Our vision affects our ability to do countless everyday tasks. To work, to communicate, to read, and – to get from one place to another.

Our featured guest is Raechaell Corbett, an Occupational Therapist and Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist who also has a driving instructor license. She works with Easterseals to help assess that individuals have the skills required to safely operate motor vehicles.

Here, we talk with Raechaell about her work – the complicated nature of vision in regards to driving (there’s a lot to it!), and how people with vision impairments can get the resources they need to get back on the road and have their independence restored.

We believe Raechaell’s work is so important because getting people back on the road safely can empower them to gain control over their lives – in more ways than one.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Raechaell’s background and roles prior to this position, working with clients suffering from low vision (macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, etc.)
• The scope of visual screening required to safely drive a car, from visual acuity to peripheral vision and visual perception skills
• The positive impact in-person games and sports can have on a child’s vision, and the negative impacts of screens
• Things parents should consider when assessing whether their teens are ready to drive – for example, how good are they at everyday activities that require multitasking?
• Strategies for nervous drivers who are anxious about returning to the road – particularly people who’ve undergone health challenges (stroke, traumatic brain injury) or accidents
• Other therapies a person might need besides vision therapy before returning to the road (occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc.)

Resources & Links

For more on Raechaell and the Easterseals of Greater Waterbury, visit their website or send an email at [email protected].

Being a safe driver demands a lot more from your vision than the department of motor vehicles requires. That's why we developed our newest digital program, 4D Built to Drive. This 6 month program can be done at your home, at your own pace, and help you build skills like understanding space, peripheral awareness, depth perception, and more so that you can become a confident, safe driver. 4D Built to Drive hands you the keys to an independent life. Visit our website to learn more today.

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/4Dvisiongym) and Instagram (@4dvisiongymvt) for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!