OT Driving with Susie Q: Recent Episodes
Susan Touchinsky
Hi guys! My name is Susie, I am an OT & certified driver rehab specialist - a.k.a. driving geek! In this podcast, you ask and we answer! Join us as we explore all things driving & get you the resources you need to be an #OTsuperhero! Join us! Ask questions!
Want more? Join on Facebook @ Driving Rehab for the OT!
In this episode explore using the GRID versus OT - DORA for your driving risk assessment.
Access the GRID here: https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/GRID
Access OTs Role with Driving here: https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/1-2023
In this short episode, I share my opinions on right versus left hand controls and my thought process for helping to match my clients with the best equipment to fit their needs.
In this episode, we discussed the pitfalls and dangers with purchasing adaptive equipment online and how to help clients understand the benefit of working with a driver rehabilitation specialist and a qualified vendor.
In this short episode, I review how to find information about your state’s licensing medical envision requirements.
In this episode we discuss using cognitive testing to help determine someone's level of risk, OT's role with addressing driving risk and not pass/fail outcomes, referral to a specialist, and the Generalist Resource to Integrate Driving. https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/GRID
For my outpatient Driving Risk Assessment, I currently use a modified version of the GRID (Generalist Resoruce to Integrate Driving). In the past, I have also incorporated the MVPT-4 to assess visual perception capabilities and the UFOV (Useful Field of View) through Brain HQ to assess attention and processing speed. Have you ever used either of these two assessments to assess driving risk?
In this episode we discuss using the Colenbrander Mixed Contrast Sensitivity chart and the Smart Optometry potential application.
In this episode, I provide an overview of the difference between the role of the generalist OT in the clinic versus the specialist in the car. I explore recommendations for each and resources to help you confidently operate within your role.
OT Generalists - able to comment of driving risk & potential.
OT Specialists - able to comment on fitness to drive.
Learn more: https://adaptivemobility.thinkific.com/courses/1-2023
ONLINE: OT's Role with Driving
Can my 15 year old patient with arthrogryposis impacting both of his arms, learn to drive with just his feet?
Today's question comes from an OT Driving Specialist. The OT DRS had a new client call to s/p brain injury in 2021 to schedule an evaluation for a second opinion. The client was seen 6 months prior and did not do well, but this was with a different program. She has provided this OT with a copy of the report that highlights changes with reaction time, right and left turns, lane positioning, backing up, insight, mutli-step directions, etc.
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In this episode I share how I would set up an OT driving program using a 2 level approach:
- Level 1: OT Generalist Driving Risk Assessment using the Generalist Resource to Integrate Driving (GRID)
- Level 2: OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Program
Additional resources:
Start Your Own OT Driving Risk Assessment Program https://adaptivemobility.com/occupational-therapy-education/ot-driving-risk-assessment/
Ready to become an OT-DRS? The driving risk assessment training is your first step. Learn more on the 3 part process to become an OT-DRS.
Thinking about your own private practice? Read how starting her own private practice saved Susie’s love for OT!
Start your OT Driving Risk Assessment today! Enroll with Part 1 In the Clinic: Building Blocks.
In this episode we talk about OT's role as a team member, communicated with the referring physician, and referring to your state licensing administration.
In this special episode the tables are turned and my coach, Wayne, interviews me as part of his Business Builder Camp Podcast.
I share insights and stories I have learned along the way, as well as practical information to help keep me going and growing as a business builder.
Lots of fun nuggets in this one! Come take a peak inside my head.
Want to create a life you love?
Want to create business that serves your lifestyle, family AND your clients?
This week’s guest is one of our own Business Builders, Susie Touchinsky.
Listen to Susie’s hero’s journey and how she transitioned from working as an occupational therapist in the healthcare system to creating her ideal life, for herself and her family, by venturing out on her own.
She makes the world a better place by serving people who have experienced an injury or illness that has affected their driving abilities. Susie shares insights about how technology is allowing people to get behind the wheel again and how it is expanding her business.
Not only has she established Advanced Mobility to help drivers, Susie is also helping other OTs by providing an online training program and mentorship.
We know that business building isn’t always easy. Tune in to hear about Susie’s process on how to best make decisions based on her goals, mission and priorities and learn about the importance of making space to be reflective and creative.
Join me while I sit down with Dr. William Mansbach from BCAT! Dr. Mansbach is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mansbach Health Tools, LLC which supports the BCAT® Research Center. Dr. Mansbach has an international reputation as a researcher, clinician, and consultant in the aging field. He was a pioneer in the development of memory clinics and is the creator of the BCAT® and ENRICH® Systems, which integrate cognitive tests, interventions, and dementia prevention programs.
Today we discuss the CBS-8 and 15 FOR ME PROGRAM program.
Listen in!
Please like, review, & share!
In this episode I review the part one education for the OT generalist and how you can build upon part 1 by completing part 2 to become a specialist.
Today we spend a couple minutes exploring what questions you might ask when interviewing for an OT DRS job interview.
