2019 Novel Coronavirus - (COVID-19) - Updates and Information

An amputee driving a car equipped with special controls on the steering wheel. He is a young man in his 20s living independently. His African-American friend is sitting in the passenger seat.Personal transportation is key to independence. Our driver evaluation program is designed to help people resume driving following onset of a disability or to help young adults with disabilities start driving.

COVID-19 Protocol for Adaptive Driver Evaluation Services

Alpha One is currently accepting applications for driver evaluations and will start scheduling evaluations in March of 2022. However, as the situation is constantly changing, this is subject to change.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed how society interacts and daily work is accomplished.  To facilitate driver evaluation services and minimize exposure for the evaluators and students, we are adhering to the following protocols that were established by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles effective June 15, 2020:

At this time, we ask that only the student enter the building unless there is a medical or personal care assistance need. We will be limiting evaluations to one student per day.

Clinical Evaluation

  • Before coming to Alpha One, self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
  • Students and evaluators will maintain a 6-foot physical distance where able.
  • Students and evaluators will wash hands before and after the clinical evaluation. Hand sanitizer will also be available.
  • During the evaluation, students and evaluators will be required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. Alpha One will provide masks.
    • If a student is not able to wear a mask, we will be happy to schedule at a later date when this is no longer a requirement.
  • Alpha One will clean and disinfect evaluation space and tools before and after the clinical evaluation (per CDC guidelines).

Behind the Wheel Evaluation

  • Students and evaluators will wash hands before and after the behind the wheel evaluation. Hand sanitizer will be available in the vehicle.
  • Students and evaluators will be required to wear masks in the vehicle.
  • We are advised to keep windows open and use the vehicle’s vents to circulate air to the best extent practical.
  • Alpha One will clean and disinfect the vehicle before and after the behind the wheel evaluation (per CDC guidelines).

Alpha One’s Adaptive Driver Evaluation Program was founded in 1980 and is the oldest driver evaluation program in the State of Maine. The intent of our driver evaluation is to help people maintain their independence or develop strategies for independent driving.  We work with individuals with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.

Friendly old gentleman with metal frame glasses drives carOur evaluators are dually licensed as Occupational Therapists and Driver Educators in the State of Maine. The evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of visual, physical, and cognitive skills, as well as an in-vehicle assessment conducted in Alpha One’s adapted vehicle. Recommendations for adaptive driving equipment, further training, and teaching strategies are included as part of the evaluation.

Alpha One’s driver evaluation is a fee for service on an hourly basis. All driver evaluations are conducted in our South Portland, Maine office. Vocational Rehabilitation, Worker’s Compensation, and the Veteran’s Administration are all referring organizations.

Consumers interested in participating in a driver’s evaluation may start the process by completing the online application, or by calling Alpha One. Also, questions about the process can be directed to the appropriate staff by emailing: driver@alphaonenow.org.

Driving Evaluation Application

Additional Driving Resources: