Seton Hall Occupational Therapy Students Educate Older Drivers at West Orange CarFit Event

On September 24, eight second-year students in Seton Hall’s M.S. in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program took part in a CarFit event for older adult drivers in West Orange. CarFit is an international ergonomics program, created in the United States by the American Occupational Therapy Association, AAA and AARP. Age-related changes in stature and mobility make it important for older adults to adjust their seating positioning in their vehicles for comfort and safety. Rather than serving as a driving test or car inspection, CarFit events are educational opportunities that support mature drivers and allow them to maintain their independence.  

Seton Hall’s MSOT students earned their CarFit Technician certificates through an in-person training course led by Meryl Picard, Ph.D., M.S.W., OTR, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and CarFit instructor. During the training, they learned the role of CarFit technicians, as well as the role of the occupational therapist to make determinations about off-the-shelf adaptive equipment options such as seat cushions to optimally position the driver and the HandyBar, a portable tool to help drivers exit the car if they have mobility limitations.  

Students then put their certifications into practice and delivered a community event at the West Orange Public Library for local senior citizens. The event was organized with the help of community partners Laura Van Dyke, municipal director of welfare and senior citizen programs for the Town of West Orange and Shani Jarvis, outreach manager for AAA Northeast.

MSOT students evaluated participants based on a 12-point checklist including items like seat belt positioning, distance and positioning of the steering wheel, adjusting side and rearview mirrors and ensuring brake and gas pedals were accessible. The occupational therapy students also educated the mature drivers on airbag safety and blind spots. When the participants shared specific driving challenges, the students and supporting faculty were able to offer helpful recommendations and adjustments.

“Many of the participants drove newer cars with advanced safety features, such as blind spot detection and were eager to learn about how to properly use them to keep them safe on the road,” said Seton Hall MSOT student Lily Hudock. “I drive a relatively old car, so it was exciting to explore all the new safety technology and help the attendees feel confident using it on their own.”

Participants were provided with a copy of their checklist and additional resources to promote continued driver safety. With the recent rise in weather-related events, such as floods and severe storms, disaster preparedness car checklists developed by Picard were distributed to participants to take home. These checklists gave them ideas for items they could keep in their car in case of weather-related emergencies, such as a first aid kit, flashlight and seat belt cutter.  

“Getting to participate in CarFit was an informative experience that allowed me to further my skills and knowledge as an aspiring occupational therapy practitioner,” said MSOT student Matthew Schoner.

In class we learned that promoting independence and community mobility is a core value of occupational therapy and participating in CarFit helped me better understand the importance of these values and their impact on individuals. It was great to see how even small adjustments can make a meaningful difference in the safety, confidence and independence of older adults navigating their community. I could tell the participants really appreciated the information we gave them.

After graduation, Seton Hall’s MSOT students can put their CarFit Technician certification to work, educating their own clients on driver safety. Special recognition is extended to Yolanda Sheffield Williams, the department secretary for occupational therapy, who earned her CarFit Technician certification and participated in the community event along with students.

About Seton Hall’s M.S. in Occupational Therapy
Grounded in Seton Hall’s Catholic mission of service, the M.S. in Occupational Therapy program prepares ethical, skilled practitioners to promote independence and well-being in the communities they serve. The two-year, 64-credit degree combines state-of-the-art classroom facilities with clinical experiences at an extensive network of healthcare and educational settings across the tri-state area.

Learn more about Seton Hall’s MSOT program and its 3+2 dual degree (B.A./M.S.) program.

Categories: Community Engagement, Health and Medicine