Since 1957, the Driver Rehabilitation and Training Program, as part of the Occupational Therapy Department at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, has been assisting disabled or medically at risk drivers to become skilled drivers.  In addition, our program consults on modified vehicle selection to fit driver’s needs.  We serve drivers of all ages (from teen to senior drivers).

What We Provide:

• Pre-driving screening and exercises to enhance driving skills
• Behind-the-wheel evaluation of driving potential
• Individualized driver training with adaptive driving equipment
• Driving simulator training with adaptive driving equipment
• Evaluation for modified vehicle and equipment needs
• Resources to purchase commercially available equipment
• Preparation for DMV licensing and Driver Safety Office procedures
• Information and counseling about driving needs
• Driver education for new or experienced drivers
• Referrals to other driving resources when appropriate
• Exploring alternatives to driving or community mobility training
• Passenger seating evaluations

Common Diagnoses Seen:

• Age-Related Changes
• Amputation
• Arthritis
• Brain Injury
• Cerebral Palsy
• Chronic Disabilities
• Dementia
• Developmental Disabilities
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Polio
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Stroke

Requirement:
The Driver Rehabilitation and Training Program is a hospital-based program; therefore, those interested must provide a physician’s referral, medical history records, and health insurance information. A valid driver license or instruction permit is needed for any on-road evaluation and training.

Driving Program Staff:

• Occupational Therapists
• Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
• Licensed Driving Instructors

Driving Program Cost:

• Health insurances do not cover the driving evaluation or training sessions.
• Click the links below for additional information

Frequently Asked Questions/Preguntas Frecuentes:

• Click the links below for additional information

How to Participate/Como Participar:

• DHS patients and community patients are welcome
• A physician’s referral to Occupational Therapy is required
  • DHS patients may obtain a referral by requesting one from their primary care provider
  • Community patients may contact the Outpatient Referral Office at (562) 385-6536 to begin the referral process
• Once the referral is received the patient will be contacted to schedule an appointment

Hours:

• 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for individual appointments.
• We also offer a Driver Support Group open to the community generally the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday each month 1:00 pm -2:00 pm through the Rancho Wellness Center.
• For more information and listing of classes CLICK HERE 

Contact Information for the Driving Program

Stephanie Hayes-Jackson, MS, OTR/L, PAM, CDRS
Occupational Therapists
Outpatient Building, Room 1019

Lachicha (Lish) Phillips, DI, CDRS
Driving Instructor
Outpatient Building, Room 1019

Phone: (562) 385-7081
Fax: (562) 385-6167 / (562) 385-6052
Email: drivertraining@rancho.org