척수손상 환자의 재활 운전교육

Abstract

The ability to drive provides the greatest freedom of mobility for the physically disabled. At present, rehabilitation program of spinal cord injured patients in Korea is primarily focused on achieving independent activities of daily living at wheel chair level. Actually in Korea it is very difficult for them to use public transportation in outdoor activities. We have experienced driver training of cervical spinal cord injured patients, who could lead an active and independent life with driving a car after going through comprehensive rehabilitative management by team approach. In driver training, a model car with hand control system and hydraulic lift was used and transfer activity training from wheel chair in and out of the car was done. Outdoor driver training also was done at the driving school near the hospital during in-patient period. Driver training for spinal cord injured patients is essential for them to live as active members of society, so we suggest that driver training should be included in comprehensive rehabilitation program in Korea.