February 8, 2013
Abilities, Inc. at The Viscardi Center, in partnership with AAA New York, is hosting a CarFit educational program on Friday, April 19, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at its campus located at 201 I.U. Willets Road in Albertson. CarFit was created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AARP, the American Occupational Therapy Association and AAA.
CarFit is a national educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their vehicles “fit” them. During the CarFit evaluation, trained technicians thoroughly check each individual’s safety belt position, distance from the airbag as well as the seat and mirror positions to maximize the driver’s comfort and safety.
“We take the time to make sure items like shoes and bike helmets fit us properly to ensure comfort and protection but most of us never think about our cars,” said Jessica Swirsky, President and Chief Operating Officer at Abilities, Inc. at The Viscardi Center. “We are delighted to bring this event to the residents of the local community and hope they will take advantage of it by joining us that day.”
While older drivers are often the safest drivers, adults over the age of 65 are more likely to be seriously injured in an automobile accident than a younger person, according to a report by the University of Florida. This is not because they are more likely to be in an accident, but accidentsthat they are in tend to be more serious due to the greater fragility of their aging bodies. As much as three-quarter of accidents involving older drivers occur in the daytime.
“Information about the Adapted Driver Education program we offer here at The Viscardi Center for adult drivers with disabilities, aging individuals with driving concerns and those who may require assistive or vehicle modifications following an injury or illness will also be available,” added Swirsky. The adapted driver evaluations are conducted by an occupational therapy practitioner and lessons are provided by a specialist in adaptive driving.
The CarFit check takes approximately 20-30 minutes and is free of charge. Appointments are required and can be made by calling AAA NY at 516.873.2364. Visit www.car-fit.org for additional information.
Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as a disability advisor to eight U.S. presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement, assistive technology and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses. A global leader, it employs more than 300 professionals, including experts in education, human resources and technology. Learn more at viscardicenter.org.