Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Services
2127 East South Boulevard
Montgomery, AL 36116-2455

Telephone: 334-288-0220
Web: www.rehab.state.al.us

Adaptive Driving Training (ATD) Program

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) employs a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) to work with individuals with physical disabilities requiring adaptive equipment to drive independently. In addition, consumers with cognitive disabilities are served based on need and specific disability issues. The ADT program operates a four tier program with 4 ADRS owned vehicles equipped with varying levels of modifications.

The first tier is evaluation, where the CDRS provides off the road and on the road assessment of a consumer's needs as it relates to driving. Initial assessments assist the CDRS in planning for further services.

The second tier is training. Provided the consumer moves through the assessment process successfully, a prescriptive number of hours are recommended for training.

The third tier is licensure where those consumers who require updated licensing or new licensing will complete the licensure requirements through a partnership with Alabama Department of Public Safety and ADRS. ADRS actually conducts the road test with the consumer in the adapted vehicle and issues a report that is accepted for licensing purposes by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. ADRS staff is trained to provide the same road test and driving activities required of all other license applicants.

The fourth tier is modification where the consumer's vehicle is equipped, reviewed and finalized by the CDRS. While ADRS does not purchase vehicles, ADRS has relationships with auto manufacturers in which the vehicle can be ordered with features like dropped floors and overhead wiring, significantly reducing the costs of structural modifications to the vehicle. ADRS also negotiates fee schedules for modifications with vendors each year, making costs more predictable.

Services through this program are provided statewide in the consumer's home area. RSA staff believes that the relationships with manufacturers, negotiated vendor fees, and the relationship with the Alabama Department of Public Safety are particularly noteworthy.

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