CHCS Perspectives Winter 2014

PERSPECTIVES • WINTER 2014 – Page 29 Dr. McCarthy, who serves as associate professor and director of stu- dent affairs and marketing, received his Bachelor of Science in Occu- pational Therapy from Florida International University, his Master of Education degree from Florida Atlantic University, and his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Florida. Over the years, his clinical experience focused on clients with physical disabilities, with a specialization in treating those with spinal-cord prob- lems, cerebral vascular injuries, and brain trauma. His research interests include all aspects of community mobility for seniors and those with dis- abilities, including driving and the use of alternative forms of transporta- tion, as well as the impact of the built environment on transportation mode choice and health. Dr. McCarthy serves on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Safe Mobility for Life Coalition and the American Society on Aging’s Network for Environment, Service, and Technology’s Leadership Com- mittee. He also serves as co-chair of the American Society on Aging’s Transportation Peer Group. Dr. Dennis McCarthy NSU O.T.D. students and faculty members recently volun- teered at a CarFit Event sponsored by AARP Florida and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. What is CarFit for the older driver? CarFit is an educational program, developed by the AOTA, AARP, and the AAA, that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles fit them. The CarFit program also provides information and materials on commu- nity-specific resources that could enhance their safety as driv- ers and/or increase their mobility in the community. Why is CarFit important? Older drivers are often the safest drivers in that they are more likely to wear their seatbelts and less likely to speed or drink and drive. However, older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when a crash does occur due to the greater fragility of their aging bodies. Driver safety programs improve adult driver safety by addressing cognitive abilities and skills; however, older drivers can also improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them. A proper fit in one’s car can greatly increase not only the driver’s safety, but also the safety of others. How is a CarFit check completed? At a CarFit event, a team of trained technicians and/or health professionals work with the participants to ensure they fit their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety. A CarFit check takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Technician training was provided to all volunteers, and a certificate of completion was issued to those completing the training. Certified CarFit Technicians are able to volunteer at any CarFit function throughout the United States. CarFit On September 26, Mirtha Whaley, Ph.D., OTR/L, assistant pro- fessor and director of academic affairs, Dennis McCarthy, Ph.D., OTR/L, associate professor and director of student affairs and mar- keting, and 13 students from the Tampa O.T.D. program responded to an invitation from Lori Grismore, OTR/L, to participate in Falls Prevention Awareness Day at the USF Health Johnny Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute. During the event, students had an opportunity to tour the institute and learn about its assessment process, which in- cluded a questionnaire to measure readiness to drive as well as vision screening. Technology to measure balance and a state-of-the-art driv- ing simulator also were part of the evaluation process. In addition, students were able to assist by providing tours of the Byrd Institute’s Functional Assessment Unit, educating visitors on fall prevention in the home, use of assistive and safety devices, and tips for modifying the home environment to increase safety. Students were also able to lead two chair exercise classes and educate attendees on low-impact exercises to maintain strength and flexibility to reduce the risk of falling. This is one of many opportunities our program has had to partner with the institute in supporting the occupational performance of in- dividuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia to improve the quality of their lives and that of their care partners. We look for- ward to our continued partnership. By Mirtha Whaley, Ph.D., OTR/L Assistant Professor and Director of Academic Affairs COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Byrd Institute