Driver Safety Screening
An in-office appointment to help the client decide what avenue to choose to maintain or obtain a Driver’s License. After completing an interview and a couple of tests related to driving prerequisite skills (such as attention, speed of processing information), we discuss with the client and/or family, recommended options. Options could be to: (1) consider retiring from driving, (2) participate in retraining of pre-requisite skills to prepare themselves for a Functional Driving Evaluation, or (3) time to schedule a Functional Driving Evaluation.
Driver Safety Comprehensive Assessment
In Quebec, this assessment is commonly referred to as a Functional Driving Evaluation Assessment and is always performed by a licensed occupational therapist. This assessment includes two (2) appointments: a 2.5 hour in-office assessment of prerequisite skills and a 1-hour road test. The road test is conducted using a driving school instructor’s vehicle, equipped with a dual accelerator and brake pedal. During the road test, both the instructor and occupational therapist are present. Three (3) possible outcomes are: (1) safe performance, recommend maintaining a valid permit, (2) safety issues identified, retraining recommended and a repeat road test, or (3) unsafe performance, recommend suspension of permit and retirement from driving.
Driver Retraining
After an evaluation, an individual who did not demonstrate a safe performance but did demonstrate potential for driver rehabilitation, a customized retraining program is designed to address any concerns identified in the Functional Driving Evaluation. Recommendations are discussed regarding possible avenues to improve the client’s pre-requisite skills and/ or driving manoeuvres to increase their road safety and facilitate success to maintain a valid driver’s license. Driver retraining (e.g. on-road lessons) is always required for individuals learning to drive using adaptive controls (e.g. hand controls, left foot accelerator, or spinner knob).
Vehicle Modification
An application can be made to the Société l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) for financial assistance to install vehicle modifications needed for a driver and/ or passenger. An individual who is physically challenged, is assessed by the occupational therapist to determine the appropriate adaptive equipment required to: (1) safely access a vehicle, as well as accommodate their mobility device (e.g. wheelchair, scooter), and/or (2) drive safely using the determined equipment. An assessment includes a meeting with a company that specialises in vehicle modification and equipment installation; this is to ensure that the installation of any equipment or vehicle modification meets the needs of the client, his family and is feasible in the desired vehicle.
Mobility Related Services
Adapted Transportation Application
An appointment (2-2.5 hours) is arranged to interview and assess the client and gather the necessary information to complete the application. To facilitate the application being accepted upon first review by the Adapted Transportation committee, objective information about the client’s physical and/ or cognitive abilities must be documented.
Handicap Parking Sticker Application
An appointment (1.5 – 2 hours) is arranged to assess the client and gather the necessary information to complete the application. This sticker is provided by the Société l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and thus the information in this form is shared with the medical division of the SAAQ. It is important to realize that if the client has a valid driver’s license, and the diagnosis has not yet been divulged o the SAAQ, he/she will likely receive a medical form (M28) that their doctor will need to complete.
Electric wheelchair/ quadriporteur/ triporteur Application (non RAMQ)
An appointment is arranged to assess the client and gather the necessary information to complete the application.
Occupational Therapy
Home Safety Assessment and Recommendations
An in-home assessment (minimum 2 hour) is conducted to assist an individual to maintain a safe home environment. Recommendation will may include: (1) removal of potential obstacles, (2) rearrangement of furniture, (3) installation of equipment, (4) education regarding transfer techniques and mobility aids, and/ or (5) additional services. A written report can be provided for a fee upon request.
Therapy for a variety of medical conditions
Occupational Therapy sessions are scheduled for an individual who has difficulty performing their daily living activities (personal, home, leisure and/ or work) related to an illness or injury that is of an orthopaedic, musculoskeletal or neurological origin.
Disability Tax Credit Application (Provincial and Federal)
An appointment (minimum 2 hours) is arranged to assess the client and gather the necessary information to complete the application. To facilitate the application being accepted upon first review by the government, objective information about the client’s physical and/ or cognitive abilities must be documented. In addition to the scheduled appointment, there is a fee to complete the necessary forms.
“Aide personnelle” Assessment and Recommendations
An in-home assessment (minimum 2 hours) is conducted to assess an individual injured because of a road or work related accident, and determine his or her level of personal autonomy. In addition to the scheduled appointment, there is a fee to complete the necessary forms.
Work Related
Work Station Assessment and Recommendations
An on-site assessment of an individual and his/her work environment is performed to gather the necessary information to provide recommendations. The duration of the appointment is typically 1.5-2 hours. A written report can be provided for a fee upon request.
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
This global assessment is designed to assess an individual and provide a written report including recommendations regarding return to work. The time it takes to assess and write a report can vary from person to person.
Physical Demand Assessment
This assessment is designed to assess an individual’s physical abilities and provide a written report including recommendations regarding a specific job title. The time it takes to assess and write a report can vary from person to person.