Driving is more than just a means of transport. For many, it's a vital aspect of self-reliance, freedom, and maintaining a connection to the world around them. However, not everyone finds the act of driving straightforward. Age-related changes, medical status, or disabilities can significantly impact one’s ability to drive safely. This is where the [...]
When it comes to driving, independence goes hand in hand with safety. For individuals with disabilities or medical issues, achieving this balance can be quite complicated. Functional driving evaluations conducted by qualified Occupational Therapists (OTs) are essential in these situations. These evaluations are not just assessments; they can foster empowerment and safety as well [...]
As an occupational therapist (OT) or a driver with a medical condition, understanding the intricacies of driving assessments isn't just practical – it's a crucial part of ensuring that individuals can drive safely, conform to legal standards, and, in many cases, retain their independence. To explore this, we delve into the legal framework, safety [...]
Driving is more than a convenience; it’s a passport to independence. Yet, for many individuals facing medical conditions or disabilities, this essential freedom can seem out of reach. Enter occupational therapy (OT), a critical player in the drive toward independence and enhancing a person's driving skills. Here's an in-depth look at how driver trained [...]
Background In the past, people with significant physical conditions may not have been able to drive and were heavily reliant on others for transportation. With the great advancements in technology in recent decades, having a physical handicap often no longer prevents a person from driving or learning to drive. Let’s look at a brief [...]
Introduction If you have been asked to participate in an occupational therapy driving assessment, there is no need to panic. These assessments are more common than you may think. It is a comprehensive and tailored evaluation that will tell you if you’re safe driving because of a medical condition or disability. In this article, we’ll [...]
Every year, approximately 1000 people lose their lives on Australian roads (source: National Road Safety). As Australians travel every day, it can be easy to take road safety for granted which is why driver medicals are so essential. It is crucial to think about not only one’s personal behaviour when on the road but [...]
What are driver medical exams? If you have a medical diagnosis that affects (or potentially affects) your ability to drive safely, the RMS must be notified. If you are unsure if your medical condition is impacting on your driving, you should talk to your doctor. This applies to current drivers as well as those [...]
While driving is a vital and necessary skill for many people, a person's fitness to drive may be affected by their medical condition (or potential medical condition). It is crucial that if you have a diagnosed medical condition or concerns regarding your general health, you see your doctor for a medical assessment to further examine your driving capacity. [...]
If you have been recommended for an Occupational Therapy (OT) Driving Assessment, this article outlines what is involved in the procedure. Firstly, it is useful to understand the area of occupational therapy. An Occupational Therapist is an allied health worker who helps people improve their independence. Usually, OTs work with people who have medical conditions or other difficulties [...]
