journey to driving with low vision
DESCRIPTION
Journey to Driving with Low Vision. SWOMA 2010 Austin, TX Presented by Dawn Adams [email protected]. Understanding who can drive in Texas Restrictions Obtaining the TDL Student Success – the Keys! Resources. Objectives. Early use of monocular Parent concerns - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Objectives
Understanding who can drive in Texas
RestrictionsObtaining the TDL Student Success – the
Keys!Resources
My Journey
Early use of monocularParent concernsGolf-cart encounters of a
rural kindLow vision exam senior
yearGot glasses?!
Graduation to a driving a real car
PermitA car of my ownRoad test / license at
last!Past to present
Who Can Drive with a Bioptic?
Uncorrected visual acuities between 20/80 and 20/200
Minimum 20/40 through the bioptic
Close to normal peripheral fields
Good ocular motility Visual stability
Good depth perceptionLow contrast toleranceAdjusts to glareColor discriminationVisual tracking
Possible Restrictions
Wear mounted telescopic lens (definite!)
No expressway drivingDo not exceed 45 mphNo driving at nightSelf-imposed restrictionsOthers TBD by age / type
of DL
Prerequisites/Corequisites for Driving
Uses low vision devices w/o prompting.
Visual efficiency using telescope.
Demonstrates responsibility for and care of low vision devices.
Needs little assistance with devices.
Completes Driver’s Education course and possibly Driver Rehab. Training (after receipt of device).
Process for Obtaining a DL with Low Vision
Work closely with eye care specialist and low vision therapist – sometimes these are the same person.
Eye exam to determine basic eligibility.
Low Vision Therapist will determine bioptic type
Funding the device
Receipt/fitting of the device.
Gains instructional permit, drives with parent instructor and/or uses driver rehab training.
Passes road test with DPS state trooper.
Role of the COMS
Collaborate with the low vision eye care specialist(s) for the student’s low vision needs.
Direct instruction in use of the all low vision devices – tracking, scanning, care & maintenance, etc.
Teach students to use unaided vision efficiently.
Numbering systems, traffic patterns, compass directions, traveling, recalling and planning alternate routes, etc. are all great for driving!
Types of Bioptics
Ocutech
Generic Type
Bioptic Skills
Locating both stationary and moving objects.
Locating objects when sitting still.
Locating objects while moving (like when riding in the car).
Visual memory skills – for landmarks along routes.
Tracking moving objects.Focusing the device
(stationary and in-route)Adjusting tilt, inserting
screws, etc.
Driving Strategies
When making a left turn onto a street look for traffic, pedestrians, through the scope and then with your normal vision to make sure you did not miss something.
When you see the car in front of you slowing down or changing lanes, look ahead of that car and to the sides to see what’s going on up ahead. This gives you time to react if necessary.
Look through the scope at very regular intervals even when you think you can see everything.
Vehicle Specifications
Look for vehicles that have Speedometers with larger font
or digital readout A rearview mirror that adjusts
for headlight glare Interior colors that reduce glare
from dashboard Automatic transmission Mirrors that darken in high
intensity light
Of Special Concern
Drivers with low vision need to: Know the route in advance of
driving it, including position of the sun at certain times of day, etc.
May need portable video magnifier for map reading
Remain focused on the task of driving – disregard distractions.
Know their own limitations and make responsible choices along those lines.
Inspect their bioptic once a month for missing screws and to make any adjustments.
And Just Like All Drivers
Driving ability will also depend on other factors:Driving experiencePresence of additional
disabilitiesEmotional statusSubstance abuse
Resources
Bioptic Driving Network www.biopticdriving.org
Low Vision Carewww.lowvisioncare.com/visionlaws.htm
Ocutech www.ocutech.com
Texas Teen Driver’s Education
http://www.texasteendriversed.com Low Vision Driving
Weboardhttp://www.geocities.co
m/bioptic_driving/
Books on the Subject
Driving with Confidence: A Practical Guide to Driving with Low Vision by Eli & Doron Peli. Available from Amazon $18.00 List of states allowing bioptic
driving Chapter dedicated to alternatives
to driving Tips for glare control, other
modifications Sensible advice about driving
Finding Wheels: A Curriculum for Nondrivers with Visual Impairments for Gaining Control of Transportation Needs Authors: Anne L. Corn and L.
Penny Rosenblum, 2000, PRO-ED Inc. www.proedinc.com
$49.00 Mostly for non-drivers, has
chapter about low vision driving.
References Texas Defensive Driving online
www.defensivedriving.com Bioptic Driving Network website
www.biopticdriving.org Dr. Dennis Kelleher
Special Education DivisionCalifornia Dept. of [email protected]