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Prerequisites for rehab specialists involved in the low vision driver education
training and assessment process.
By Chuck Huss C.O.M.S
1. Review your state's rules and regulations regarding vision
standards for driving;
2. Know your opposition and attempt to resolve differences on
issues without litigation and/or legislation;
3. Review those college notes regarding the anatomy,
physiology and pathology of the eye;
4. Be aware that no two individuals with the same visual
disorder will function nor interpret the world around them identically,
including dynamic driving environment(s);
5. Access and preview audio-visual driver education training
materials (I.P.D.E. process, defensive driving skills, safe space-cushion
driving principles, etc.);
6. Learn how to operate audio-visual equipment correctly and
independently;
7. Observe first hand the differences and similarities of the
driving performance(s) of normally sighted versus low vision driver education
students/clients;
8. Obtain formalized driver evaluator training which
incorporates standardized methods for observing, evaluating, and rating the
driver performance of students;
9. Become familiar with and able to recognize pre-driver
readiness and awareness abilities of your assigned students;
10. Enhance your knowledge of the various visual
characteristics such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, useful field of
view and visual field and their relevance to the driving task;
11. Review your state's driver's manual (especially regarding
pavement markings, road signs, and road laws);
12. Become knowledgeable regarding various types, styles, and
powers of BiOptic telescopic lens systems (including correct use and areas of
concern of each system);
13. Become a "GOOD LISTENER"!
Charles
P. Huss, C.O.M.S. Coordinator, Low Vision Driver Services
West
Virginia Rehabilitation Center P.O. Box 1004 Barron Drive Institute, WV 25112
TEL: 304-766-4803 FAX: 304-766-4816 Charles P. Huss is an Academy Certified
Orientation and Mobility Specialist with 25 years of teaching experience with
visually impaired individuals [K-Geriatrics].
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