Program Goals
Driving can be a key to independence for people living with disabilities. Our program provides evaluation and training to help people achieve that goal with instruction and behind-the-wheel experience.
Program Services
Touro Rehabilitation Center’s Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Program is a Louisiana Rehabilitation Services-approved provider. Our occupational therapist is a certified driver rehabilitation specialist and offers clients a clinical screening, an in-car evaluation, and driver's training with adapted equipment. Recommendations regarding client performance, future needs, adaptive equipment (if needed), suggested therapy or activities that may be useful are prepared for the client and the referring physician.
The clinical screening examines vision, motor skills, perception, cognition, judgment, and knowledge of driving. It typically takes about two hours.
The program then provides and in-car evaluation of driving performance, when indicated by good clinical performance, driving history, or other factors. This portion usually takes up to two hours.
Driver’s training and instruction is also provided in the use of certain assistive devices for driving such as hand controls, left side accelerators, and steering devices. The training typically takes six to eight hours and is divided into two or three sessions.
Client Criteria
Clients include individuals with physical, cognitive, or mental disabilities and should be free of medical conditions that would make them unsafe to drive (i.e., seizure-free for six months or longer). They should also be able to transfer into our specially adapted vehicle and sit behind the wheel of the car to participate in this program. Finally, clients must have had a valid Louisiana’s driver’s license.
Referral Information
Clients must receive a physician’s prescription. To make a referral or for more information about the program, call (504) 897-8860. Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or e-mail ottoj@touro.com
Driver’s Assessment Program for Seniors
Touro is committed to helping older drivers remain independent and safe while driving.
Older Americans are the fastest growing age group in our society today. For many of these older Americans, driving is the key to maintaining and independent lifestyle. While most older adults drive safely, gradual changes in vision, movement, thinking skills, perception, attention and memory can place older drivers at risk for being involved in or causing an accident.
Our specially trained occupational therapist offers certified driving instruction, clinical screening, an in-car evaluation, and driver’s training with adaptive equipment. Recommendations regarding performance, future needs, adaptive equipment, suggested therapy or activities are provided.
Occupational Therapists have been recognized by the American Medical Association as appropriate health professionals to address the issues of older driver safety.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (504) 897-8860 or e-mail ottoj@touro.com.