Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Azin.
Hi Ali, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was working with children with autism and ADHD when I first heard about occupational therapy. I looked into the field and thought it matched my skills and interests perfectly. Occupational therapy helps individuals become as independent as possible with their daily activities and required the understanding of their impairments to help rehabilitate them. In graduate school, my father lost his ability to drive and I saw how important it was to him to lose that independence. Anytime I had assignments due, I researched driving rehabilitation and learned more and more about it. By the time I graduated, I had more knowledge of the field than many working occupational therapists. My first position.was at Scripps Encinitas heading the driving rehabilitation program. I stayed there for 6 years and grew the program to include adaptive equipment training which was imperative for many to become independent. I then left and started my own private practice in San Marcos. I have had my practice now for nearly 4 years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I had big ambitions and expectations when I started my practice. I hoped my practice would grow faster and that I would be able to earn enough from it without the need to find part time or contract positions. The cost of health insurance was very costly which was a factor I had not anticipated since it had always been employer sponsored. After less than a year, I made the difficult decision that my practice would need to be secondary to a full time position so that we would not have to worry about finances with a growing family. It felt like a defeat to not be able to do well enough in my practice solely but I was happy to still be able to keep it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Driver Rehab Specialists offers comprehensive evaluations and adaptive driver’s training to help individuals with disabilities learn (or relearn) how to drive and gain driving independence. Our adaptive vehicle can be configured to suit individuals with varying disabilities.
I am proud that we emphasize client-centered practice. Any client can be assessed to see what they are capable of. Some cannot drive and need to hear that reality from a caring professional. Most individuals need interventions or adaptive equipment and training and most importantly patience to drive!
What’s next?
I am hoping it keeps growing slow and steady. My ultimate dream would be to open a multidisciplinary neurological clinical where clients could receive the full services of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and counseling in their recovery and path towards independence in all areas of their lives.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@drivesafesandiego.com
- Website: www.drivesafesandiego.com
Image Credits
Trinity Quindo
