How to prepare for "Driving Retirement"

                     How to Prepare for Driving Retirement

When Driving To Independence was started in 2001 the mission was set to facilitate mobility and independence in the community through safe driver skills. Our desire is to help people maintain or pursue their independence. Agreeably amongst our team one of the hardest parts of working at Driving To Independence is helping Senior’s accept Driving Retirement. It is an extremely emotional and personal process and when we are taking away one of these last freedoms, it is a tough to pill to swallow for everyone involved. Several times a week we talk to families about how to prepare their loved ones for driving retirement, we talk to doctors about how they can help their patients and their families decide when to give up the keys and we talk to seniors about how aging effect driving.

Seniors are not statistically the most likely to cause an accident, that title stays with our teenagers. However, because of the frailty of seniors they are the most likely to die or be seriously injured in car accidents. There are more than 5 million people in the U.S. with dementia and Alzheimer’s is the most common form. Even those without dementia will inevitably have changes that could affect their driving including vision, reaction time, slower decision making or reduced range of motion in the neck, shoulders or ankles or any combination of these medical issues.

Many seniors or their families begin to negotiate their own driving retirement by imposing self-restrictions such as no night time driving, freeway driving or avoiding unfamiliar areas. These are all restrictions we endorse and the Motor Vehicle Department allows for official restrictions. Often, seniors will describe that their families over react to “one little mistake” and after evaluation this sometimes proves to be true.

So how do we find the balance of preserving our senior’s dignity and independence while ensuring their safety and the safety of others on the road? Starting the conversation early in the senior years is important to allow everyone time to prepare and adjust to the changes that will need to be made when the senior does stop driving. Encouraging seniors to reduce the need for driving by living in areas that allow for public transportation, local social or religious gatherings and a close medical team that don’t require long commutes are important to have around the senior’s home. Family members should start to observe their driving earlier so that you can tell the difference between “bad habits” and changes in behavior. 

Molly & Her Nana

For us, we treat the Senior as if they were our own parents or grandparents. We consider their needs and options for transportation and consider if we would want them driving in our neighborhood or with our children. We consider what steps we would take to protect the safety and independence of our favorite senior.

When a diagnosis of dementia is given or obvious medical changes are being observed – there are things the family can do to help make the right choice of “when.” Look closely at how these medical changes could affect specifically driving. Forgetting if they took their medicine or how to work the TV remote are not necessarily signs that they will be unsafe on the road. Look for patterns of change in their driving behavior and if accidents or dents in their car are observed consider the frequency and severity of the incidents, after all, accidents happen to everyone. Consider how the person prioritizes information, synchronizes movements and their ability to multi-task. If and when you have concerns- take notes and sit to discuss it with them and/or their doctor calmly. Often, seniors will challenge both the doctors and family by minimizing the complexity of driving or the extent of their own degeneration. If there is disagreement on whether the senior is safe, it is important to air on the side of caution or at the very least have the senior participate in a Driving Evaluation. The decision for someone to continue or stop driving needs to be a priority as the consequences can be immediate and procrastination can be life threatening. 

Women Against Multiple Sclerosis: "The key to disability is mobility"

Since Driving To Independence participates in many community events we are often invited to luncheons. Usually, this is an opportunity for us to network with people in or surrounding our industry, enjoy a good lunch and also provide education on the most recent research or issues on a specific topic. This week I was invited to attend the 7^th Annual WAMS (Women Against Multiple Sclerosis) Luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore. I have not participated in any events hosted by WAMS, but as a Women and Gender studies major I am always interested in seeing how the power of women uniting can make a difference- and I must say this Luncheon did not let me down.

There were about 350 people at this lunch. I met an amazing group of women of all ages with varying levels of experience living with MS. I met some brilliant doctors who spoke on the most recent research and treatments of MS and who inspired by promoting “the key to disability is mobility.”  I learned about the MS Society and their mission “to create a world free of multiple sclerosis.”

I will admit, I was a little disappointed by the lunch served. Of course, I was impressed by the prestige of the Arizona Biltmore and when they brought out the salad (which I expected to be an appetizer) I was impressed by the size and quality of the salad. But when they took the salad away- and handed me desert- I realized that a $75 lunch ticket bought me a salad as the main course. But, as I said, the luncheon didn’t let me down.

