ADED the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists is devoted primarily to the support of professionals working in the field of driver education and transportation equipment modification for persons with disabilities. Last week, they held their annual conference which was held in Jacksonville, FL. The purpose of the conference is two fold; (1) to give the Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS) the opportunity for credit hours for continuing education and (2) for CDRS’s to have the opportunity to see the latest in vehicle modifications and adaptive driving technology.
ADED began with an organizational meeting in Detroit, Michigan, on August 25 & 26, 1977. Thirty people, from ten states, representing professionals in the field of driver evaluation and training of persons with disabilities attended this meeting. The initial meeting determined the type of organizational structure, the official name, initial officers, standing committees and membership fees.
Since that date, ADED has continued to expand. Emphasis is placed on the yearly conference with its pre-conference workshops, conference training programs and one of the largest exhibits of products for both the driver with a disability as well as for the professional working in this field. Membership also continues to increase with representation from nearly every state plus Canada, Australia, and England. 2010 ADED membership totaled 656 members: 309 Individual members, 223Facility Members, 70 Mobility Equipment Dealer members, and 36 Corporate members.
VMI Booth at the ADED Conference
