Driving Mobility, the charity that accredits a nationwide network of driving assessment centres, has successfully exhibited at the latest Royal College of Occupational Therapists Conference (RCOT).

The team representing Driving Mobility which included Occupational Therapists (OTs), Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and centre managers welcomed healthy numbers of OTs onto their stand at the conference.

Information was available to all delegates regarding Driving Mobility services which provides professional driving assessments and advice for individuals with restricted mobility. This support can signpost clients to suitable adapted controls, wheelchair accessible vehicles, training and further services. Centres operate as either independent charities or as part of an NHS Trust so that service users can gain, or retain, the ability to drive following a diagnosis involving impairment or disability. Individuals can self-refer or are signposted by the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals such as OTs and GPs.

In addition to discovering information and seeing specialist steering controls, delegates were able to experience a vehicle simulator on the stand which proved to be very popular. This interactive feature replicated equipment at many centres which is used to measure driver capabilities in a clinically-led format. By sitting in the driving seat OTs were able to more clearly consider the many aspects to consider when assessing a client’s ability to drive safely.

Edward Trewhella, Chief Executive, Driving Mobility comments: “We were delighted that RCOT provided a successful showcase for Driving Mobility services and many delegates benefited from our exhibition display. As many regard us as the national voice for adapted motoring, being able to engage with so many OTs face-to-face is an invaluable opportunity to explain our client-centred ethos. As the national umbrella charity for all the centres, we believe in delivering independence for all and our strong relationship with healthcare professionals is key to achieving this promise.”

 

#MyDrivingMobility

Teams from Derby DrivAbility and Birmingham’s Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) will be representing Driving Mobility at Motability’s ‘The Big Event’ on Friday 28 June and Saturday 29 June 2019. The teams will be on hand to explain to visitors how Driving Mobility centres operate and the varied services they provide.

In addition to the main stand, RDAC’s Stephen Dent, Assessment Manager, (Friday) and Barbara Hutton, Occupational Therapist, (Saturday) will be delivering talks on ‘advice and support available at driving assessment centres’ at 1pm on both days in the main Speaker Area.

The Big Event brings together everything available on the Motability Scheme to make joining the Scheme as easy as possible. It’s free to attend and a great day out for the whole family. There will be:

• Nearly 200 cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), adaptations, scooters and powered wheelchairs on display
• The opportunity to test drive adapted and non-adapted cars, including passenger WAV test drive experiences
• Expert speakers giving talks on all aspects of the Scheme
• Motability Scheme advisors available to chat to
• Free parking, free tea, coffee or soft drink
• A children’s play area including a bouncy castle and more…

The event will showcase:

• Over 100 cars from 27 different manufacturers
• Over 45 adapted cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV)
• Over 50 scooters and powered wheelchairs
• Specialist advice from our Scheme partners

You can download your free event guide here: https://www.motability.co.uk/tbe_guide_2019.pdf

As one of the UK-wide Driving Mobility assessment centres, Salford’s RDAC has given powerchair user Paula Taylor from Bolton the route to complete driving independence through its specialist assessment and advice service.

Charity Driving Mobility, supported by the Department for Transport, accredits twenty independent organisations which offer professional driving assessments to people who need to gain, or retain, the ability to drive following a diagnosis involving impairment or disability. Service users can self-refer or are signposted by the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals such as GPs. The new, custom-built RDAC centre in Salford advises Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, mobility scooter and wheelchair users on independence mobility.

Paula, aged 46, has driven the same adapted vehicle since a car accident in 2001 which caused a progressive decline in health and mobility. Following injections in 2003 to treat Fibromyalgia, she became paralysed from the neck down and spent a year recuperating in hospital. Paula was subsequently diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), a debilitating complex pain condition in her limbs.  Now a full-time wheelchair user, Paula’s needs have recently changed and she finds unaided transfers into her car particularly difficult. Having first visited a Driving Mobility centre fifteen years ago, she decided to arrange another assessment at RDAC Salford in preparation for a new vehicle purchase. Paula wanted to ascertain that she was still using the most suitable adaptations and which controls would fit her new vehicle.

