Kean University CarFit Program To Help Senior Drivers Enjoy a Safe, Comfortable Ride

Kean University’s Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) invites older drivers to discover their perfect “fit” with a complimentary CarFit checkup on Wednesday, June 10, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the campus of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, located at 215 North Avenue, Hillside, N.J. CarFit is a national program that reviews how well senior drivers “fit” their cars for comfort, safety and mobility on the road.

CarFit is an interactive and educational program, developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, that is designed to give a quick, yet comprehensive check on how well an older driver and their vehicle work together. Appointments are required to participate in the program. To schedule a 20-minute CarFit appointment, please call Kean’s Department of Occupational Therapy at (908) 737-5850.

During the CarFit event, trained volunteers will complete a 12-point checklist with each driver, including:
· Correct position of driver’s seat
· Driver’s ability to easily reach pedals
· Proper adjustment of mirrors

Occupational therapists will be on hand to teach drivers how to maintain and improve their driving health. The therapist can also address some individual needs of each participant, including information about local community resources on exercise, nutrition and other programs to help keep them safe on the road.

“OT practitioners are uniquely trained to focus on the person within her or his environment and within the context of the person’s desired activity to improve independence and optimize quality of life for older drivers,” said Dr. Jennifer Gardner, OTR, Assistant Professor of OT at Kean. “The CarFit program allows Kean University students to support older drivers in their ability to drive and get around safely.”

Older drivers can also check with their local AAA club or AARP office to take a driver safety refresher course or look into occupational therapy driving evaluation programs for individualized assessments and recommendations. CarFit represents an extension of those classroom programs, and an opportunity for older drivers to make sure their personal vehicles are adjusted to their needs.

For more information about CarFit, please visit www.car-fit.org. For more information about Kean’s Department of Occupational Therapy, please contact Dr. Jennifer Gardner at jengardn@kean.edu or (908) 737-5852.

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Kean University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). For more information, please visit grad.kean.edu/ot.

Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, boasting a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers three doctorate degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. The University’s five undergraduate colleges offer 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union and Toms River, NJ, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University provides a world-class education. Visit Kean online at www.kean.edu.