Did you know that the VA St. Louis Health Care System is home to one of the 50 VA Driver Rehab Clinics nationwide? These clinics train Veterans on how to safely operate vehicles on our nation’s roadways. Located at Jefferson Barracks Campus in the basement of Building 52, Occupational Therapists Pat Niewoehner and Tracy Beardsley provide Driver Rehabilitation services to Veterans who travel to JB from across a three state area (Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas). Their job is to evaluate driving safety and ability and make recommendations regarding a person’s ability to drive. An on-road evaluation can determine potential for resuming driving as a safe, independent activity after illness or injury. Assistance is provided to Veterans in making decisions regarding vehicle selection, vehicle modifications and adaptive driving controls specifically required to meet individual needs. Evaluation for proper driving equipment is critical before purchasing a new vehicle or refitting an existing one in order to avoid unnecessary cost. Even if adaptive driving equipment is not required, helpful recommendations can be offered by Driver Rehab Specialists to ensure safe motor vehicle operation.
“Having the opportunity to go through JB drivers rehab program and return to driving will give our family a chance to regain some normalcy and me more independence. To pick up our girls from school or drop them off at a friend’s house will be a blessing I will not take for granted. Adventure awaits and we are so excited.” – Monica Riggs, USAF Veteran.
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