Often it’s not a disability, but the fear and anxiety of driving again after a medical event that holds people back. It’s hard to rebuild your confidence without proper training and preparation. But it can be done. You want to make sure you’re not only safe but also ready to respond in any situation. Finding a driving evaluation and training program that’s qualified to serve people with your condition is critical.
This article outlines what’s most important in a driving rehabilitation program and why you should find one that’s close to home.
What qualities are important in a driving rehabilitation program?
Each state has different requirements and procedures for recertifying after a disability. The average medical clearance and road testing probably won’t be enough to make you feel totally safe. A great driving rehabilitation program should provide detailed assessments to help determine when you’re ready to renew your license. It should focus on individualized coaching and strategies that make you feel comfortable behind the wheel. The program’s staff should also be able to advise you on any equipment you need, help you get it installed and help you learn to use it.
The program you choose should have more than the necessary accreditation and capabilities to help people with your condition. Look for a program that teaches accident avoidance and defensive driving. The best indicator of a great driving rehabilitation program is a proven track record of success.
What should I look for in a driving rehabilitation program near me?
First of all, a program in your area will be familiar with local licensing procedures and your DMV. If possible, it’s worth it to find a driving rehabilitation program that’s close to home. You’ll need to do a bit of your own research to determine which program is right for you.
How will you know you’ll get the level of training and service you need? Look for the following features and benefits:
- Integrated and individualized approach — It’s especially helpful if your driving rehab instructor can work closely with the rest of your care team. You’ll need both clinical and road testing to ensure that you can drive safely. At Ability KC, our driving evaluation and training program is part of your integrated care plan.
- Accident avoidance and defensive driving training — The best driving schools teach people to protect themselves, their vehicles, and other drivers. Defensive driving means taking the right amount of caution without driving too slowly or feeling anxious. Find out if the driving rehabilitation program you’re looking at teaches defensive driving.
- Credentials — The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) is the organization that offers credentialing for driving rehabilitation programs. Look for their logo on the program website.
- Capabilities — The average driving school generally can’t adequately serve people who have experienced a stroke, spinal cord injury or brain injury or who have limited mobility. We exclusively serve patients in our rehab facility. This includes first-time drivers with diagnoses such as autism or cerebral palsy.
- Highly trained instructors — Our driving rehabilitation program has been operating since 1978. Our instructors have the training and experience to help people with a wide range of disabilities learn to drive safely.
- Installation and training for adaptive equipment — You may need some adaptive equipment to modify your car. We’re familiar with the types of steering wheel adaptations, orthotic driving aids, and hand and foot controls that are available. We can help you get the right equipment installed and learn how to use it.
- Detailed assessments — In many states, the DMV requires medical clearance for drivers with disabilities to receive a license. But that’s not the same as a detailed safe driving assessment. We can identify any concerns and areas that need improvement before you get back on the road.
- Clinical testing — This also isn’t something most driving schools offer. Skilled therapists on your rehab team at Ability KC can provide testing for medical clearance to drive.
Is Ability KC’s driving evaluation and training program right for you?
We’ve helped people with all kinds of disabilities feel safe and confident behind the wheel for over 45 years. We can help drivers from any state with the entire driving process. Our driving evaluation and training program goes above and beyond to make the roads safer for people with disabilities.
We do much more than driver rehabilitation. Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. We provide integrated and comprehensive rehabilitation that’s on par with national and international standards.
Have questions about Ability KC’s driving evaluation and training program? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule some time to talk.