Western Region Chapter Meeting April 4, 2025
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM PT | Live, Virtual

5 ADED Contact Hours | Members $25 / Non-Members $50
Registration Closes 4/2/2025 at 5 PM ET

Meeting Agenda (Subject to Change)
8:00 – 8:15 AM | Welcome & Introductions
8:15 – 9:15 AM | It Works for Me – Chad Strowmatt (1.0 hr)
9:15 – 10:15 AM | Click It or Ticket: Harnessing & Seat Belting Behind the Wheel – Sara LaCount (1.0 hr)
10:15 – 10:30 AM | Break
10:30 – 11:30 AM | DMV Updates – Tressa Thompson (1.0 hr)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Lunch Break
12:00 – 12:30 PM | Chapter Business Meeting with Program Updates
12:30 – 1:30 PM | Mechanical & Electronic Hand Controls in Driving Rehabilitation: Product & Manufacturing Overview with MPS Representative – Megan Robbins and MPS Representative (1.0 hr)
1:30 – 1:45 PM | Break
1:45 – 2:45 PM | California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Updates & Program Development: Hi-Tech Assessment for DOR & Non-DOR Clients – Carrie Dimas-Espinoza and Gustavo Olgiun (1.0 hr)
2:45 – 3:00 PM | Closing Remarks 

It Works for Me - Chad Strowmatt

Years of experience have given Chad the ability to be creative in his line of work. Attendees will learn to use their creative abilities to solve specific client needs and observe unique solutions to hand control obstacles. 

Learning Objectives:

· The attendees will review 2 basic driving controls (a steering device and a powered hand control) and their typical uses based on diagnosis and functional presentation.
· The attendees will be able to understand the basic problem with the typical operation of these devices based on a lack of dexterity, the G-forces of the vehicle, and the limited orthotic devices used to operate the powered hand control input device. These include side to side application and vertical orientations for powered controls.
· The attendees will review a “unique” application of the powered hand control to be utilized with persons that may not be able to utilize a single extremity for steering or have a medical condition such as Friedrich’s Ataxia with single extremity control issues.
· The attendees will review the basic concepts of vehicle control and why our vehicles have multiple pedals and a separate steering wheel.
· The attendees will understand the application of a common human interface for prosthetic devices that can be integrated into a vehicle control application for a person with congenital amputations. 

Presenter bio: Chad Strowmatt earned his bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in 1987. He worked at TIRR until he founded a private practice in 1993 with his business partner Chris Davis, PT. He has been practicing in the field of driver rehabilitation for over 35 years in clinical, behind-the-wheel, and high technology evaluations. Chad has served in various positions within the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Services (ADED) such as president in 2004. Chad earned his post-professional OTD from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in April of 2020. Chad has 4 wonderful children and loves to ride motorcycles and camp in his family’s RV in his spare time.

Click It or Ticket: Harnessing & Belting Behind the Wheel - Sara LaCount

Comfort is a keystone of existence, although it may not always be best accounted for. When helping a person who needs assistance or expert care required to gain mobility, there are many ways of approaching belts and harnessing. With a background in manufacturing, attendees will learn the importance of proper fit, and why harnessing is so important. 

Learning Objectives:

· Attendees will review basic concepts of support belts & harnessing.
· Attendees will identify the importance of proper fit for vehicle drivers, passengers, and wheelchair seating.
· Attendees will learn techniques for measuring, and where to get these proper measurements.
· Attendees will have an overview for mounting hardware and gain insight into “universal” mounting options. 

Presenter bio: After graduating, Sara LaCount began working in Arcata, CA as a health care provider. In 2009, she had an accident which resulted in a herniated disc on the spinal cord. Looking for another approach, Sara leaned into manufacturing and learned to use an industrial sewing machine. After moving to Sacramento in 2016, she began working with Ottobock. As lead of the Belts & Harness department, she learned what custom options are available, particularly when it comes to comfort.

When Ottobock pulled manufacturing from North America, the company was acquired by our manager, Phil Newell. Phil persuaded Sara to move to the front office as a representative of the company. In this role, she has contributed to the custom seating system community, as well as the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Services. After going to the 2022 conference, it seems to have helped companies rediscover our products. 

California Department of Motor Vehicles Updates - Tressa Thompson

During this discussion you will be informed on how a potentially unsafe driver is reported to the DMV Driver Safety Branch, as well as Driver Safety processes that can result in a licensing decision for the driver. One of the DMV’s major responsibilities is to promote driver safety and promote motorists by minimizing the number of unsafe drivers. As DMV also understands the importance of a driver’s
license and a person’s independence. 

Learning Objectives:

· Attendees will learn how to report an unsafe driver to DMV.
· Attendees will learn about the Driver Safety structural changes.
· Attendees will learn about the Driver Safety case management system. 

Presenter bio: Tressa Thompson attended CSULB prior to beginning her career at the CA Department of Motor Vehicles. Her professional training as a Driver Safety Hearing Officer included a Physical and Mental module covering various physical and mental conditions, treatment and medications. Tressa continues training/conferences offered by DMV addressing medical conditions and the aging process and how it relates to traffic safety. As Community Liaison Tressa coordinates presentations to various senior organizations regarding DMV policy and procedure as well as safety. 

