ADED eLearning

Autism Course with Badge | Attendance is limited.
Breanna Snyder, OTRL, CDRS, Raechaell Corbett, MS OTRL, CDRS, CDI, & Jeff Perron, MS OTR, CDRS
Learning Level: Introductory | Contact Hours: 14 hours

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require unique approaches for driving evaluation, training, and education. Driver rehabilitation specialists servicing this population need to understand the latest research on autism education methods, types of driving-related difficulties commonly experienced due to sensory integration profiles, real-world driving outcomes for those who become licensed, and the availability of clinical assessment tools. Service providers need to be able to evaluate whether a client with autism is ready to pursue driving, understand the challenges and opportunities for autistic drivers and employ the best approach for driver education that supports the learning preferences of the client with ASD.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of the workshop attendees will be able to:

• Interpret state legislation, practice acts, and identify their role with neurodiverse clients.
• Identify a process for working in a successful referral capacity
• Perform a driver screening and/or evaluation geared toward the issues commonly seen in the autism spectrum disorder.
• Select assessments, tools, and vehicles appropriate to diagnosis and prognosis.
• Interview client and other involved parties to complete and verify medical history, driving history, social support and communication and learning status.
• Perform cognitive assessment through evaluation and observation of memory, attention (e.g., sustained, selective, divided, and alternating), reasoning and insight, judgment and decision making, self-regulation of behavior, executive functioning, and road sign recognition/right-of-way application
• Perform In-Vehicle Assessment. Select driving environment and route to achieve evaluation goal. Observe pre-driving tasks, driving position and posture, pre-driving checks (e.g., seat adjustment, mirrors, seat belt), and pre-operational tasks (e.g., ignition, parking brake, gear selector, temperature control).
• Perform behind-the-wheel evaluation under various roadway and traffic conditions including physical skills, visual/visual perception skills, and cognitive/behavioral skills.
• Compile results of assessments, and communicate results with involved parties (e.g., client, family, medical team, third-party payers, driver rehabilitation specialists, licensing authority.Interpret assessment results and document. Discuss results with client and other involved parties. Make recommendations and plan for implementation. Write reports for involved parties that meet client needs (e.g., third party funding sources, driver licensing agencies, insurance companies, driver educator, vehicle modifier, referring physician). Develop preliminary recommendations for training
• Implement recommendations including extended driver evaluation, driver education and training (e.g., driver improvement courses, simulator training, commentary driving, classroom education), behind-the-wheel driver education and training, monitor progress and work with other professionals to optimize performance, address licensing issues (e.g., road test, license restrictions), and document
• Conduct training and follow-up evaluation

Workshop A | Driving Risk Calculator:  Framework for OT clinic-based testing
Ann Clark, OTR/L, CDRS, LDI | Learning Level: Introductory | Contact Hours: 7 hours

Objective standardized testing with clear results would be ideal when an occupational therapist is assessing skills related to driving. The Driving Risk Calculator (DRC) is a framework that organizes the process of administration of standardized clinical tests and their interpretation to determine when a client should be referred for a behind-the-wheel assessment or retire from driving. Attendees will observe performance of interviews and tests via video using a senior volunteer. This will include:

• DRC framework background and purpose
• Demonstration of DRC interviews and tests using a senior test subject
• Interpretation of DRC test results for development of client recommendations
• How the DRC is being used by different hospital and clinic based OT departments (Including documentation and billing practices) for referral to an OT/CDRS’ driving school.
• Demonstration of how the DRC fillable forms can be accessed and utilized

Learning Objectives: 

• Attendees will recognize background factors which led to the development of the Driving Risk Calculator as a clinical decision making tool. 
• Attendees will identify the basic function and use of the Driving Risk Calculator (DRC) framework as a clinical decision-making tool for referring clients for behind-the-wheel assessments.
• Attendees will have a working knowledge of the tests and procedures included in the Driving Risk Calculator Clinical Skills Assessment through demonstration of tests with a test subject.
• Attendees will experience the use of the DRC as a hospital and clinic based occupational therapy intervention used to determine appropriateness for on the road evaluation referral. 
• Attendees will be aware of successful Medicare billing practices and scheduling procedures.
• Attendees will identify how the DRC is used for referral to an OT owned driving school for behind the wheel skills assessment.

Workshop B | Equipment & Vehicle Modifications Essentials
Jenny Nordine, OT/L, CDRS | Learning Level: Intermediate | Contact Hours: 7 hours

In today's fast-paced world, products and companies change rapidly. Keeping up to date on equipment and solutions that aligns with client needs is essential for those in the driver rehabilitation profession. With a multitude of options available, pinpointing the ideal solution can be a challenge. But fear not, we've got you covered. Join us as we take a deep dive with our industry partners to identify exceptional options for driver rehab equipment and examine product applications applicable to individual client needs. Gain invaluable insights, get real-time information to integrate into your practice, and have your burning questions and case challenges addressed firsthand.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss key principles of equipment selection.
• Compare and differentiate between different equipment options.
• Analyze primary and secondary driving control modification options for drivers with various disabilities.
• Compare various mobility device stowage, securement and carrier options.
• Assess vehicle and equipment fitting.
• Discuss application of the Best Practice Guidelines and Code of Ethics with respect to vehicle adaptations and selection of equipment.

Kick Off Event | For ALL ADED Conference Attendees | Dinner Included
Learning Level: All levels will benefit from this presentation. | Contact Hours: 3 hours

(Formerly known as Saturday Night Product Presentations). This event will have a formal educational networking component (gamified) to open to energize the attendees and educate them on participating companies The presentation and panel discussion is designed to provide information on different adaptive driving equipment available for individuals with disabilities, along with information on client applications. The presenters will be representatives from the manufacturers of these products. This event is open to all conference registrants. 

Learning Objectives:

• Develop skills in operating the products presented.
• Identify clients that would benefit from secondary control systems reviewed.
• Develop skills to write prescriptions for adaptive equipment for vehicle modifications.
• Discuss loading/unloading scooters and wheelchairs with different types of vehicles.
• Analyze various pieces of adaptive driving equipment for appropriate vehicles.

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