Driving Mobility, the charity that accredits a network of specialist driving assessment centres, is reopening its UK services with Covid-19 safety measures so drivers can once again receive expert guidance regarding assisted motoring.

Driving Mobility Centres provide professional, clinically-led driving and mobility assessments for individuals who have restricted mobility. Service users self-refer or are signposted to its 20 Centres from the DVLA, Motability, the Police and healthcare professionals such as GPs and Occupational Therapists. These Centres provide over 70 outreach facilities bringing the service close to where people live, and which are managed by independent charities or NHS departments – all focused on helping people with disabilities or life changing diagnosis to continue driving safely. Since the lockdown in March, Driving Mobility assessment appointments have been suspended following guidance from the Government. However, from the 6^th July, Centres will be reintroducing services with a phased approach so that clients and staff remain safe from coronavirus.

Edward Trewhella, CEO, Driving Mobility, comments: “Every centre is preparing to reopen for safe driving assessments. All our staff are keen to get going and have been busy organising new procedures in terms of Covid-19. Our Approved Driving Instructors and Occupational Therapists will be fully observing Government guidelines and NHS clinical principles, so clients experience a rewarding driving assessment that focuses on a positive outcome. We have a backlog of enquiries which will be resolved as quickly as possible and our teams are ready for new stakeholder referrals to begin once more.”

Members of the public, as clients, will need to be in a vehicle with Driving Mobility assessors, and this will involve several new procedures to reduce risk. These will include the use of PPE and hand sanitiser, thorough disinfecting of vehicles, open windows at all times and limited close personal contact. Use of assessment rooms and waiting areas will all be adjusted in accordance with advice from Public Health England.

Edward continues: “We believe our services are now more vital than ever before in terms of supporting peoples’ independence. With current advice to avoid public transport where necessary and to take extra precautions if you have underlying health conditions, the ability to drive a car independently with a disability has great significance for mental health and wellbeing. Our Centres also provide assessments and guidance on solutions for mobility that facilitate social distancing, such as powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. These comprehensive services which encompass all aspects of accessible travel, provide the key to many who have been unable to leave home in an appropriate and safe manner.

Edward concludes: “Driving Mobility is the national voice of assisted driving and independence – now is the time this will be even more pronounced.”

Motability has recently (23 April 2020) updated its website to include a useful list of FAQs regarding COVID-19.

The new website page states: “The Government announcements regarding COVID-19 are having a major impact on the Motability Scheme. Most dealership showrooms are now closed meaning they are unable to accept any orders, manage handovers, or car returns.

With the uncertainty that this is creating for many of us, we wanted to reassure you that we will support you where possible to help you remain mobile during this time. Our teams have now relocated to enable remote working, but like many organisations, we are working with fewer numbers of colleagues, so would ask for your support if we are unable to come back to you as soon as usual.”

The list of FAQs includes answers to commonly asked questions such as:

• My lease expires in the next three months, what will happen if I can’t place an application for a new car?
• I have placed an application, will the handover of my car go ahead?
• I was in the process of choosing my first car on the Scheme but had not yet placed an application, can I still go ahead?
• I do not want to place a renewal application, how do I hand my car back?
• What will happen with my Good Condition Bonus?

Plus many more…..

There is also a section for scooter and powered wheelchair customers

Please visit the link below to view the full list:

FAQs from the Motability Scheme regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

 

Motability, the Charity, released a statement on their website on 17 April 2020 announcing that with the continued uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus in the UK, and adhering to Government guidance they  are currently pausing all applications for individual charitable grants until further notice.

The statement from CEO of Motability, Barry Le Grys MBE reads: ”

We are currently pausing all applications for individual charitable grants until further notice. Arrangements are in place to keep any correspondence we receive secure until we are able to return to the office. We will contact you as soon as we can when we recommence grant-making. Read more about our charitable grants in the beneficiary FAQs here.

The suspension of individual grant-making by Motability, the Charity, does not in any way impact the running of the Motability Scheme which is run by an outsourced company, Motability Operations. If you are a Scheme customer, FAQs are available on the Scheme website here.

I am sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause but hope that you can understand and appreciate, the difficulties that we, along with many others across the UK, are facing in the coming weeks.”

You can find the release on the Motability website here: https://www.motability.org.uk/about/news/Motability-charity-pause-charitable-grants

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, Motability, has regretfully announced the cancellation of some of their  regional One Big Day events and the postponement of The Big Event.

In an online statement they said “The safety of all event visitors continues to be our number one priority and therefore we have taken the decision to cancel One Big Day Northern Ireland (6 June 2020) and One Big Day Exeter (25 July 2020). Additionally, The Big Event due to take place at the NEC on the 3 & 4 July 2020 is now postponed until further notice. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.

You can keep up to date with all Motability One Big Day Events here: https://www.motability.co.uk/news/one-big-day/

Driving Mobility, the charity that accredits specialist driving assessments centres across the UK, has successfully showcased its services to a healthy number of visitors at Kidz to Adultz North.

Organised by the charity Disabled Living, Kidz North is part of a series of regional events that brings together the latest assistive products and services for disabled children and young adults. The latest exhibition at EventCity Manchester generated strong attendance figures from therapists, carers and families keen to discover new solutions for easier living. The Driving Mobility exhibition stand provided an opportunity for visitors to understand its services and experience a driving simulator that highlighted the many aspects of driving assessment.

