The Driving Rehabilitation Program at INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital offers instruction and training for individuals whose driving skills need to be assessed or relearned. The program serves the patient in helping regain independence. Patients who have suffered traumatic injuries often need to reorient themselves as a driver. A certified driving educator and an occupational therapist conduct the program for the purpose of rehabilitation and driver improvement.

Help in the Right Direction

The program is a hospital-based outpatient program for people with driving impairment. Staffed by state-certified driver educators and registered, licensed occupational therapists, the program consists of individualized driver assessment and driver training.

 
Driver Assessment

Driver assessment is made up of three components:

1. Clinical Assessment - Using standardized tests, an occupational therapist measure driving-related skills, including visual perception and cognition.
2. Behind-the-Wheel Assessment - Using the results of the clinical assessment, occupational therapists and the driver educator determine a patient's ability to control the vehicle, respond to traffic signals, react to driving situations, etc.
3. Adaptive Equipment Assessment - Adaptive driving equipment may be necessary for some people. The occupational therapists and driver educator assess the need for adaptive driving equipment and other vehicle modifications, and make recommendations.