For the cognitively at risk driver ....
ELEMENTAL DRIVING SIMULATOR (EDS)
PORTABLE INCLUSIVE SYSTEM (Available October 2004)
Rosamond Gianutsos, PhD, FAAO, CDRS
Aaron Beattie, Programmer

The Elemental Driving Simulator (EDS) is a computer-based quasi-simulator for use by professionals in driver rehabilitation with cognitively at-risk persons (e.g., older drivers, persons returning to driving after a head injury or stroke). The EDS helps address the issue of whether the individual possesses sufficient information processing capabilities to drive safely. The EDS was developed to facilitate a driving advisement process based on objective, norm-referenced measures of the cognitive abilities regarded as critical for driving, including mental processing efficiency, simultaneous information processing, perceptual - motor skills, and impulse control. A unique feature of the EDS is its attempt to measure insight, and, hence, judgment, by comparing self-appraisal with performance.

Validation of the EDS shows good agreement with decisions based on a comprehensive on- and off-road driving assessment, large differences between old and young drivers, and a statistically significant correlation with at-fault accidents.

Because of the heightened responsibilities associated with driving advisement, the EDS is sold only for use by professionals who:

  1. Can establish that they have credentials and accountability implied by degrees, professional affiliation/membership and licensure
  2. Will take personal responsibility for use of the system; and
  3. Have completed Life Science Associates' Driving Advisement Training Seminar (see below).

Philosophy: The goal of the driver advisement process is not only to determine if the individual has adequate cognitive capacities, but also to demonstrate the findings clearly enough so that the driver will make the correct decision (i.e., whether and how to continue driving). It is essential to recognize that authorization of licensure can only be rendered by the state department of motor vehicles. Nevertheless, it is the individual who decides whether, when, and where to exercise this authorization. The EDS was designed to assist in this decision-making process.

Included in the EDS package are:

  1. Computer software (license - see note) for task presentation and analysis. Addresses reaction time, simultaneous processing, impulse control, ability to sustain performance, flexibility (ability to adjust readily to changed circumstances), eye-hand coordination (tracking), and judgment (based on self-appraisal).
  2. Reporting software for display, file management and printing. The program displays the individual's scores in comparison to the average scores of safe drivers of widely ranging ages, as well as with reference to the individual’s own self-appraisal. A Personal Report, designed for the would-be driver and concerned others, is immediately available to facilitate discussion of findings, conclusions and recommendations. Reports can be archived onto flash memory and printed on any Windows-based computer with a printer.
  3. All Hardware necessary to run the EDS. The package includes a portable steering wheel and foot pedals, as well as a specially configured, reconditioned laptop computer (IBM Thinkpad T20 or equivalent). The computer is designed to operate independently of all networks and to be serviced by Life Science Associates.
  4. Documentation consisting of an introduction to driving advisement, a handbook on the use of the programs, and normative data and validation findings to support interpretation of scores. Further reference material is included in the system in electronic format.
  5. Driving Advisement Seminar. This seminar prepares individuals to use the EDS. It addresses the principles and goals of driving advisement, the laws which pertain to driving evaluation in the individual's state, case examples, as well as the specifics of administration and interpretation of the tasks themselves.

Instructor
Rosamond Gianutsos, PhD, a neuropsychologist who developed this and other Computer Programs for Cognitive Rehabilitation. She is a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). She encourages you to look for further information about driver rehabilitation on her web page.

Schedule
The Driving Advisement Seminar requires 9 hours usually in one (8AM-5PM) day. Included are didactic presentations, demonstration, and interactive discussion. It is scheduled individually, usually on a weekend. Follow-up telephone consultation and review by mail are included for 3 months.

Who May Attend
Individuals who have established credentials acceptable to Life Science Associates for use of the EDS (e.g., possession of an appropriate degree, CDRS certification and/or licensure in psychology or occupational therapy). Attendance is limited to at most 6 persons per seminar who seek authorization to use the materials.

Place*
When there is more than one trainee, the seminar will be conducted at your facility. You will be responsible for the instructor’s travel expenses from New York. When there is one trainee, the seminar is held in New York City.

