Essie Wagner, an Older Driver Program analyst with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be the keynote speaker at an Older Driver Conference (flyer) on June 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry.
The title of the forum is “Senior Driver Safety – The Road Ahead.” It will feature a panel of professionals who will discuss aspects of the issues surrounding older drivers. Those issues range from older driver safety as a health issue to the role of health care professionals who work with older drivers, driver evaluation programs and alternative transportation.
Diane Aparisio, deputy commissioner of Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS), will deliver opening remarks.
Other speakers will be Dr. Cathryn Devons, a specialist in geriatric medicine at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center and Geri Brooks, director of the Myra and Louis Salzer Senior Services Program at White Plains Hospital Center. Also speaking will be Maura Timm, the occupational therapist who developed the Driver Rehabilitation Program at the Castle Point campus of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System and continues to provide driver rehabilitation to veterans.
The conference is free, and will also feature a showing of the new film “The Conversation” by the National Road Safety Foundation. The film tackles the sensitive subject of if and when older drivers should consider giving up their car keys.
The conference is sponsored by DSPS’ Older Driver Help Network Coalition and Mercy College. Willow Towers Assisted Living and the West Central Livable Community Connection are co-sponsors. A continental breakfast will be served. Reservations are requested but not required. For more information or to RSVP, please call (914) 245-9167.