Sometimes drivers or passengers (adults or children) may have difficulty getting into or out of the vehicle, or it may be the safety of a passenger, who has challenging behaviour, that is of concern. Access assessments address all these needs whatever the difficulty.
Assessments are tailored to an individual’s needs by an assessor with a clinical background such as an Occupational Therapist and may cover the following areas:
- Physical ability, medical condition and prognosis
- What specifically is difficult in terms of getting in/out of the vehicle?
- What are the safety concerns?
- Seating and posture when in the vehicle as a driver or passenger
- Current vehicle or alternative vehicle
- Wheelchair and Scooter stowage if required
- Carers health and ability
- Lifestyle requirements
Potential solutions covering techniques and or adaptations with the opportunity to try these out where appropriate is available at most centres.
QEF Tryb4uFly
Some centres offer QEF Tryb4uFly which is a specialist service for those who wish to know what help and support is available for disabled children and adults when flying. It offers information and practical experience of what accessing the airport and a plane may be like and includes such things as boarding the aircraft, the wheelchair transfer options, specialist seating and support systems available on the aircraft. See Tryb4uFly – supporting disabled people to travel by air – QEF for more information on QEF Tryb4uFly.
Specialist child/young person car seating
For most babies and small children, standard child car seats provide enough postural support in a vehicle. Some children/young adults may need more specialist seating and or a harness. Knowing what is available and right for the child/young adult can be confusing as there are legal requirements around height and weight that must be adhered to, therefore certain Driving Mobility centres offer specialist car seat assessment services for children and young people.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs)
Travelling in a WAV may be something you wish to consider for yourself or as a passenger. Advice and support on choosing a WAV is part of the expert knowledge we have, helping you decide if it is the right route to go down. The advantages and disadvantages of the different types of WAV’s available and what features you need to consider before you purchase or lease a WAV will be explored with you.
For information on electric wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) see Electric Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) – Driving Mobility
Please contact your nearest Mobility Centre for information on how to arrange a passenger assessment and assessment costs.