OT celebrates a “Triple Hitter” at recent Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) Conference in Richmond, Virginia

photo of Dr. Luther King, Dr. Sherrilene Classen, Mary Jeghers, and Dr. Sandra Winter at ADED conference
From left: Dr. Luther King, Dr. Sherrilene Classen, Mary Jeghers, and Dr. Sandra Winter

The Institute for Mobility, Activity, and Participation delivered an eight-hour pre-conference workshop at ADED. ADED supports professionals within the field of driver education, driver training, and transportation equipment modifications for individuals with disabilities. The workshop, entitled “Autonomous vehicles (AV) and medically at-risk-drivers through the lifespan: Role, function, and future directives for the Driving Rehabilitation Specialists,” introduced AV taxonomy and terminology; addressed levels of AV; presented findings of a recent scoping review on AV for older drivers; provided a synopsis of current perspectives for occupational therapists and (certified) driving rehabilitation specialists on AV; and articulated potential benefits and risks with AV. Participants were exposed to clinical, ethical, policy, and risk management considerations, and reported the workshop to be “informative” and “eye-opening.” Selected content from the pre-conference workshop was presented as a general conference session. Additionally, Dr. Sherrilene Classen received ADED’s Scholarship Award for her outstanding scientific and leadership contributions to the field.