Electronic Hand Controls in Driving Rehabilitation - Megan Robbins

There are multiple different choices for hand controls. Driving evaluators are responsible for determining the most appropriate controls for their clients, considering the client’s strengths and limitations. There are several electronic hand controls on the market. CDRS will discuss appropriate use and present case studies utilizing this equipment. MPS representative will be available to answer questions regarding the specifics and installation of the product. 

Learning Objectives:

· Attendees will identify clients that are appropriate to utilize electronic hand controls.
· Attendees will have knowledge of how to install electronic hand controls in an evaluator’s vehicle.
· Attendees will have the opportunity to observe and discuss various options available for acceleration while using the hand control.

Presenter bio: Megan Robbins earned her degree in Occupational Therapy in South Africa and is currently working full time as a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist and Certified Driving Instructor at Scripps Health. Megan has practiced for over 25 years primarily in the area of neurological rehabilitation and became interested in Driving Rehabilitation while working with the brain injury population. Megan transitioned full time to the Driving Program in 2018. She serves as a resource for various stakeholders throughout the community regarding driving rehabilitation.

An In Depth Look at Department of Rehabilitation, Mobility Evaluation Program - Carrie Dimas-Espinoza & Gustavo (Gus) Olguin

This presentation will detail the California Department of Rehabilitation’s Mission. We will walk you step-by-step on how to apply for services and the criteria used to qualify for these services. We will also detail what the Mobility Evaluation Program (MEP) evaluation process consists of and describe its team members. We will describe the difference between a consumer’s private purchase vs. State purchase vehicle.

Learning Objectives:

· Attendees will understand the Department of Rehabilitation, Mobility Evaluation Program process and requirements from beginning to end.
· Attendees will learn to use the Department of Rehabilitation as a resource for your clients when appropriate.

Presenter bio: With a 26-year career dedicated to The California Department of Rehabilitation, Carrie Dimas-Espinoza has been a steadfast advocate for individuals seeking to achieve greater independence through employment and mobility. She spent seven years as a Senior Rehabilitation Counselor, providing guidance and support to countless individuals on their journey toward employment and self-sufficiency. Her leadership skills and commitment to public service led to the role of Staff Services Manager I, a position she has held for many years. Since joining the Mobility Evaluation Program in 2019, as the Program Administrator, Carrie has enhanced the exposure of MEP services to both DOR and non-DOR consumers. She has continued to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals access the resources they need for independent travel. She is a current member of ADED.

Gustavo (Gus) Olguin, an Adaptive Driving Evaluation Specialist with the CA Department of Rehabilitation – Mobility Evaluation Program, has been a driving instructor for approximately 26 years, of which the last 7 years in his current position. As a driving instructor he has worked in a variety of settings including assisting Occupational Therapists with hospital driving evaluations. Has gained expertise working with low-tech to high-tech adaptive equipment. He is a current member of ADED.

High Tech Driver Assessment Services (HTDAS) Fee-For-Services for Non-DOR Consumers - Carrie Dimas-Espinoza & Gustavo (Gus) Olguin

You will learn what the Department of Rehabilitation, Mobility Evaluation Program - High Tech Driver Assessment Services (HTDAS) Fee-For-Services consists of. This evaluation consists of components such as a clinical evaluation, behind-the-wheel evaluation and a comprehensive report in addition to an adaptive equipment prescription. There is also a list of resources provided for prescription recommendations. 

Learning Objectives:

· Attendees will understand the differences between the two services we offer.
· Attendees will understand the requirements and cost for these services.
· Attendees will learn how these services can help the disabled population, but more specifically individuals with a need for high-tech adaptive equipment.

Presenter bio: With a 26-year career dedicated to The California Department of Rehabilitation, Carrie Dimas-Espinoza has been a steadfast advocate for individuals seeking to achieve greater independence through employment and mobility. She spent seven years as a Senior Rehabilitation Counselor, providing guidance and support to countless individuals on their journey toward employment and self-sufficiency. Her leadership skills and commitment to public service led to the role of Staff Services Manager I, a position she has held for many years. Since joining the Mobility Evaluation Program in 2019, as the Program Administrator, Carrie has enhanced the exposure of MEP services to both DOR and non-DOR consumers. She has continued to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals access the resources they need for independent travel. She is a current member of ADED.

Gustavo (Gus) Olguin, an Adaptive Driving Evaluation Specialist with the CA Department of Rehabilitation – Mobility Evaluation Program, has been a driving instructor for approximately 26 years, of which the last 7 years in his current position. As a driving instructor he has worked in a variety of settings including assisting Occupational Therapists with hospital driving evaluations. Has gained expertise working with low-tech to high-tech adaptive equipment. He is a current member of ADED. 

Attendance at the entire event is required to earn contact hours, no partial hours are awarded. Registration confirmation and payment receipts are e-mailed to the attendee. All cancellations must be made in writing to the ADED Executive Office by April 1, 2025 5:00 PM ET; a 20% handling fee will be charged. Refunds will not be issued after this date or for “no-shows.” Partial refunds will not be granted. 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.