver’s Evaluation: The purpose of this evaluation is to gather information regarding the baseline skills needed to become a low-risk, independent, licensed driver. This comprehensive evaluation considers an individual’s occupational performance history, cognitive skills, visual and perceptual skills, and physical functioning to determine further program eligibility.
- Online and In-person Permit Class: Offered to eligible consumers who do not have a Kentucky Learner’s Permit. Curriculum is based on the Kentucky Driver’s Manual and all aspects of Kentucky Road Rules and Regulations are extensively reviewed. Accommodations are made to the needs of auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners. In-person consumers who qualify may be provided with the opportunity to take the Kentucky Learner’s Permit Test at the County Prestonsburg Regional Office. Information regarding scheduling and regional office locations will be provided to qualifying online permit consumers.
- On-Road Evaluation and Training: Extensive on-road training in the Center’s Driver Education vehicles is provided to consumers who qualify based on on-road evaluation. Sessions take place in a variety of driving environments and cover all aspects of safe motor vehicle operation. This portion of the program is highly individualized, and consumers are progressed according to their ability. Depending on their progress, consumers may take the Kentucky Road Test at the Prestonsburg Regional Office testing site.
- Adaptive Equipment/Vehicle Modification: Our program provides evaluation and training for consumers with a variety of physical disabilities in a vehicle fitted with adaptive equipment. Available equipment includes hand controls, left foot accelerator pedals, pedal extensions and a variety of devices to access the secondary vehicle controls. Recommendations for personal vehicle selection, adaptive equipment prescriptions, and inspections of personal vehicle modifications are provided as indicated. It is noted that this program is considered a low-tech program. Van and high-tech evaluation should be sent to OVR’s Driver’s Rehabilitation Technology Program.
- Bioptic Program: Participants in this program must meet the state’s vision requirements. Once a referral is received and a permit is obtained, an evaluation will be performed to determine needs for sunshields (appropriate lenses to reduce glare and/or enhance contrast) and training to improve conditions and strategies needed to maximize driving success.
- Alternative Transportation Planning: Our program seeks to identify alternative transportation options in the home area of consumers who are unable to drive or if further driving services are not recommended.
- Participation in this program does not guarantee a Kentucky’s Learner’s Permit or a Kentucky Driver’s License.
For further information regarding the Center’s Driver Rehabilitation, Evaluation, and Training Program, please contact the Occupational Therapy Department at (606)-788-6656.