In this episode we talk about the American Occupational Therapy Association's Specially Certification in Driving and Community Mobility. To learn the most up-to-date information, visit aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program
In this episode we explore Carfit. We talked about how Carfit is a free education event. Learn more at car-fit.org
In this short episode we talk about what it takes to become a CDRS and how you need to start in the field of driver rehab to gain experience before you pursue this credential. We also explore options for occupational therapist for gaining foundational education in Driver rehabilitation
Today’s question comes from a wonderful OT in Louisville Kentucky. She’s interested in adding a driving simulator to her OT clinic. Her patient population focuses on concussion, closed head injury and other neurological conditions.
In this episode we discuss the pros/cons/ considerations of driving with 2 feet, as a solution, after a right lower extremity impairment.
In this episode I share with you my three best tips when working with an individual who needs a left foot accelerator.
In this episode we discuss the features of the model acts that make an ideal for a manual wheelchair user who’s looking to drive and add in either a rear passenger seat lift or trunk robotic arm lift.
In this episode we explore the pros and cons of owning a Tesla as part of our driver rehabilitation vehicle fleet. I share special features that I like and my application of adaptive equipment.
An OT who has completed Adaptive Mobility part one and part two education may submit their certificate of completion along with their application for DRP. Once they pass the required ethics and best practice quiz, they may be awarded DRP by ADED. It is important that you investigate this information thoroughly, I recommend exploring aded.net.
In this episode learn about a helpful resource that you can use to help guide your clinical reasoning and decision making skills for an individual’s driving needs based on their medical diagnosis.
In this episode I start a tackle the question on how you can sell your program by giving you 3 tips to get you started.
In this episode we explore some considerations when picking your driving rehab vehicle. We talk about what to think about with regards to the vehicle as well as to Adaptive Equipment.
In this episode we take a moment to explore how to approach the question if someone can practice driving prior to their driving evaluation.
In this episode, we talked about the different pros and cons of a right hand control, feasibility for adding a right hand control in a driving rehab vehicle that already has left hand controls, and explore one case study.
In this episode I tackle what to do when your client completes the Driving Evaluation and then recants permission to communicate with the doctor.
In this episode we explore the question how do I pick & buy a driving simulator? What should I think about and consider before making the big purchase?
Today’s question comes from Jelinda! Her driving rehab program is expanding to include a van and she’s wondering what type of equipment she should have installed to meet the needs of her clients. Join us as we explore considerations for picking Adaptive Equipment for your driving rehab vehicle.
Today’s question comes from an OT in the Midwest who is working with a client in her outpatient clinic. He is a stroke survivor with right sided hemiplegia. His right leg is regaining strength and range of motion however he’s presenting with a flexion synergy pattern in his right arm. He is driving with his left arm only. Join us as we explore state specific guidelines for adaptive equipment including spinner knobs.
Question: As an OT general, what is the basic equipment I need to start a driving risk assessment in my clinic?
Question: What type of Adaptive Equipment will you put in your Tesla? Electronic or mechanical? Does it void the warranty?
Power-Mobility Community Driving Assessment (PCDA) Driving Assessment Forms
https://powermobilityalberta.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/driving-power-mobility-in-the-community.pdf
Power-Mobility Indoor Driving Assessment Manual (PIDA)
https://powermobilityalberta.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/pida_instructions_2006.pdf
If you had the choice would you hang out at the DMV? This experience might change your mind and feelings around going to the DMV.
Whether you are introducing adaptive driving equipment in the clinic (on a simulator) or in a vehicle, you need the skills and training of an OT driver rehabilitation specialist to properly select, train, and prepare the client. In addition, while starting on a simulator can be great for teaching a new motor pattern, in-vehicle work is always needed before the OT DRS prescribes any adaptive driving equipment.
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Question: I am an outpatient OT. Often my patients are seen by inpatient OT & acute rehab OT before they get to me .... not to mention all the doctors & other therapists they see. It always surprises me when I am the FIRST one to tell someone they should not currently driving. Today I evaluated a gentleman post-stroke with left side impairment. He's got a ways to go and we are feeling optimistic, but we were both shocked when I was the first one to bring up the topic of driving. I asked him to hold off on driving for now until we can regain more function of his left arm and his vision (also impacted) more formally assessed/addressed. It just blows my mine. When do you think OT should start talking about driving? At what level of care or stage of recovery?
The OT Generalist is skilled in assessing driving risk. If you are an OT in the clinic, completing tests & measures to help consider driving, you should NOT be calling this a driving evaluation. A driving evaluation is completed by the OT DRS/CDRS. It requires advanced education & hands-on training, knowledge of in-car driving performance, specialized equipment, and specialized liability coverage. If you are an OT in the clinic ONLY completing clinic-based tests, you are performing a DRIVING RISK ASSESSMENT. This is an evolving area. It is important we stop, take a look at our programs and make sure we are labeling them correctly.
In this podcast we explore OT‘s role with addressing driving risk and how this differs from the driver specialist role in the car.