About this resource
Stopping driving can feel like losing independence. This guide helps people acknowledge the change, map the places that matter, explore transport options such as public transport, community transport, taxis with any available subsidy schemes, rideshare, walking and lifts, and plan regular trips.
Purpose
To help people stay connected and independent after changes to driving.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Occupational therapists. Also relevant for social workers, allied health and multidisciplinary teams.
Client or participant group: Adults who have stopped or reduced driving due to health, age or other changes, and their families.
Practice setting: Occupational therapy, rehabilitation and community health.
Suggested uses
- After a driving assessment or medical advice
- Rehabilitation planning
- Family conversations
- Community participation goals
Instructions for practitioners
- Acknowledge the loss and feelings involved.
- Map important places and regular trips.
- Explore local transport options and subsidy schemes in your state or territory.
- Practise new transport options together where needed.
Instructions for clients or participants
- List places you want to keep going to.
- Look at transport options.
- Plan your regular trips.
Accessibility considerations
Large print. Can be completed with family.
Scope and limitations
General planning information. It does not assess fitness to drive. Transport schemes differ between states and territories.
Research basis
Occupational therapy models describe how the person, their environment and their activities interact, and how a balance of meaningful activity supports health and participation.
- Law, M., Cooper, B., Strong, S., Stewart, D., Rigby, P., & Letts, L. (1996). The Person-Environment-Occupation Model: A Transactive Approach to Occupational Performance. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(1), 9–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/000841749606300103
- Wagman, P., Håkansson, C., & Björklund, A. (2012). Occupational balance as used in occupational therapy: A concept analysis. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 19(4), 322–327. https://doi.org/10.3109/11038128.2011.596219
- World Health Organization. (2001). International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF). WHO. https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/international-classification-of-functioning-disability-and-health
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
