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🚗 All About Driving NEWSLETTER Solutions Centre |
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Beep...Beep... Keeping us inspired this month is Jessica Haldin, a quadruple amputee who is currently learning how to drive! |
At just two years old, Jess had her legs and fingers on both hands amputated after contracting Meningococcal in 1993. Now, at 33 years old, Jess is embarking on the journey of learning to drive in a car that is modified to accommodate her needs.
Both Luke and Mikayla, who are Driver Trained OTs and Certified Driver Instructors, have been supporting Jess to drive with advanced technology and modifications (joystick for steering and breaking, and voice activation for indicators, horn, window wipers and lights). |
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Let's get to know a little more about jess and her experience!
1. What challenges influenced your decision to postpone learning to drive until now?
"I got my learner's permit as a teenager as soon as I was at the age I could, I went to a couple of different companies (I can't remember the names) and they wouldn't give me a chance to prove to them I could drive, I ended up losing hope and giving up. Up until about six years ago when my support coordinator asked if I had thought about driving and I explained to her my past let downs and she told me there are options I could try and have it funded through NDIS so we started the process."
2. Can you tell us what it was like the first time you drove in the car with Luke?
"The first time I drove with Luke I was so nervous and anxious but I got through it and by the end I couldn't wait for my next lesson!"
3. Once you get your licence, how will you navigate to fuel your car up?
"I've had a thought about this and this will still be something I'd need support with, It's something I'll probably do on support worker days."
4. What car are you going to get?
"I am planning on getting a Kia Carnival!"
5. Where will be the first place you drive or first thing you do when you get your licence?
"I can't wait to be able to independently take myself to the shops or to the foreshore. I plan on going on a road trip, I haven't seen much of Western Australia and I look forward to having the independence to do that."
See Jess' recent ABC Feature here |
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CHOICES, CONNECTION & SUPPORT |
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This month we asked our social media followers..."Do gophers drive on pathways or the road?" Answer: Both! Gophers primarily drive on pathways. However, if there are NO pathways present, gophers are allowed to drive on the side of the road if it is safe.
Here are the results: 82% Votes for pathways 18% Voted for road
Laws around a licensed motorised wheelchair (Gophers) Limiting the speed limit to 10km/h means: - Users of the mobility scooter are legally classified as pedestrians.
- Mobility Scooters with this restriction are not legally recognised as as motorised vehicles, thus exempt from licensing requirements.
- Divers of gophers are not required to hold a driver's licence.
- Not required to pay compulsory Motor Injury Insurance (MII).
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Do you have any questions or a problem you want our team of experts to help you solve? We're here to help you! Just send us an email and our team of experienced therapists, suppliers & engineers will work together to find you a solution! This month, we asked the team at @OTSG about driver duality. What are the benefits of a Driver Trained Occupational Therapist being dual trained as a Certified Driving Instructor?
"The benefits of being dual trained is the ability to complete the OT process. To go through the entire process of assessment, evaluation, and implement the intervention to achieve the outcomes for the clients goals. It also allows the therapist to not just oversee, but be involved in the clients progress and manage each step, alongside the client in a more holistic approach." - Luke Roberts
"Working in a dual-trained role allows continuity of care within the driving task, as we get to work through the entire driving journey from start to finish. It also allows us the opportunity to continue to adjust our service provision as the clients journey progresses based on their needs; and as we spend a significant amount of time with our clients we tend to build a stronger rapport with them. This combination of factors often results in improved outcomes for our clients, resulting in happy clients and even happier driving therapists!" - Mikayla Congram
"Driving is a dynamic task that encompasses varying conditions and so often requires time and effort with repeated repetition of the task to establish someone’s ability to drive to the Department of Transport Standards. Standardised assessments and psychometric tests are limited in their ability to conclusively predict a person’s suitability to drive – and so the ‘top down’ assessment components of the OT Driving Assessment are essential in determining a person’s fitness to drive. Our OT process is no different to any other area of Occupational Therapy – we provide assessment to implement appropriate intervention to assist the client to achieve their goal of independent driving. Similarly with all other OT services, we re-evaluate and adjust interventions throughout this process – supporting an individual to achieve task independence. Hence, having the ‘dual qualification’ has been essential in facilitating provision of the OT process to assist client's achievement of independent driving.
