The STISIM Drive M300WS-Console-OT system, commonly called the driving simulator, is a fully interactive, virtual reality, off-road driving simulator designed for occupational therapy rehabilitation applications.
The driving simulator is meant to screen the components necessary for a safe return to driving. It involves three screens that offer a 135-degree field of view as well as a steering wheel, turn signals, lights, and gas and brake pedals. The driving simulator is adjustable to best fit the patient, and adjustments can be made to the steering wheel and driver’s seat for wheelchair users.
There are a variety of drives available to perform on this device that can examine an individual’s braking reaction, steering reaction, and ability to drive with multiple hazards. Therapists can also include additional drives specific to a patient’s deficits.
Select driving adaptations may also be trialed on the simulator; however, if it is deemed that a patient may benefit from select adaptations, they must perform an on-the-road assessment with a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS)* who will further assess and determine the most appropriate driving adaptations for them.
*Please note: While Sheltering Arms Institute’s off-road driving simulator can help assess many skills important for driving, our driving evaluations do not include an on-road component. Therefore, our simulator does not meet criteria outlined by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be considered a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS). If your doctor or the DMV recommends a CDRS evaluation, please be aware that our driving evaluations will not qualify.
The driving simulator can be used for a variety of diagnoses that impact cognition, strength, motor control, sensation, and vision or perception. This includes conditions such as a cerebrovascular accident, traumatic brain injury, cognitive impairment, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and more.
Sheltering Arms Institute houses the Driving Simulation technology at our Hanover outpatient center.
