Kennedy Krieger Institute Installed Driving Simulator
The Baltimore facility acquired new technology to assist patients in regaining independent driving skills.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Stroke
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In July 2026, the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore introduced a new driving simulator. This technology allows patients to safely practice maneuvers like emergency braking and turns.
Why it matters
The simulator provides a controlled environment for individuals with spinal cord injuries to rebuild necessary motor skills and confidence. This resource is designed to help patients regain the independence required to return to the road.
The institute expects the simulator to support approximately 100 patients each year. Training includes adaptive equipment like hand controls and various driving scenarios to simulate city and country environments.
The players
Kennedy Krieger Institute
This Baltimore-based institution specializes in providing medical care and research for children and adolescents with pediatric developmental disabilities and disorders.
Jean Hudson
She is a patient who has been utilizing the simulator for training to regain her driving independence following a 2017 transverse myelitis diagnosis.
Samuel and Margaret Gorn Foundation
This organization provided the grant funding necessary for the acquisition of the new driving simulator technology.
The details
Therapists at the Baltimore-based institute utilize the simulator to evaluate and coach patients through real-world scenarios in a secure setting. Supported by a grant from the Samuel and Margaret Gorn Foundation, the unit features adaptive controls tailored to individual mobility needs.
Timeline
Jean Hudson was diagnosed with transverse myelitis in 2017.
The Kennedy Krieger Institute received the simulator in July 2026.
Jean Hudson reached two months of simulator training in September 2026.
The Big Picture
The adoption of this simulator follows a pattern established by the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury for integrating high-tech adaptive equipment into physical rehabilitation. It demonstrates a shift toward using immersive simulation to bridge the gap between clinical recovery and daily life.
This simulator offers patients a secure way to practice driving tasks like emergency braking without the risks of real-world traffic. Patients can use the adaptive controls to test their readiness to drive again as part of their recovery program.
The takeaway
Rehabilitation technology continues to evolve by creating safer, simulated environments for practicing critical daily activities. Patients working through recovery can benefit from these tools to gradually restore their independence and confidence.
Further reading
Learn more about rehabilitation technology in the Baltimore Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMAR.
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