PVA Awards Education Grant to ADED

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Jul 15, 2013

Paralyzed Veterans of America has awarded a $15,000 grant to the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED), whose members specialize in promoting safe and independent driving and transportation for people with disabilities as well as seniors.

In a news release about the award, ADED said the grant will be used "to attract, train and educate practitioners in the field of driver rehabilitation, particularly driver rehabilitation specialists."

ADED Executive Director Elizabeth Green, OTR/L, CDRS, indicated that most of the grant money would be spent on 18 scholarships so driver rehabilitation practitioners and professionals who work with disabled veterans can attend next month's annual ADED conference in Columbus, Ohio.

The conference gives attendees "broad exposure to education, training, hands-on learning and networking opportunities centered on enhancing their knowledge base in the field of driver rehabilitation," ADED's news announcement explained. "An exam is also offered immediately following the conclusion of the annual conference to receive credentials as a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist."

CDRS certification requires passing the exam as well as meeting other education and experience criteria.

"Driving is a critical link to independence in terms of work, family and leisure and is a large component of quality of life for many individuals," Green said. "Paralysis often results in an inability to drive a vehicle. However, the driver may have options available. The services of a DRS are often necessary to evaluate the driver's capabilities and identify the specific types and styles of adaptive driving equipment necessary to getting back on the road.

"This service is customized to each driver, and driver rehabilitation is required before modifications can be made to the driver's vehicle. The DRS is key to this process."

The grant project, Green added, "is designed to attract, train and educate practitioners who can provide this valuable service in areas where there is an urgent need. ADED's focus is to increase the knowledge base of those already in the field, and to attract new practitioners to the places they are needed most."