Date of Award
Spring 5-5-2026
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Karen Hebert, PhD, OTR/L
Keywords
Occupational therapy, driving rehabilitation, neurological conditions, rural healthcare, community outreach
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
This capstone project examined challenges related to safe driving for adults living in rural communities with neurological impairments. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation Model and Toglia's Dynamic Interactional Approach, the project focused on increasing awareness, accessibility, and utilization of occupational therapy (OT) led assessments, community-based services, and educational outreach on driving safety. Clinical skill development was demonstrated through standardized and informal assessments and evidence-based interventions with adults with neurological conditions. Program implementation included driving risk assessments, one-on-one CarFit sessions, the creation of educational pamphlets, and educational presentations to increase community and provider awareness of OT's role in driving rehabilitation. CarFit surveys showed unanimously positive responses, indicating improved understanding of vehicle fit and driving safety, while educational outreach surveys demonstrated increased knowledge of OT's role in driving rehabilitation. Limitations included a small rural sample size and reliance of self-report measures. Recommendations emphasized sustaining community-based driving services, expanding outreach, and increasing provider education of driving-related OT services.
Recommended Citation
Burt, Melissa V., "Increasing Safe Driving Among Adults with Neurological Impairments in a Rural Setting" (2026). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 177.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/177