Loss of driving skills is something typically associated with advancing years but in reality people of all ages have conditions that can make getting behind the wheel a challenge. In June's Health Check: a unique program that focuses on safety and independence.

Despite decades behind the wheel, Ruth Campbell welcomes a visit to Immanuel Rehabilitation Center's Driver Rehabilitation Program. From peripheral vision to deciphering road signs, each success gives her confidence.

Ruth has cerebral degeneration. Her doctor suggested a visit when the Department of Motor Vehicles asked for a letter verifying that Ruth was fit to drive.

Ruth says, "driving safely for others," was crucial for her and that's where Occupational Therapist Linda Walker comes in.

Linda says, "No one here is complaining about the cost of gas. They all want to be able to consume it. They all share something. They want to be independent. They want to be able to drive."

Walker evaluates each person with testing and a simulator.

While seniors like Ruth make up the bulk of Driver Rehab participants, Medical Director Dr. Thomas Franco says brain injury and stroke patients and first time drivers with developmental conditions like autism and ADHD are also helped.

Dr. Franco says the process begins with the question, "Are they safe to drive or not? And if not, step two: is there education that might be helpful to them? Is there equipment that might be helpful to get a person driving?"

Another part of the program shows off the assistive devices that could enable someone to still drive: from the steering wheel to the accelerator, to a device to turn on and off the signals."

Ruth's only need is finding a place to stash her walker. She feels great after getting the all-clear in the indoor assessment and outdoor driving, "because I know I can drive."

Doctors or DMV workers refer most people to the Driver Rehab Program. We're told insurance covers the indoor assessment.