LRH Occupational Therapist one of only 360 in US and Canada
(Fergus Falls, MN) Lake Region Healthcare is pleased to announce that Lisa Cole, Occupational Therapist, has recently achieved national certification as a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) from the Association for Driver Rehab Specialists.
“This exam is given only once per year and only 360 people in the US and Canada have the certification,” according to LRH Therapies Director, Angie Conklin. “Lisa first completed educational training and then pursued her Minnesota Driver Instructor license. After 1,000 plus hours in the car with Driver Rehab patients, Lisa was able to sit for this exam. ADED is the gold standard for driver rehabilitation programs and we are extremely proud to have earned this certification for our program at LRH,” she added.
The Driver Rehabilitation program at LRH is available to people of all ages and abilities who may need alternative transportation solutions for drivers with special needs. This includes helping older drivers and their families master the challenges of diminishing driving skills. It is also commonly needed after a stroke or a severe injury.
Cole has been the Driver Rehab instructor at LRH since its inception in 2012, and now she is the only CDRS in rural Minnesota. There are 10 others in the state but all are in the Twin Cities. “Lisa’s dedication to this program is why it has grown every year. She is passionate about keeping people safe and independent on the road. She cares about each individual and works with the patient and their family for the best possible outcome. Her compassion and kindness are undeniable,” Conklin said.
The program allows people with Driver Rehab needs can be trained and tested locally in their own environment. “We all know people who will not drive in the larger cities, so it is not fair to test them in these areas. We can try to help people stay independent with driving for as long as possible,” Conklin added. “The additional certification shows the level of expertise and dedication we have to drivers and the community.”
The Driver Rehabilitation Program has received significant support for its establishment and growth through funding from the LRH Foundation and from the donation & upkeep of the Driver Rehab vehicle from Nelson Auto Center.
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About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner. With over 80 medical staff and over 900 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.