Building Capacity for Driver Safety: Our Commitment to Education in the New Year

As we step into a new year, January offers a natural moment for reflection—and for recommitment. At Fitness to Drive, we are reaffirming one of our core values:

strengthening the field of occupational therapy by building knowledge, skills, and

confidence around driver safety. Education is not just something we provide; it is central to how we ensure high-quality services for our clients and meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Investing in the Next Generation of Occupational Therapists

One of the most powerful ways we build capacity is by engaging students early in their professional journeys. We actively invite OTA and OTD students to participate in our driving workshops for neurodivergent youth, giving them exposure to real-world applications of driver readiness, safety, and adaptive strategies. These experiences help students bridge theory and practice while learning from clinicians who specialize in driver risk assessment and intervention. In addition, we host occupational therapy fieldwork students who gain hands-on learning opportunities alongside our therapists. Fieldwork at Fitness to Drive allows students to deepen their clinical reasoning, observe specialized assessments, and better understand the complexities of driver safety across the lifespan.

Our collaboration with the Colorado State University Occupational Therapy Program through their Mentor–Mentee Project further reflects this commitment. By supporting mentorship relationships, we help foster professional growth, curiosity, and leadership within the OT community.

Sharing Expertise Beyond Our Walls

Education doesn’t stop at our doors. Terri Cassidy, our CEO, regularly presents guest lectures in occupational therapy doctoral programs both within and outside of Colorado. She also contributes to Refresher OT courses designed for seasoned therapists returning to practice or expanding their expertise. These opportunities allow Fitness to Drive to share evidence-informed approaches and real-world insights with a broad audience of professionals at different stages of their careers.

Continuing Education for Our Own Team

Building capacity also means investing in our internal team. We prioritize ongoing professional development for our therapists by bringing in national experts, fostering internal mentorship, and creating space for brainstorming and sharing best practices. This culture of learning ensures that our clinicians remain current, collaborative, and confident in addressing the evolving challenges of driver safety.

Supporting Medical Providers & Expanding Clinical Skill Sets

Fitness to Drive also partners closely with physicians and medical clinicians to ensure their patients have access to comprehensive, evidence-based driving evaluations that support safety, independence, and quality of life. We are also dedicated to supporting occupational therapists and other medical providers in adding Driving Risk Assessment to their professional toolbox. Through in-services, shared clinical resources, mentorship, and presentations and workshops at conferences, we help clinicians build competence and confidence in this specialized practice area. By expanding the network of providers equipped to address driving risk, we strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance the profession’s capacity to support safer, more independent community mobility.

Education as a Reflection of Our Values

Our commitment to education is a direct reflection of our commitment to excellence. By educating students, supporting practicing therapists, and continuously learning ourselves, we ensure that the services we provide are thoughtful, ethical, and impactful. As we begin this new year, we remain dedicated to building a stronger, more informed occupational therapy community—one that is well prepared to address driver safety and enhance quality of life for the individuals and families we serve.