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Mobility Center
 What Does Mobility Center Do?
The Easter Seals Mobility Center provides thorough driving assessments to individuals over 16 years of age who have an injury or impairment that may impact their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. We provide a clinical assessment, as well as an on the road assessment. In addition, we provide equipment recommendations and prescriptions, and when appropriate vehicle inspections. At the end of the assessment, a recommendation is given regarding a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Recommendations for equipment or driving restrictions are also made when appropriate.
We also evaluate and recommend appropriate equipment and vehicles for a person to ride safely as a passenger. An assessment takes approximately 2-3 hours.
What Areas Are Screened?
Visual, physical, and cognitive skills are evaluated clinically and using a driving simulator. For example, visual acuity, depth perception, night vision, visual fields, and many other areas are evaluated. In addition, strength, coordination, reaction time and transfer skills are assessed. Cognitive testing includes perceptual skills, attention, judgment, and several other areas. On-the-road testing is also performed to determine safe driving skills.
About Road Testing
An on-the-road evaluation is performed in one of the Mobility Center’s dual controlled vehicles. We have a  sedan, as well as adapted vans. Adaptive equipment, such as hand controls, a left foot gas pedal, steering devices, etc., are available for those who may require them. In addition, the Mobility Center’s minivans and full size van have ramp or lift entry, wheelchair tie downs, and high tech driving equipment.
Van Evaluations
For those needing a van, the Mobility Center’s minivan is adapted with an IMS dropped floor conversion with a side entry ramp. It can be driven from the driver’s seat or a wheelchair, and it is adapted with multiple equipment configurations and high tech steering and braking systems.
The Mobility Center has been named the only state approved vendor site serving clients of the Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. We are also a vendor site for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission clients.
Engineering Inspections And Testing
The inspection and testing aspect is provided during and at completion of the vehicle modification process. A detailed inspection of all vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment and any necessary testing is provided by a professional engineer and performed at the modification vendor’s location. All adapted vans paid for by the Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services are required to be inspected and tested.
 What Is The First Step?
A prescription, or referral, is required from a medical physician or other provider licensed to write prescriptions. The prescription must include the client’s name and medical diagnosis, and also that a Driving Assessment is requested. It must be signed and dated.
Mobility Center Staff:
The Mobility Center is coordinated by:
Tricia Coppola-Passariello, OTR/L CDRS. Occupational Therapist and Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. Member of ADED, Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, and NMEDA, National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.
Harry C. Gough, P.E. Vehicle Modification Engineer. Assesses vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment after installation. Member of ADED and the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.
Anthony Pascucci, Certified Driving Instructor.
For Driving Assessment Scheduling
please contact:Easter Seals Mobility Center 158 State Street, Meriden, CT 06450 Telephone: 203-630-2208 FAX: 203-634-0341
Directions:
From I-91 N or S: Take the exit for I-691 West to exit 7 - Downtown Meriden. Bear left. Go through 3-way stop onto State Street. Easter Seals is on the right, #158.
From I-84 E or W: Take exit for I-691 East to exit 7 -Downtown Meriden. At end of exit ramp, go straight onto Columbia St. At light turn right onto Colony St. Take a left turn at next light onto Camp St. Bridge goes over RR tracks. At split bear right onto State St. Easter Seals is on the right, #158.
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