Automated Vehicles: Future Initiatives for Occupational Therapy Practitioners and Driver Rehabilitation Specialists

Abstract

This article addresses a critically important topic for the occupational therapy (OT) profession and driver rehabilitation specialists (DRS), related to the introduction and deployment of personal and public automated vehicles (AVs); and discusses the current and corresponding changing roles for these professionals. Within this commentary, we provide an overview of the relevant literature on AV regulations, policy, and legislation in North America, the various levels of AV technology, and inclusive and universal design principles to consider in AV deployment for people with disabilities. The role of the OT practitioner and DRS is described within the context of the person–environment–occupation–performance model, and within the guidelines of the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and the American Occupational Therapy Association. The article concludes with considerations for an extended clinical agenda, a new research agenda, and a call for action to OT practitioners and DRS, as well as to educators, certification bodies, professional organizations, and collaborators.