Michael D. Justiss, PhD, OTR

Dr. Michael D. Justiss is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Michael began his aging research with the University of Florida's Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology for Successful Aging (RERC-Tech-Aging). During his first two years, he conducted research with smart technology applications to enhance elder independence. He was the RERC-Tech-Aging project leader for a collaborative project with Honeywell's Independent LifeStyle Assistant (ILSA) used to remotely monitor elder activity in a home environment. He has also done research with the Veteran Administration's Low ADL Monitoring Project (LAMP), which uses smart technology to enhance care-coordinator activity. He was a research assistant and post-doctoral fellow with the National Older Driver Research and Training Center at the University of Florida. He has served as a University of Florida representative on the Florida At-Risk Drivers Council and served as an Expert Panel member for the International Older Driver Consensus Conference. His doctoral research focused on the development of a behind-the-wheel driving assessment for older adults.

Education

Dr. Justiss received his PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Florida with a Certificate in Gerontology from the school's Center for Gerontological Studies. He received his Master of Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Neuroscience and Medical Technology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Scholarly Work

Dr. Justiss has presented his aging research in both national and international conference settings and has several peer reviewed publications. His current aging research focuses on driver assessment, rehabilitation/remediation, and counseling for driving alternatives and community mobility options.

Publications

Justiss, M.D., Mann, W.C., Stav, W.B. and Velozo, C. (2006). Development of a behind-the-wheel driving performance assessment for older adults. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 22(2): 121-128.

Stav, W.B., Justiss, M.D., Belchior, P. and Lanford, D.N. (2006). Clinical practice in driving rehabilitation. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 22(2): 153-161.

Mann, W.C., Gestewitz, L., Johnson, J., Justiss, M.D. and Tomita, M. (In Press) Changes in Impairment and Functional Status and Use of Assistive Devices by Older Persons with Depression over Three Years. The Journal of Applied Gerontology.

Stephens, B., McCarthy, D.P., Marsiske, M., Classen, S., Shechtman, O., Justiss, M.D. and Mann, W.C. (2005). International older driver consensus conference on assessment, remediation and counseling for transportation alternatives: Summary and recommendations. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 23(2/3), 103-121.

Classen, S., Shechtman, O., Stephens, B., Davis, E., Bendixen, R., Belchior, P., Sandhu, M., Justiss, M.D., Posse, C., McCarthy, D., and Mann, W.C. (2005). The impact of roadway intersection design on driving performance of young and senior adults: Preliminary results. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 22(1): 18-26.

Mann, W.C., Locher, S., Justiss, M.D., Wu, S. and Tomita, M. (2005) A Comparison of Fallers and Non-fallers in the Frail Elderly. Technology and Disability, 17 (1): 25-32.

Mann, W.C., Kimble, C., Justiss, M.D., Casson, E., Tomita, M. and Wu, S. (2005) Problems with Dressing in the Frail Elderly. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59 (4): 398-408.

Shechtman, O., Mann, W.C., Justiss, M.D., and Tomita, M. (2004) Grip Strength in the Frail Elderly. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 83 (11): 819-826.

Mann, W.C., Llanes, C., Justiss, M.D., and Tomita, M. (2004) Frail Elder Adults' Self-Report of their Most Important Assistive Device. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research: Occupation, Participation and Health, 24 (1): 4-12.

Mann W.C., Helal, S., Davenport, R., Justiss, M.D., Tomita, M. and Kemp, J. (2004) Use of Cell Phones by Elders with Impairments: Overall Appraisal, Satisfaction and Suggestions. Technology and Disability, (16) 49-57.

Mann, W.C., Goodall, S., Justiss, M.D., and Tomita, M. (2002) Dissatisfaction and Nonuse of Assistive Devices Among Frail Elders. Assistive Technology, 14 (2): 130-139.

Book Chapter

Justiss, M.D. (2005). Transportation and community mobility. In W.C. Mann (Ed.), Smart Technology For Aging, Disability, and Independence (pp. 285-305). New York: Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Student Committees

Primary Faculty	2^nd/3^rd Committee Member	Students names	Title of Research Project	Projected graduation date	Published/presented
Dr. Michael Justiss	Dr. Jeffrey Crabtree	Nikki Shay Jenna Killman Leticia Moore Erica Martinez	Clinical Predictors of Driving Performance Among Older Adults	May ‘07	April 2007 Ruth Lilly Auditorium, Riley Hospital
Dr. Michael Justiss	Dr. Jeffrey Crabtree	Mary Hofmeister Amanda Petker Catherine Jones Ryan Peacock	The Effects of Item Reduction Techniques on the Reliability and Validity of a Standardized Behind-the-Wheel Driving Assessment for Older Adults	May ‘08	April 25, 2008 Ruth Lilly Auditorium, Riley Hospital
Dr. Michael Justiss	Dr. Jeffrey Crabtree	Kristi Pinnick Emily Rodda Kate Skewes Pam Spohr	The Comparison of Self-Perception of Driving Ability to Driving Performance in Older Individuals	May ‘08	April 25, 2008 Ruth Lilly Auditorium, Riley Hospital
Dr. Michael Justiss	Dr. Jeffrey Crabtree	Amber Campbell Abbie Dwenger Keith Kreps Jessica Surface	The Relationship Between Reaction Time and Driving Performance in Older Adults	May ‘09
Dr. Michael Justiss	Dr. Arlene Schmid	Rachel Hertel Joan Siders Jason Smyser Tara Troeger	Examining the Relationships Between Balance Self-Efficacy, Adaptive Equipment Use and Community Mobility Among Stroke Survivors	May ‘09

April 25, 2008, Research Presentation Day

From Left to Right: Ryan Peacock, Amanda Petker, Catherine Jones, Mary Hofmeister

From Left to Right:Justiss: Kate Skewes, Kristie Pinnick, Emily Rodda, Pam Spohr