DRIVING & DISABILITIES
Return to Driving
Can you drive after a brain injury?
Yes, many people are able to return to driving after a traumatic brain injury or an acquired brain injury. Because brain injuries can result in varying levels of symptoms that may impact your ability to drive safely, a comprehensive evaluation by a driver rehabilitation specialist is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for driving. The assessment should include a review of medical conditions, vision, functional ability, reaction time, and a behind-the-wheel evaluation. After this assessment, the driver rehabilitation specialist will create a customized training program to address issues with driving and help you identify if any accomodations or adaptive equipment be needed to acheive independent, safe driving.
Resources
Additional Resources for Driving with a Brain Injury
The organizations listed below can provide more resources and information on learning to drive with a brain injury. If you’re ready to begin your driver rehabilitation journey, contact The Creative Mobility Group to help you get started!
Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED)
ADED — The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists is a professional organization that represents individuals who specialize in working with individuals with disabilities to evaluate their driving skills and provide rehabilitation services. The mission of the ADED is to promote safe and efficient mobility for individuals with disabilities through education, advocacy, and the advancement of the driver rehabilitation specialist profession.
The organization provides its members with a variety of resources and opportunities, including educational events and workshops, a professional certification program, a peer-reviewed journal, and access to a network of professionals who are knowledgeable in the field of driver rehabilitation. ADED also works with government agencies and other organizations to advance policies and programs that support the needs of individuals with disabilities who require driver rehabilitation services.
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
NMEDA stands for the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. It is a non-profit trade association that represents businesses in the United States and Canada that sell and service wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive mobility equipment.
The mission of NMEDA is to promote safe and reliable wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. They work to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the best mobility solutions and to support their independence and quality of life.
NMEDA members include mobility dealers, manufacturers, and rehabilitation professionals who work together to provide customized solutions for individuals with disabilities. They provide education, training, and certification programs to ensure that their members have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality products and services to their customers.
Additionally, NMEDA engages in advocacy efforts to promote policies and regulations that support the needs of individuals with disabilities. They work to improve access to transportation and to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of society.
Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI)
The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with brain injury and their families. BIAMI is the only statewide organization in Michigan that focuses solely on brain injury and serves as a resource for individuals with brain injury, their families, and professionals who work with them.
The mission of BIAMI is to improve the lives of those affected by brain injury by providing education, advocacy, research, and support services. BIAMI aims to raise awareness about brain injury and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The organization also provides support to individuals and families affected by brain injury by offering programs such as support groups, educational workshops, and advocacy services.
In addition to supporting individuals and families affected by brain injury, BIAMI also works to prevent brain injury through education and awareness efforts. The organization collaborates with healthcare professionals, government agencies, and community organizations to promote brain injury prevention strategies and to improve access to care for individuals with brain injury.
Overall, the Brain Injury Association of Michigan plays an important role in supporting individuals with brain injury and their families, promoting brain injury prevention, and raising awareness about the impact of brain injury on individuals and communities in Michigan.
