4-16-12
Occupational Therapy Practitioners at the Forefront of Keeping Older Drivers Safe
In-vehicle demo April 25 in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS, IN—Occupational therapy practitioners will demonstrate how to keep older drivers as safe as possible in their vehicles through a program called CarFit, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at the JW Marriott, 10 S. West St., Indianapolis, as part of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA’s) 93rd Annual Conference & Expo.
CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA, AARP, and AOTA. CarFit helps mature drivers find out how well they currently fit their automobile, understand the individualized adjustments and safety features of their car, and discuss their driving safety and other mobility options without concern over losing their license (CarFit volunteers do not judge participants’ driving skills or ability). CarFit events, which are usually free, are held in community settings across the country and staffed by a trained team of occupational therapy practitioners, volunteers, and other health professionals.
Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Jennifer Radloff, OTR, CDRS, of the University of Indianapolis, will be joined by 5 other occupational therapists with driver rehabilitation expertise to train approximately 45 occupational therapy practitioners and students in a CarFit workshop. Representatives from AAA and AARP will discuss their organizations’ collaboration with CarFit.
“As occupational therapy practitioners, we can address community mobility and independence for older adults. By learning additional ways, such as CarFit, to work with seniors and educate them about safety features that protect them in their vehicles, their chances of maintaining independence in their community is greater,” said Radloff.
To attend the in-vehicle portion of the CarFit training, or to interview an occupational therapy practitioner who specializes in older driver safety, contact AOTA Media Relations Manager Katie Riley at 301-652-6611, ext. 2963, 301-602-4526 (cell) or kriley@aota.org.
For more information on the CarFit program, visit www.car-fit.org.
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.