Paula comments: “Following my time in hospital, I became very depressed as I needed help with everything. I knew something had to change and my first Driving Mobility assessment in 2004 was incredibly helpful. In fact, I have used the recommended adjustable floor-mounted hand control ever since. I now have a more limited range of movement and a PA visits during the week to assist me – but I’m determined not to lose my driving independence, especially with five children and seven grandchildren. As I wanted to thoroughly research all my options, I contacted RDAC who have been really helpful.”

Following an update regarding Paula’s medical history and a cognitive assessment, Sean Barratt, RDAC Centre Manager, suggested Paula trial various new hand controls to operate the brakes and accelerator, as well as steering wheel rim controllers. However, as Paula found them unmanageable over extended periods of driving time, Sean subsequently recommended she updated her current controls to a Carospeed Menox. This can be installed in most vehicles and is highly adjustable to suit individual requirements. Sean also recommended a steering wheel ball and pedal adaptations to enable Paula to be more comfortable in the car.

Paula concludes: “To be able to talk to a specialist about individual needs and receive impartial advice is so reassuring. I discovered exactly what I needed, and I was delighted that all the adaptation recommendations were suitable for any vehicle. I’m grateful to the Centre staff for also spending time trying to establish which new vehicle would be best for me. They considered transfer requirements and which car could cater for my hoist and powerchair. Following my assessment, I have ordered a new accessible vehicle which fits me like a glove and is so easy to transfer into. The hands-on information that people can receive from Driving Mobility centres is unparalleled. I certainly know where to go next time I need advice!”

Part of the Driving Mobility national network of driving assessment centres, East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD) has given Michael Burton from Chelmsford the all clear to continue driving with early stage dementia.

Driving Mobility oversees twenty independent organisations which offer professional support and driving assessments to people who need to gain, or retain, the ability to drive following a diagnosis involving impairment or disability. EAD is part of this network with centres in Thetford and Colchester. In addition to driving assessments, its Occupational Therapists and Driving Advisors provide several additional services including guidance regarding specialist paediatric car seats and mobility scooters.

Following his diagnosis Michael was referred by the DVLA to East Anglian DriveAbility for a comprehensive fitness-to-drive assessment. Michael’s wife, Sharon, comments: “Being diagnosed with dementia doesn’t mean that Michael has to stop driving immediately, however the DVLA do require confirmation that my husband is safe to continue. We didn’t have to wait long for an assessment date at the Colchester centre.”

Michael attended EAD in November 2018 where he was professionally assessed by an Occupational Therapist and an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). They explained the process and collected detailed information regarding his medical background and driving experience. Michael then undertook a series of cognitive and perceptual tests which assessed how his brain interprets what he sees around him and the way this information is used for planning. Sharon expands: “We were very impressed with the thoroughness of the assessment and the supportive attitude of the EAD team. Michael was shown road signs to identify and asked the speed limits for various types of roads. His eyesight was checked to see if he could read number plates at the legally required distance and his peripheral vision was tested. We were pleased that he passed the required target levels within this part of the assessment.”

For the second part Michael was accompanied by an ADI and Occupational Therapist during a road test in a dual-controlled vehicle. Michael’s steering, braking and reactions were monitored as well as his speed and decision-making. On return to the centre the specialist staff presented their finding to Michael and Sharon. Sharon explains: “Everything was absolutely fine, which was a relief to both of us. The staff were very informative. They explained that Michael’s awareness and anticipation were at a good level, as were his road positioning and understanding of width and distance.”

Following Michael’s assessment, EAD have provided the DVLA with a detailed written report and requested that Michael attends regular follow-up assessments. Whilst the Burtons understand a time will come when Michael will need to stop driving, they feel reassured that EAD will be monitoring the situation closely and offering professional support.

Sharon concludes: “EAD have really been very helpful and friendly – we couldn’t fault the assessment process. The staff were meticulous with their questions whilst making Michael feel at ease from the beginning. It was obvious that they understood our needs and situation. I have already recommended EAD’s services to new friends we have made at a local Alzheimer’s group. Michael is still in the early stages of dementia but moving forwards, we are happy that EAD will continue to assess his cognitive and driving abilities. It lessens the worry for both of us by knowing we are in good hands.”

 

#MyDrivingMobility