We know that sitting in the driver’s seat after a medical issue, surgery, advancing condition, or disability can be intimidating. We’re here to help you feel confident about getting behind the wheel and on the road. Our program serves adults across the lifespan, so whether you are looking to continue driving, resume driving, or learn to drive for the first time, our program is here for you.

Our Approach to Road Safety

If you are referred to our program by your physician, we will look at all the facts to recommend the best course of action to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Reports from our program will be sent back to your physician. Our driving program is a licensed, class D disability driver training school in the state of Ohio. 

You should have a driver transport you while you participate in the program.

Clinical evaluation

We start with a clinical evaluation. This will help us become familiar with you and the reasons you were recommended to our program. Our skilled team of licensed and registered therapists will review your medical history, medications, and driving history. We will also complete assessments for visual skills, thinking and memory skills, reaction time, physical abilities, and understanding of basic road rules. We use a driving simulator to test your reaction time, visual attention, and scanning abilities. 

When we finish your clinical evaluation, your occupational therapist (OT) will discuss your results and explain next steps. These could include completing a road assessment, training with adaptive driving equipment, or learning about alternative transportation.

To complete the clinical evaluation, you must be at least 15 and a half years old with parental consent.

Road assessment

The road assessment is completed in our program vehicles with a state licensed driving instructor. This part must be passed for our OTs to recommend continued driving or continued training. 

The road assessment begins in a parking lot so you can get familiar with the car and so the instructor can assess your basic driving skills. Depending on your ability, you may progress to residential streets, commercial streets, and highways. Your instructor will review the results and make recommendations on your driving status.

To complete the road assessment, you must have a valid license or temporary permit.

Driving training

Driving training might be recommended to get you used to the road and any adaptive equipment. We provide instruction on how to safely operate a vehicle using adaptation, compensatory techniques, or training in safety procedures. This includes training with young adults learning to drive for the first time, or any adult who is learning to drive with adaptations. 

If adaptive equipment is recommended, our driver rehab specialists will help you choose the type that fits your needs, and provide training in our vehicles to help you reach independence.

Vehicle modification

For clients looking for a modified vehicle, we can provide a written prescription for vehicle modifications for all independent driving or passenger transport. The prescription can be used by National Mobility Equipment Dealer Association (NMEDA) certified dealers to install the vehicle modifications once completed.

Our Staff Is Here to Help

All of our instructors are OT’s who are licensed disability driver training school instructors. We also have a certified driver rehabilitation specialist on staff and a case manager who can assist clients and their families with community resources and referrals as needed. 

Our OT staff are also trained CarFit technicians.

Conditions We Treat

We see clients with a variety of disabilities and conditions, including the following: 

• Amputation
• Arthritis
• Brain injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Learning disability
• Memory or cognitive issues
• Neurological disease or problems
• Parkinson’s
• Stroke
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Spinal cord injury
• Visual deficits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you test me in my own car?

We complete road testing and training with our program vehicles, not personal vehicles. Our program vehicles are inspected yearly for use as driving training vehicles. We also have an instructor’s brake on the passenger side for safety.

Will you revoke my license?

We do not have the ability to reinstate or revoke a license. We test performance and report it to the referral source, which could be the court or your physician. 

How do I get started?

Talk to your doctor about a referral for our “Driver Rehab Program.” Include all pertinent diagnoses. When we receive your referral, our office staff will contact you to schedule.

How much does it cost?

Insurance does not cover the cost. Our program is set up as a fee for service. Please call our office for the current pricing at (937) 401-6109.

How long will it take?

Your first appointment will be 90 minutes. Additional appointments will last for one hour, with options for training sessions in two-hour blocks at your provider’s discretion.

What should I bring to the evaluation?

• Your license or temporary permit if applicable
• Glasses or contacts if you use them to drive, or reading glasses if you need them