The 20 independent centres within Driving Mobility, many with outreach facilities, provide professional support and driving assessments for young disabled people who wish to learn or retain the ability to drive. Individuals aged 16+ with a qualifying disability can self-refer or seek recommendation to Driving Mobility services via the DVLA, Motability and healthcare professionals. Once a provisional licence application is complete Occupational Therapists and ADI’s (Approved Driving Instructors) from Driving Mobility can assess, review and signpost young drivers to the most appropriate adapted vehicle. These services were explained at Kidz North by representatives from two Driving Mobility centres – namely the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre based in Leeds and RDAC Salford.

David Blythe, representing Driving Mobility commented: “We were delighted to have debuted at Kidz North as our services were introduced to a healthy number of professionals and parents. Our driving simulator was a popular feature as it offered both education and entertainment for adult and junior visitors seeking informed guidance on assisted driving.  OTs were able to understand how our assessment services maximise occupational performance for their clients and why choosing Driving Mobility enhances positive outcomes for all.”

 

Teams from Derby DrivAbility and Birmingham’s Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) represented Driving Mobility at Motability’s ‘The Big Event’ on Friday 28 June and Saturday 29 June 2019.

‘The Big Event’ is Motability’s flagship event and the teams had a busy two days on the Driving Mobility stand.

 

Henna Zaman, Derby DrivAbility and Steve Dent, RDAC were ready and waiting to say hello to visitors on day one. They answered any questions visitors had about assessment centre services, driving assessments, modifications, adaptations, driving safety and vehicle loading. They also demonstrated the Ford C Max to visitors.

In addition to the stand activity Steve Dent, Assessment Manager, and Barbara Hutton, Occupational Therapist delivered talks on ‘advice and support available at driving assessment centres’ in the busy main Speaker Area.

The One Big Day programme of events will now take place in four locations across the country, offering disabled motorists and their families the chance to discover worry-free motoring.  The regional One Big Days are free to attend and offer visitors the chance to see a large display of vehicles for disabled people.

The event will showcase:

• Over 50 cars from 25 different manufacturers
• Over 20 adapted cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV)
• Over 35 scooters and powered wheelchairs
• Specialist advice from our Scheme partners

At One Big Day Exeter specialist advice will be available from:

• Motability Scheme advisors
• Adaptation and WAV specialists
• Disabled Motoring UK
• Driving Mobility
• Kwikfit, RAC and RSA Motability

The One Big Day event dates and venues are:

• One Big Day at Westpoint, Exeter, Saturday 27 July 2019
• One Big Day at Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate, Saturday 10 August 2019
• One Big Day at East of England Arena, Peterborough, Saturday 7 September 2019
• One Big Day at Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Saturday 21 September 2019

Please check the Motability website for more information: https://www.motability.co.uk/news-views-and-events/one-big-day/

 

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

Charity Driving Mobility has successfully held its Annual Conference at The University of Chester for Professionals and Practitioners to share developments and ideas regarding accessible driving and independent mobility.

Driving Mobility accredits a nationwide network of driving assessment centres that include independent charities and NHS centres – all offering professional guidance for disabled and elderly people seeking independent travel.  Service users can self-refer or are signposted via the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals to assess ability and advise on appropriate approaches to safe driving.

The conference was attended by centre staff and managers along with board members and guest speakers representing Stakeholders and associated organisations. The agenda involved a comprehensive Driving Mobility update along with engaging presentations and panel discussions regarding accessible driving and transport as a whole.

Colin Barnett, Driving Mobility Chair, hosted the day which began with Driving Mobility Chief Executive, Edward Trewhella. His engaging AGM session was followed by a series of talks, panel discussions and interactive presentations from key stakeholders and associates including:

• Rene Claesen, President of CIECA (International Commission for Driver Testing)
• Alison Franks, Department for Transport
• John Sheridan, DVSA
• Bernie Cowper, Motability
• Sergeant Rob Heard, Older Drivers’ Forum
• John Rogers, CEO, Disability Driving Instructors

The afternoon session comprised two educational streams running simultaneously which featured the following speakers:  Hana Stewart, Christine Parr, Kirsteen Longstaff, Amanda Beck, Rachel Odell, Andrew Swain, Ros Gay, Anu Varshney, Anne O’Shea, Jon Nock, Gary Jones and Paul Gambrell.

Edward Trewhella CEO comments: “Thank you to all stakeholders, associates, supporters and Driving Mobility members for their enthusiastic contributions, especially as floods, distance and unseasonal weather challenged attendance for many. The charity fully appreciates everyone’s ongoing commitment to Driving Mobility. Together we are the national voice of accessible driving and independent mobility – this conference always reaffirms our mantra.”

One Big Day Harrogate 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:

• Over 100 cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), adaptations, scooters and powered wheelchairs on display
• The opportunity to test drive adapted and non-adapted cars
• 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…

At One Big Day Harrogate specialist advice will be available from:

• Motability Scheme advisors
• Adaptation and WAV specialists
• Disabled Motoring UK
• Driving Mobility
• Kwikfit, RAC and RSA Motability

A full list of the exhibitors attending One Big Day at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate will be available closer to the event date.

https://www.motability.co.uk/news-views-and-events/one-big-day/harrogate/display/