Are you able to share your preliminary response whenever you discovered you acquired the scholarship?

I felt honored and grateful to be a recipient of the primary [NMEDA] Scholarship. I couldn’t consider that I might be beginning the Driving Rehabilitation Remedy Certificates Program at UF due to receiving this scholarship. It might in any other case not be potential as simply two years in the past I accomplished a bridging Masters Diploma Program in Occupational Remedy. Paying out of pocket was not an possibility for me with one faculty mortgage already underneath my belt and bills piling up with my older son’s begin of faculty in the identical yr.

Why did you pursue this specialty area of observe?

Whereas working abroad, I used to be tasked with assessing the health to drive of troopers coming back from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan utilizing a driving simulator. Despite the fact that I lacked correct coaching then, I totally loved growing the protocols of driving rehabilitation. Ever since I knew I might like to be taught extra concerning the driving rehabilitation area of observe.

What would you inform others who’re interested by doing the identical?

UF’s Skilled Certificates: Driver Rehabilitation Remedy (DRT) program is effectively designed. It offers college students in-depth coaching and expertise to display screen, assess, and consider drivers who’re medically in danger for driving, unfit for driving, or require automotive variations attributable to numerous medical situations and diagnoses. College students find out about out there variations and have the chance to check them. College students additionally be taught to supply evidence-based interventions for knowledgeable licensed drivers representing populations throughout the lifespan.

What does being the recipient of the NMEDA scholarship imply to you? 

Because of this scholarship, I can fulfill my long-awaited skilled purpose and dream of changing into a driver rehabilitation specialist, a purpose I’ve had since working abroad with active-duty U.S. Military troopers.

Are you able to share a major achievement or milestone you’ve reached since you might have been on this program? 

Attending a week-long mentorship on the UF Sensible Driver Rehab Middle has been a really intense week throughout which I had a chance to watch a number of scientific and on-the-road assessments. It was an incredible studying alternative and first-hand publicity to what a Driving Rehabilitation Therapist does.

What’s probably the most memorable or thrilling journey you’ve had since beginning your research?

Fairly actually, since beginning this system, which may be very intense, I needed to put adventures apart for some time. Nevertheless, quickly after finishing this system, I’m planning to take a while off and do some European travels. I plan to go to Poland, Austria, Croatia and Spain 🙂

Do you might have any memorable consumer tales? 

One of many purchasers that was evaluated was a 91-year-old gentleman. For his age, his expertise have been fairly exceptional. What amazed me, at this age, he needed to place variations to his automotive attributable to neuropathy in his toes. Why did he want it? As a result of he needed to proceed driving his cell house along with his spouse throughout the nation as they’ve been doing for years. It made me notice that the flexibility to drive independently is such an essential exercise throughout the lifespan.

What’s your favourite piece of kit to coach purchasers how one can use? 

I haven’t had a chance but to finish behind-the-wheel coaching, so I’m unable to say which gear is my favourite.

What worth do you see in NMEDA’s QAP?

NMEDA is the certifying physique for the nationally acknowledged High quality Assurance Program (QAP), the one accreditation for automobility companies in North America.

QAP ensures that producers take a look at their merchandise, which have to ensure security by abiding by particular, established security requirements.

As a future Driving Rehabilitation Specialist, I will simply find the enterprise in compliance with QAP, routinely guaranteeing high quality and security.

What does the phrase “mobility” imply to you? 

Within the occupational remedy observe framework, practical mobility is taken into account an exercise of day by day residing. Mobility is important for folks to fulfill their day by day wants equivalent to going to the grocery retailer, pharmacy, financial institution, and medical and/or different appointments. Group mobility can also be important for participating with family and friends members, whether or not they reside a block, a mile, or a state away.

What are a few of your hobbies outdoors of college and work? 

I take pleasure in Pilates, climbing and open air, snowboarding: water and downhill, and touring. Whereas residing in Germany for practically 12 years I travelled with my household to over 20 international locations. Journey teaches appreciation for different cultures, permits studying the historical past of the nation visited, broadens the horizons, and teaches tolerance and acceptance for various behaviors, reactions, meals we eat, and extra.