Maximizing mobility in the lives of those in our care is imperative. Whether you need a wheelchair for simple mobility or choose a chair-based active, athletic lifestyle, the professionals at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital are experts at finding the best chair for you. We evaluate manual chairs, power/electric chairs, back systems, and seat systems. We also assess current wheelchair users for equipment modifications and upgrades. The clinic can provide additional services such as pressure mapping, assessing for additional equipment needs like shower chairs, gait trainers, and specialty mattresses.

We designed this program to provide recommendations of seating system options to maximize patients’ functional independence. Call Inova Rehabilitation Center at 703-664-7190 for more information.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital offers the Peer Mentor Program, a unique collaboration that brings brain injury or stroke survivors into a mentoring relationship with patients newly adjusting to their lives as survivors of the same conditions. Mentorship may include sharing experiences related to hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing integration into home, work and community settings.

Interested learning more about the Mentor Program?

• Email: Valerie Scarano at valerie.scarano@inova.org
• Or call: 703-664-7044

The Orthotics and Prosthetics Clinic offers individuals a comprehensive program in order to evaluate and treat those who have lost a limb or who are survivors of a debilitating injury or disease. Our clinic provides a wide range of both upper- and lower-limb custom-designed and fabricated orthoses and prostheses. Our skilled team of physicians and clinicians strive to improve the lives of our patients, one step at a time, collaborating with a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist to identify the ideal recommendation for each individual.

Our concussion program uses a personalized, medical multi-disciplinary and collaborative team approach, coupled with advanced technology to assist individuals in recovery of concussion. As the area’s experts, we are the trusted resource for:

• Baseline testing
• Prevention through community education
• Treatment/Rehabilitation
• Monitoring stages for medical clearance for return to school and activities
• Neurocognitive testing

Our multi-disciplinary team includes:

• Physician specialist who oversees the clinic
• Nurse practitioner or physician assistant trained in concussion management
• Neuropsychologist
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists with advanced certifications and specialty training
• Depending on your needs, you may also be referred to a neurologist, neuro-ophthalmologist, developmental optometrist, or other concussion specialist

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 703-664-7190.

Our driving rehabilitation program is aimed at providing a complete assessment and set of recommendations for safe return to driving for individuals with a disability and those who have had an injury.

Driving Evaluation Components

• Driving subtests
• Vision
• Motor
• Cognitive
• State of the Art Driving Simulator
• Assessment of road skills
• Visual motor testing
• Adaptive equipment assessment

Skilled Providers

Our program is guided by an occupational therapist who is a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist. The team also includes skilled occupational therapists and rehabilitation technicians.

Who We Serve

Individuals who:

• Require assessment for adaptive driving equipment
• Require driving evaluation per DMV request
• Have a disability affecting driving capacity

How to Get Started

1. Obtain a physician prescription that includes your diagnosis and the statement "Driving Evaluation and Treatment by Occupational Therapist"
2. Call office for pre-screening and scheduling

Cost for Services

This service is not covered by insurance. It is therefore an out-of-pocket cost based on the driving evaluation service provided. Please call for additional information on pricing.

• Comprehensive Driving Evaluation: 2 hour evaluation assessing vision, motor, cognition, and functional testing.
• Standard Driving Evaluation: 1 hour evaluation of vision, motor, and function to identify need for adaptive driving equipment.
• Training Session: 45 minute sessions working in the simulator to improve identified areas of difficulty.

Planning for Return to Driving

It is recommended to consider the long range costs and time requirements for achieving driving independence after an injury or while living with a disability. All of these factors will be discussed during the evaluation but it will help the process if you begin to plan in advance.

Considerations

• Access to a vehicle that can be adapted
• A plan for independently entering the car
• Funding available for adaptations
• Funding available for training sessions
• Current Learner’s Permit for new drivers
• Funding for the evaluation costs

For more information on the Driving Rehabilitation Program, please call 703-664-7190.

The Movement Disorders Program at Inova provides comprehensive care designed to get you moving and communicating effectively again. Movement disorder refers to various, typically neurological, conditions where an individual may experience unwanted or involuntary changes to movement. Each person has his or her own unique set of symptoms and deserves a personalized treatment plan to address specific needs. Our experienced interdisciplinary team will work with you to chart a path to better health.

In addition to our interdisciplinary services of physical, occupational and speech therapy, we offer Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) BIG and LOUD, a technique that addresses the unique movement impairments associated with Parkinson’s disease. It provides people with the tools they need to keep moving and stay active. The protocol is both intensive and complex, focusing on the quality and loudness of your voice as well as the effectiveness of your movement patterns. Each participant is required to complete 4 one-hour sessions per week for 4 weeks.

All patients with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s (regardless of how far along in the diagnosis they are) are appropriate for LSVT BIG and LOUD services. Some symptoms you may experience that can respond to these services include (but are not limited to):

• Speech changes: you may experience changes in the speed of your talking, the volume of your voice, or hesitation or slurring. Your speech may lack its usual inflections and sound monotone and it may be more difficult to convey facial expressions.
• Swallowing changes: you may have a more difficult time swallowing your food, controlling saliva, or food may enter your airway instead of your stomach (aspiration).
• Thinking changes: you may find it more difficult to plan or carry out activities, feel distracted or disorganized. You may have trouble remembering things or focusing when trying to do two things at once.
• Writing changes: it may become harder to write, or your writing may appear smaller than usual.
• Impaired posture and balance: your posture may become curved and you may be at a higher risk for falls.
• Rigid muscles: you may have stiff muscles which can limit your natural range of motion in your arms and legs.
• Slowed movement: over time, Parkinson’s may slow your movement. Daily tasks may become more time-consuming.

For more information on the Movement Disorders Program and Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, please call the Business Office at 703-664-7190.

Adults with some speech or language difficulty may need to find other ways to communicate. The Speech Language Pathologists at Inova Mount Vernon Outpatient Rehabilitation can help you or your loved one decide what type of substitute is best for you.

There are many types of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Sometimes, you do not need anything but your own body to express yourself, for example sign language, facial expressions, etc. Other times, you may need to use basic tools to assist you in communication (example: touching letters or pictures on a paper/board) or high-tech tools (example: using a computer that can speak for you).

Whatever your needs, our Speech Language Pathologists will work to make sure you or your loved one can share ideas and feelings, interact with family and friends, and participate in the community.

The Bridge Program offers intensive treatment for those recovering from brain injury (traumatic brain injury or stroke). Treatment provides a structured setting for renegotiating independence and community living skills following a life-changing neurological incident. Our professionals designed this unique program to “bridge” the gap between hospitalization and the multiple services and agencies available within the community. Patients receive individual treatment sessions each visit. In addition, the client may participate in group treatment sessions to help optimize achievement of customized goals. The Bridge Program offers a fully personalized approach to treatment, built around the client’s unique needs and rate of improvement.