The presentation brought tears to my eyes. Kate Milliken was the keynote speaker. Ms. Milliken is a film and television producer who was diagnosed with MS while living in New York City as a 30 something single woman in 2006. She shared her story of how her diagnosis of MS was one of the best things that happened to her. It provided a new appreciation for life and motivation; it inspired healthy changes and allowed her to meet some of the world’s most courageous peoples. Ms. Milliken recently produced the We Keep Moving  video series which is a documentary following individuals discussing how they keep moving regardless of MS. She concluded her presentation by encouraging people to get involved- and that you don’t have to have a disability or disease to be inspired by her message. This is true.

Anyway, today I was reminded that sometimes lunch is not about the food you are served, but the experience you are given. And the desert was amazing.

Tips and Experience from a Bioptic Driver

One of our recent clients in Tucson wrote an amazing description about his progress with Bioptic Driving, Experience with Driving To Independence and tips for future Low Vision Driver. He was kind enough to encourage us to share his story. He also allowed us to do a video interview- which will be added later!

Also, we took the clients advice on creating Flash Cards  sized to accomidate Low Vision to help our clients prepare for their training.

Enjoy!

We love when our clients share their stories! If you want to share your experience with us and our followers please let us know!

Inspiration

I found this on facbook today and really liked it. I thought I would share it here.

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
...
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “YES”.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.” he said.

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are
important to you...” he told them.

“So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled and said, “I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"

Driver Awareness: Van Accessible Parking Spaces

When coming through our program clients often have questions related to handicap parking. The first thing I like to explain is that obtaining a handicap placard by the MVD involves a separate process than the one we assist with as it relates to adaptive drivers licenses.

(For more information about how to obtain a handicap placard you can visit http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/vehicle/mvdplate.asp#PermDisability)

Some clients that come through our program will absolutely require a handicap placard, while others aren’t as concerned with where they park.

While most people reading this blog are aware and considerate of handicap parking spaces, I will take a minute to remind people the importance of not abusing handicap parking spaces. Handicap parking spots are made for those with short term or long term physical disabilities. It is illegal to stop, stand or park in a handicap parking space if you do not have a MVD issues placard or license. It is NOT OK to park in handicap parking even if you are “just running in and out.” It is not only illegal, but it is inconsiderate, rude and selfish. Dont be "that guy."

While there is always the ignorant exception, I would like to think most people are considerate of not parking in handicap parking spaces if they are not permitted. But one thing that many drivers in general aren’t aware of is the significance of the larger handicap parking spots with the diagonal lines to the right. Ex:

These Van Accessible Parking spaces should be reserved for those using a vehicle with an interior ramp. Most Vehicle Ramps will open to the right and will be that person’s only way of exiting and entering the vehicle.

 ADA guidelines specify that public facilities should have at least one Van Accessible Space and one Van Accessible Space for every eight accessible parking spaces.

So, next time you are choosing your handicap parking space, be sure to be aware of you and/or others needs for the Van Accessible spots.

Driver Awarenesss Tips From an Adaptive Driving School

Wait in line and consider what others are trying to do.

                One discussion that we have with most any driver who comes through our program, whether it be a new driver or one who has been driving for 60 years is the concept of Driver Awareness.  As driving becomes habit we often do it unconsciously. Let’s face it, we all have had one of those days when we are on auto pilot and couldn’t remember if we shut the garage door or where we parked the car in grocery store parking lot. But driving unconsciously can be very dangerous and so we urge you to be aware of yourself and others on the road. Our Driver Awareness Blogs will focus on giving examples of common scenarios where drivers are frequently unaware.

Driving is Social a social activity. It is important that we acknowledge other drivers, offer them common courtesy and communicate with them effectively. This awareness and socialization does take effort. Let’s look at a few examples.

                Scenario 1: The other day I was driving on the 101 south- same as I do every day. Traffic was bad and backed up where the right lanes merged at Guadalupe.  I was in the furthest right lane and can see the right lane ending sign and traffic ahead; I turned on my left blinker and slowly changed lanes to the left waiving at the gentleman in the Honda civic behind me for letting me in (roadway communication at its finest). A qyuick video to help you picture the scene:

As we inched forward, I looked in my side view mirror to see another car come flying up next to me on the right; he long passed the merge sign before he finally slowed. The car came to a complete stop and finally put on his turn signal. As I inched forward I could see that he was on his cell phone. He looked straight ahead while talking, and slowly inching forward with me, side by side. I watched him carefully, looking for some kind of communication- who will go first?-which I did not receive.  Common sense says I was there first and am in the correct lane, so I have the right away, I should be able to keep moving forward- but he was not paying attention to common sense. I then came to a complete stop, holding up all the other people who have been waiting behind me, to allow this guy on his cell phone to cut me in line.