Costs for Seminar
The price of the EDS (see below) includes the seminar for one participant. Tuition for the second through sixth person from a facility purchasing the EDS is $200, if scheduled concurrently, or if these persons can be scheduled for another seminar when and where an opening permits. The fee for Auditors (who will not be authorized to use software) is $50.00.
  1. Warranty: The purchase price includes a limited one-year parts and labor warranty covering repairs due to manufacturer's defects. Of course, there is no time limit on our responsibility for correction of significant program errors should any be brought to our attention. For service, call, write, or FAX Life Science Associates to receive information. No consequential damages, expressed or implied, are covered.
  2. Extended Warranty: Annual extended warranty may be purchased, before the original or extended warranty expires, for $100.00/year.

Manual

The EDS and Driving Advisement Seminar manual contains detailed information about the system, including research data and clinical examples.

Ordering Information

  1. Send purchase order to Life Science Associates (1 Fenimore Rd. Bayport, NY 11705) or fax to 631 472-8146.. Systems are made to order - we request payment with your order. Purchase Orders from institutions, Visa or Mastercard accepted by email, fax, telephone or postal mail. Foreign orders prepay via proforma invoice in U.S. funds on bank in the U.S. or by credit card.
  2. Call LSA (631 472-2111) to confirm costs and for an information packet containing forms for seminar registration for all participants and auditors, and information on making seminar arrangements with the instructor.
  3. Download the manual for advance study by seminar participants.
  • Cat. #968.5 EDS PORTABLE INCLUSIVE SYSTEM
  • Unlimited use software license & documentation
  • AUTOSIM 10" steering module (fits on your table)
  • 3-position foot pedals which can be used to adapt the EDS for hemiplegia and permit comparison of foot pedal and hand signal response modalities.
  • One-year warranty
  • Seminar in NY* for one participant (see PLACE above)
  • PRICE: Approximately $3495.00 + $75.00 S&H. Please inquire to lifesciassoc@pipeline.com or by phone 631 472-2111.
 
  • Cat.# 968AP Additional trainee (see above) $200.00
  • Cat.# 968AU Auditor (see above) $50.00
  • Cat. # 20 PERFIELD: REACT, SDSST, SOSH SEARCH. Software package for assessing functional peripheral visual fields and attentional response, widely acknowledged as important for driving. $200.00
  • Please see our COGREHAB literature for other programs that may be added to this package.
  • NOTE:
    • Cat. #968.2 EDS STANDARD PACKAGE - DISCONTINUED
    • Cat. #968.3 EDS PORTABLE PACKAGE – DISCONTINUED
    • Cat. #968.4 EDS INCLUSIVE SYSTEM – REPLACED by 968.5 EDS PORTABLE INCLUSIVE SYSTEM
For users of earlier versions of the EDS:
The Portable Inclusive System has a completely redesigned interface. It is a replacement for all previous versions of the EDS and DAS (Driving Advisement System).
The present system is fully compatible with the task, format and therefore, normative data of previous implementations of the EDS. The changes introduced are to enhance the efficient operation of the system. For example, it is now easy to repeat parts of the procedure, e.g., to compare performance of foot and hand responses. The system boots directly to a menu offering task options. The steering interface is consistent and smooth.
Most important, the system will remain accurate and operational independent of future changes in hardware interfaces and operating systems. In the decade since the EDS was introduced, significant changes occurred in the design of computers which created problems for the EDS. For example, the joystick interface which was used in the original EDS was never implemented on laptop computers – preventing us from offering a truly portable system. The DOS operating system, needed for accurate timing, was dropped from all versions of Windows after Windows 98. It was replaced by an emulation of DOS which did not offer consistent and accurate timing.

Users of earlier versions of the EDS have much to gain from purchasing the new system – most notably the ability to take the system to your patients or different facilities. The entire system can be carried in a medium sized canvas bag (see picture.)
You will be impressed with the consistency of the new steering wheel interface.
Users of earlier versions of the EDS do not need to be re-trained and may either have new therapists take the training or may qualify for a reduction in price (contact Life Science).
Of course, alum’s are encouraged to sit in on the seminar without charge.
 

Return To Top