Colorado Chapter Meeting November 1, 2024 
10a-2p live, in-person at the Castlewood Library 6739 S Uinta St, Centennial, CO 80112 Meeting Room A 

Members Only Meeting | 3 ADED Contact Hours Approved | $15 Registration | Register by October 29, 2024 

Agenda:

1. Introductions: Group members introduce themselves and their respective programs of operation. Any guests identify themselves and introduce to the group their purpose for attending the meeting. (10-10:15)

a. New staff at Drive With Confidence
b. Any other guests?

2. Program (10:15-1:15), with bathroom breaks and meal time, as needed individually

Anxiety and Driving

Anxiety can be a response to a past situation that created negative associations with driving, such as an accident, driving in bad weather, or being in a scary driving situation. It can also be due to chronic physiological conditions and/or a result of an overly sensitive nervous system. Certain populations and diagnoses have higher rates of anxiety, such as ASD, dementia, and our veterans or folks with PTSD. Regardless of the cause, there are multiple negative consequences of experiencing high levels of anxiety while driving, including difficulty with safe decision-making, problem-solving, and other executive functioning skills. We will explore strategies to help our clients identify and regulate their nervous systems when triggered behind the wheel and ways to modify their driving habits to minimize triggers.

Learning objectives:

• Anxiety and the sympathetic nervous system- What is anxiety? Sympathetic nervous system regulation- factors to consider.
• Conditions and diagnosis that may make someone more susceptible to anxiety and sympathetic nervous system activation.
• What does anxiety look like behind the wheel? What driving skills may be impacted?
• Strategies to regulate a sensitive nervous system. Medications and side effects to consider.
• Driving practices that can help reduce anxiety (i.e., pre-plan routes, leave early, stay in familiar routes/areas, avoid triggering areas- rush hour).

Presented by Heather Ackart OTR/L, CDRS - Heather is an occupational therapist and CDRS in Fort Collins, CO. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience and her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Colorado State University (Go Rams!!). She is absolutely fascinated with each, and every noggin and is dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages and abilities to remain happy, independent, and safe, whether at home or on the road. 

3. Program Rounds: Each program shares any updates or changes (1:15-1:45)

a. Adaptive Driving Solutions
b. Craig Hospital
c. Driveways
d. Drive with Confidence
e. Family Health West
f. Fitness To Drive/Health Promotion Partners
g. St. Mary’s Hospital
h. VA Aurora
i. VA Western Slope
j. OTHER:

4. Chapter Business (1:45-2)

a. Recognize those who sat for the CDRS exam in 2024, if any
b. Review info from 2024 ADED Conference in September/October
c. Discuss topics and potential dates for 2025 meetings, including alternate dates for each meeting in order to meet requirements within ADED’s calendar

Registration confirmation and payment receipts are e-mailed to the attendee. All cancellations for live events must be made in writing to the ADED Executive Office by October 29, 2024; a 20% handling fee will be charged. Refunds will not be issued for “no-shows.” ADED reserves the right to modify content, timetable, change speakers, or cancel events due to unforeseen/unavoidable circumstances at any time. If ADED cancels an event, a full refund will be provided to registrants.  All complaints relative to the content, instructor, and registration procedures are to be directed to the ADED executive office: 200 1st Ave NW #505 Hickory NC 28601 or via email eLearning@aded.net

ADED's Education Code of Conduct applies to this and all ADED education.