An added benefit of being dual trained has been my improved ability to assess, applying (good and bad) past experiences in supporting clients on-road with prescribing possible interventions when completing new assessments. It also assists to remove elements like anxiety during the assessment, or to focus on developing awareness of limitations which is imperative to safe driving, and supports continuity of care throughout the assessment and intervention process.
Traditionally, Driving Instructors have focussed on providing ‘knowledge-based learning’ around the vehicle, environment and driving behaviours. Similarly to an OT working in a school environment, OTs are appropriately placed to support grading of this knowledge-based learning & a skills based approach with the persons medical condition in mind."
- Chris Pearce
For more information and enquires about our services please contact us on |
This month, we are highlighting the amazing online therapy toolkit from Jenny Gribbin, Director and OT from @Driving Well Occupational Therapy. Congratulations to Jenny, who recently received the Oration Award for the upcoming OT Exchange!
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Jenny has developed, "Get Driving" a therapy toolkit designed with activities to support learner drivers and pre-learner drivers. It focuses on essential motor, visual, and processing skills crucial for safe driving. It is ideally used following the "Potential to Drive" assessment with an OT driver assessor.
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What does the toolkit include?- Motor coordination activities
- Vision, processing and decision activities
- Driving prep activities - including using the Drive Focus app and community mobility
- Passenger activities
- Activity sheets
- How to grade from a beginner, to intermediate, to advanced level
- Video examples of all the activities
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We love this resource package to support neuro diverse learner drivers to help them prepare for the practical lessons on road! The individual can work on skills needed for driving at home with their family or support worker to complement specialised driving lessons with a Driver Trained Occupational Therapist and Instructor. |
Find out more about "Get Driving" online therapy toolkit here. |
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🎉Matt recently passed his Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)!
Matt has been so patient to wait for the High Level Assessment vehicle to come back to WA... and to allow him to get started on his driving journey with #FootSteering controls! Matt has completed over 50 hours of driving over the past year with Luke & Mikayla - and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome!
We are thrilled to support Matt to accomplish his NDIS goal and can't wait to see him driving around Perth in his own modified vehicle!!
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Guardman Liquid Level Detector - The liquid level detector is a daily living assistive device, designed for people with low vision. The device alerts the user with a sound and vibration when the liquid reaches the pre assigned detection level.
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R & R Healthcare Kitchen Stool - This stool is perfect for the kitchen or similar work areas. It is suitable for individuals who experience difficulties with prolonged standing. The stool is height adjustable and features a padded swat and backrest. The arm and back rest can be removed to accommodate various preferences and needs. |
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Grace Suction Mug - The mug features a spill-free suction base, enhancing stability and minimising the risk of accidental tipping, offering reassurance both at home and in the workplace. It's a 470ml stainless steel mug that keeps your drinks insulated. Just remember, when you pick it up, lift straight up. It's a handy thing to have around for everyone, and it's especially helpful for individuals with visual impairments. |
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Therm-Oz Thermostatic Showers - A shower tap that keeps a constant temperature with no fluctuating hot or cold spells and eliminates the risk of scalding, making them safe, simple to use. The left handle controls the temperature and features a safety button which limits to 38c. By depressing the safety button, it allows the user to rotate to a higher temperature to 45C. Thermostatic showers are suitable for all but especially for those with compromised sensation, limited insight into safety awareness, or those who are wanting to maintain their safety and independence in the shower. |
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Jenny Gribbin & OTSG are hosting the 1ST EVER LIVE FACE-FACE WORKSHOP ON POTENTIAL TO DRIVE!
An exclusive event for Driving OTs, Driving Instructors, Community OTs and Students!
📅 12 June 2024
⏰ 9am - 1pm Workshop
1pm - 2pm Networking & Lunch
📍 3 Turner Avenue, Bentley 6102
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Australia's leading professional development conference event for occupational therapists in 2024.
Gather in Perth for two days of inspiration and collaboration with OTs and experts from across the profession.
📅 13-14 June 2024
📍Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre |
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We are excited to collaborate with MNDWA to bring together a community who are passionate about making a difference in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This Ed Session will provide an opportunity to connect, share stories, and learn about how to support those affected by MND. 📅 18 June 2024
⏰8:30am - 9:30am
📍 3 Turner Avenue, Bentley 6102 |
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Do you have ideas or Ed Session requests?
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3 Turner Ave
Bentley
Western Australia
6102
Australia |
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