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OTTAWA (February 25, 2009) — The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), along with ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ University , launch tomorrow the National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers (Older Drivers Blueprint). The Older Drivers Blueprint is an important and innovative initiative funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada that aims to enhance the capacity of older adults to maintain their fitness to drive and ability to drive safely for as long as possible. The intent is that the Older Drivers Blueprint will be used by many stakeholders and will support policy-making, education and legislation for injury prevention, enhanced health, well-being and safety amongst older drivers in Canada.


WHAT: Launch of the National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers

WHEN: Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Lady Elgin Room, Lord Elgin Hotel, 100 Elgin Street, Ottawa

WHO: Speakers:

• Dr. Claudia von Zweck, Ph.D., OT Reg. (Ont.), OT(C) Executive Director, CAOT
• Dr. Nicol Korner-Bitensky, Ph.D., OT(C), erg., Principal Investigator for the Blueprint, ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ
• Dr. Colin Carrie, B.Sc. (Hons.), D.C., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary and representing the Minister of Health – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, P.C., M.P.
• Dr. Elizabeth Taylor, President, CAOT
• Patricia Clark, National Executive Director, Active Living Coalition for Older Adults

OPPORTUNITY: The senior driving their car will arrive and pose for photographs with Dr. Nicol Korner- Bitensky. Additional interview opportunities will be available with the following people:

• Dr. Nicol Korner-Bitensky, Ph.D., OT(C), erg., Principal Investigator for the Blueprint, ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ
• Dr. Claudia von Zweck, Ph.D., OT Reg. (Ont.), OT(C) Executive Director, CAOT
• Occupational Therapist, Susan Sofer O.T. (C) CDRS
• Occupational Therapist, Dana Benoit, MSc. (rehab), erg, OT(C)
• Senior Driver, Barbara Ann Pennie, driver for over 65 years, bilingual

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