 People, one of the first things we learn in life is to wait in line. Don’t cut. Wait your turn. The lane ending sign is there to tell you that you should begin merging, not driving 50 yards past it and cutting in front of others who have been waiting. And if someone does let you cut in line, because you are in a horrible rush (we have all had those days too), say thank you.

(Merging should work much like a zipper and if everyone does it correctly no one should have to come to a complete stop).

Let’s “touch base” for a quick second on talking on your cell phone while driving. That is a whole other blog post waiting to happen. There have been millions of articles written on it, so I won’t dive into that here. But, please note, that if you are communicating with the person on the other end of the phone line, it makes it a lot harder to communicate with those driving in the deadly weapon next to you and they should be your priority.

                Scenario 2: As I approach an intersection I turn on my right hand turn signal, stop before the cross walk to assure it is empty and scan the intersection to make sure there aren’t signs prohibiting a right hand turn on a red light. Since there isn’t, I inch forward looking to my left waiting for traffic to clear. I also continuously check to the right to make sure there are no surprises coming that way.

A truck comes from behind, approaches the intersection and enters the left hand turn lane. He moves all the way forward into the crosswalk, consequently blocking my view. This truck is obstructing my view enough, that I don’t feel it is safe for me to turn right and I must now wait until the light is green.

The same way I stopped behind the crosswalk and scanned the intersection, the man in the truck should have done the same. It is important to take a second to consider all the other cars in the intersection and be aware of what they might be trying to do. The man in the truck is "unaware" that he is blocking my view. The crosswalk not only serves for a safe place for pedestrians, it serves as a boundary for intersections. It helps the drivers to know where to expect others to be and therefor serves as a communication tool. When waiting at an intersection, you should always stop and wait behind the cross walk until it is your turn to enter the intersection.

Thats all for our first Driver Awareness Tips "Wait in line and consider what others are trying to do". Do you know a common scenario where you observe others to be "unaware" of how thier driving is effecting others?

2012 Disabilities Rights Awareness Day in Santa Fe New Mexico

What a great day Jenny and Jason had at the Capitol Rotunda in Santa Fe New Mexico! Her and Jason participated in the excitement of this day led by Disability Rights New Mexico (DRNM) and the NM Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.  The purpose of this event was to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities through discussion of key legislation issues, recognition of efforts made throughout the year and to gather community resources.
Driving To Independence was present with many other community providers including the state’s Division of Vocational Rehab (DVR) and the Governor’s commission on Disabilities, commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the MS Society, The ARC of NM, Department of Developmental Disabilities and Independent Living Resource Center.
Jenny and Jason were pleased to meet Senator Timothy Keller in his office and were glad to share that experience with Jim Parker of the Governor’s Commission who was a leader in the fight for an Adaptive Driving Program in New Mexico.
Jenny also met Representative Rhonda King as well as Representative Stapleton and Rodrigues who showed great support and encouragement for our program.
Fortunately, this event and all of these introductions not only allowed us to feel like part of the disability resource community in New Mexico but it also allowed us to meet people who can assist us with some of the issues we have had while starting the New Mexico Practice. We have essentially had two large road blocks in New Mexico.
 One of our obstacles has been establishing a relationship and licensure with the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) . Trying to get the MVD to be understanding, supporting and encouraging of the Adaptive Driving Program has been a slow process. Since we are so unique from the standard driver’s education programs, we have had a hard time getting help from the MVD when it comes to licensing and permitting those with disabilities. We have also had a hard time explaining the unique credential and experience of our therapist (specifically Jenny) and allowing her to practice with an out of state driver’s license.  Anyway, we met we met with Jeremiah Ritchie of the Office of Governor Susana Martinez to discuss licensing and MVD issues hoping their support and assistance will allow us to streamline the always slow MVD process for our clients. We are so excited to have new contacts and support for these matters.
The other huge hurdle we have had is funding resources! While we have always had a relationship (contract) with the states DVR program and the Governor’s Commission continues to be an amazing resource, we have had a hard time finding other funding resources for those who don’t qualify for DVR or who aren’t seeking employment (younger and older clients with disabilities) or who may make “too much” to qualify for assistance through the Governor’s Commission. We were happy to have made contacts at the Independent Living Resource Center and learn that they could provide funding for vehicle modifications if other resources are not available.
It was a very exciting day and we were so pleased to be a part of it!
On another note, Jenny was a bit surprised by the snow and was self-assured that despite her Midwest routes, she does not miss the snow.