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Being able to drive is a sign of independence and freedom. A disability can affect driving, but many individuals do return to safe and independent driving. In some cases, this may require evaluation by a Driver Rehabilitation Program.
Driver Rehabilitation Programs are staffed by occupational therapists, rehabilitation engineers, and certified driving instructors. This team of professionals provides a comprehensive clinical and behind the wheel (BTW) evaluation. The goal is to determine an individual's potential for driving and recommend specific equipment for their vehicle if necessary.
To schedule a driver evaluation, a prescription from a physician or vision specialist is required. The prescription must include the patient's diagnosis, and must also state, "OT Driver Evaluation and Treatment."
Most insurance providers cover the cost of the clinical, but not the BTW, evaluation. When calling for information, ask about alternative funding sources.
Below is a listing of programs in Chicago area. NOTE: If you live outside of the Chicago area, please click on the link below to locate one in your city and state.
Ascension Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital
Driver Evaluation Program
847.640.3119
Association for Drivers Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED)
Provides educational programs and credentialing pathways allow providers to help aging individuals and those with disabilities reach their full potential for independence by getting behind the wheel.
https://www.aded.net/
Phone: 866.672.9466
Chicago Lighthouse Driving Rehabilitation Program
Specifically for drivers with vision loss only.
https://chicagolighthouse.org/program/driving-rehabilitation-program/
Phone: 312.666.1331
Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital
Offers driver evaluations. This site is equipped with a power wheelchair-accessible vehicle(s).
Phone: 708.202.8387 Ext. 24382
Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
Driver Rehabilitation Program – Evaluation and Training
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital's Driver Rehabilitation Program offers comprehensive and highly regarded driving education to help individuals with disabilities learn (or relearn) how to drive and gain driving independence. Their therapists are certified driver rehabilitation specialists and certified driving instructors through the state of Illinois. They are also a certified state of Illinois driving school. A fleet of adaptive vehicles can be configured to suit individuals with different disabilities.
https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/rehabilitation-services/rehabilitation-specialty-programs/driver-rehabilitation-program
Phone: 630.909.6080
Strive For Independence
Staffed by OTs/Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. This location also offers a Teen Driving Program which coordinates services for teens with special needs in nearby high schools; a highly specialized low vision program; and a program that offers an adapted van for persons who drive from their wheelchairs.
https://www.striveforindependence.org/
Phone: 630.984.1919
You may find the following links helpful:
The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists - Driving Fact sheets
ADED has developed a series of Fact Sheets on disabilities and driving. All Fact Sheets are available for download, open to the public to share.
https://www.aded.net/page/customer-resources
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center TBI Driving Factsheet
Most people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) want to return to driving after their TBI, and most do return to driving safely in time. But a TBI can affect the skills you need to drive safely. This makes it important for people with TBI to learn the facts as soon after their TBI as possible.
https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/driving-after-traumatic-brain-injury
This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details.© Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433
