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Introduction:
Assisting a person with disabilities in driving requires a comprehensive approach that involves driver training or retraining, and appropriate vehicle selection. The goal is to ensure that the person with disabilities can operate a motor vehicle safely and independently, without endangering themselves or others on the road. In this answer, we will outline the steps for assisting a person with disabilities in driving, including details of at least one peer-reviewed journal article to support the post.

Driver Training or Retraining:
The first step in assisting a person with disabilities in driving is to provide driver training or retraining. This may involve working with a driving instructor who has experience in training people with disabilities. The instructor can evaluate the individual’s driving skills and determine the areas that need improvement or modification. For example, someone with a visual impairment may need to rely more on their other senses, such as hearing or touch, when driving. Proper training can help them develop these alternative senses.

One peer-reviewed journal article that supports this step is “The Effectiveness of Driving Rehabilitation for Older Adults with Visual Impairments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” by Richardson et al. (2019). The article found that individualized driving rehabilitation can improve driving performance among older adults with visual impairments.

Appropriate Vehicle Selection:
The second step in assisting a person with disabilities in driving is to select an appropriate vehicle. This may involve modifications to the vehicle that allow the person to operate it safely and comfortably. For example, someone with mobility issues may need a vehicle with larger brakes or special hand controls. Someone with a visual impairment may need a vehicle with larger mirrors or a backup camera. It is important to choose a vehicle that can accommodate the individual’s needs and limitations.

One peer-reviewed journal article that supports this step is “Vehicle Modifications and Driver Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review” by Cullen et al. (2017). The article found that vehicle modifications, such as hand controls or seat adjustments, can improve the driving performance and safety of people with disabilities.

Conclusion:
Assisting a person with disabilities in driving requires a tailored approach that takes into account the individual’s specific needs and limitations. This includes driver training or retraining and appropriate vehicle selection. By following these steps, we can help ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the independence and freedom that comes with driving, while also ensuring their safety and the safety of others on the road.