Clinical Excellence in Driver's Evaluation
The Alexian Brothers Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, in partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, provide Driver Evaluation services that offer clients convenient access to the same expert care that has earned RIC the ranking of "Best Rehabilitation Hospital in America" by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991.
Improved Safety & Quality of Life
The service is provided by Occupational Therapists in conjunction with a certified driving instructor.
The in-clinic portion is completed by the Occupational Therapist. It determines if the client meets the visual requirement set by the state for driving. It assesses the skills an individual needs for driving. These skills include attention, sign recognition, problem-solving abilities and reaction time. The in-clinic portion also looks at the person's physical status to determine if any adaptive equipment is needed.
The behind-the-wheel portion assesses the client's driving abilities on all types of roads, including the interstate. Adaptive equipment is used if indicated by the Occupational Therapist.
The information learned from the in-clinic and the behind-the-wheel portions of the driver's evaluation are shared with the client. It is determined that the client is safe to drive, not safe to drive, or would benefit from training to try and improve his/her on-the-road safety for driving.
The results of the Driver Evaluation are faxed to the physician. Clients who "pass" are instructed to talk with their physician before they resume driving. Clients who need further training are scheduled. Clients who fail are also told to contact their physician. If a physician feels based on all the information on hand that a patient should not drive, he/she should notify the Secretary of State.
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