Journey to Driving with Low Vision

Journey to Driving with Low Vision

SWOMA 2010Austin, TX

Presented by Dawn Adamsdadams@reg8.net

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 Educationdkellehe@cde.ca.gov