23 January 2008, Belleville, ON—Senior students from Quinte Secondary have created a driving simulator for use by occupational therapy patients. Teacher Dale Galway was contacted by Quinte Health Care last fall with a request to partner on the project. On January 24, the class will deliver the simulator to the hospital.

"I am so proud of the students who worked on this project. They were so enthusiastic that they even spent time on it after school and on weekends. The final product is a work of art that will be of tremendous use to rehabilitation patients," remarks teacher Dale Galway.

Occupational therapists will use the driving simulator with patients at Belleville General Hospital. Because driving is a common daily activity for most people, their ability to drive can be compromised due to stroke, head injury or chronic illness. Occuptational therapists must assess the physical aspects of being able to drive, as well as attention, memory, problem solving, visual perception and the ability to follow directions.

According to Nancy Clark, QHC Occupational Therapist, the driving simulator will allow occupational therapists to effectively assess their clients’ ability to physically operate a vehicle. “In addition, we now have a reaction test that measures a person’s ability to react to a stimulus and apply the brake,” said Clark. “We appreciate the student’s work in providing us with this useful tool.”

Media representatives are invited to a photography opportunity, as follows:

DATE: Thursday, January 24, 2008

TIME: 11 a.m.

LOCATION: 4TH Floor, Rehabilitation Unit, QHC Belleville General Hospital

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For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354