Driving Mobility, a nationwide network of independent organisations that offers professional advice and assessments for people who need to gain or retain independence through mobility, has appointed CRM specialists Silverbear to deliver its digital transformation programme.

The partnership will see Driving Mobility, which is supported by the Department for Transport and helps those returning to driving following accident or illness and those with a physical disability, incorporate Silverbear’s application management platform across 15 individual Driving Mobility locations throughout England and Wales.

Driving Mobility conducts around 15,000 clinically led driving assessments each year, a significant proportion of which are referrals from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). These are currently coordinated and booked via the postal system due to data security implications – a process that incurs significant postage and stationery costs.

Silverbear’s ability to transfer this entire process to a digital environment will not only expedite the assessment booking procedure, but also eliminate high assessment-related administration costs for both Driving Mobility and the DVLA.

Furthermore, Silverbear’s inclusion on the G-Cloud framework, part of the government’s Digital Marketplace strategy, means that Driving Mobility and the DVLA can manage bookings in a safe and secure CRM platform that has been approved by central government.

Edward Trewhella, Chief Executive at Driving Mobility, comments: “Integrating Silverbear is one of the steps that we are taking to ensure consistency and standardisation across the entire organisation. The project, which has full support from the Department of Transport, will help us vastly improve our interactions with customers, streamline our internal procedures and help take the organisation into a digital world. We’re delighted to be working with Silverbear and now look forward to taking the first steps on our digital transformation journey.”

Motability, a UK charity that enables disabled people, their families and their carers to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair using their disability benefit, also accounts for a significant number of Driving Mobility’s 15,000 assessments, all of which are booked and managed using laborious manual methods. Silverbear Membership is expected to help reduce their administration costs and streamline the booking process for Motability users.

Carl Grieves, Chief Executive at Silverbear, adds: “Organisations such as Driving Mobility, many of which are using legacy CRM systems that are out-dated if not unfit for purpose, are realising the value that modern CRM platforms such as those offered by Silverbear can add to day-to-day operations. Equally, the importance of going digital in an increasingly digital world and creating resilient organisations using robust software solutions is now well understood, and CRM has become the backbone of this process.”

Driving Mobility now plans to integrate Silverbear within individual driving assessments. Currently, each assessment, which takes approximately two hours, is conducted by two people; one who sits in the front alongside the driver being assessed and one who sits in the back of the vehicle taking notes using a pen and paper, which are then typed up after the assessment has finished.

Using Silverbear, Driving Mobility will be able to avoid duplication of effort by adding case notes directly into the CRM platform via an electronic device, in real time, straight from the vehicle.

Phase one of the project begins in June and the new platform is expected to go live in December.

For more information on Driving Mobility visit restore.drivingmobility.org.uk. For more information on Silverbear visit www.silverbear.com.

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!”

Wessex DriveAbility, part of the Driving Mobility network of driving assessment centres, has launched a new fitness to drive scheme for drivers referred to the charity by Dorset Police.

Driving Mobility accredits 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. Wessex DriveAbility is part of this network with a main assessment centre in Southampton and further locations in Basingstoke, Salisbury, Ferndown and the Isle of Wright. Its team of Approved Driving Instructors, Occupational Therapists and Administrators provide comprehensive driving assessments for individuals who refer themselves to the service or are put forward by the DVLA or Motability. Wessex Driveability has also managed referrals from Hampshire Constabulary since 2013 which has now been extended to Dorset Police. This agreement, part of the ‘Older Drivers’ Forum’, provides a possible alternative for drivers who are to be prosecuted or fined following a road traffic accident or incident. Other areas which currently operate this scheme are South Wales, Cornwall, East Anglia and Newcastle.

If a driver aged 70 or over has been identified by the Police for driving ‘without due care and attention’ or ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place’, they can be referred to Wessex DriveAbility for a fitness-to-drive assessment. This is not a legal requirement for each driver however it provides an opportunity to avoid further legal action or attendance on courses such as speed awareness sessions. Following the driving assessment, Wessex DriveAbility submits a report to Dorset Police which concludes whether the driver is safe to drive, requires training or must cease indefinitely. If it is recommended that the driver should cease driving, the findings are compiled with the Police’s initial incident report and sent to the DVLA who then make a final decision.

Rachel Odell, Wessex DriveAbility Centre Manager, comments: “We were the first Driving Mobility Centre to pioneer this programme with Hampshire Police and are delighted that the Dorset Force are now on-board. This provides a vital choice for older drivers who wish to replace potential prosecution, points or a fine, with a positive alternative. Here at Wessex, we focus on providing safe driving independence for people of all ages and abilities. Our comprehensive assessment services, led by healthcare and driving specialists, are ideally suited to support the Police – helping to deliver a better approach to driving and awareness of personal capabilities. Ultimately this service assists with safety for all road users and we look forward to working with other Constabularies in the future.”

#MyDrivingMobility

Overcoming her health challenges, Diana Whittaker from Sale, has regained invaluable driving independence through the support of the new RDAC Driving Assessment centre in Salford, Manchester.

The charity, Driving Mobility, accredits a UK network of 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. The new, custom-built RDAC centre in Salford serves people from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire with assessments and practical advice for older and disabled drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and mobility scooter or wheelchair users.

Diana lives with a variety of health issues including Cerebral Palsy, which in particular affects her limbs, and Osteoporosis. She has pins in her lower spine, a hip replacement and has experienced cancer twice. Due to health changes and deteriorating mobility, Diana found that she could no longer drive her Motability car with ease or in comfort, which subsequently led to a decrease in driving ability and confidence.

Diana comments: “I can walk short distances but as the strength in my lower limbs and knees has decreased, I find I am now more wheelchair reliant. Unfortunately, over the years, I gradually stopped driving as my vehicle adaptations did not suit my altered health requirements and were not providing suitable assistance. My husband and daughter have been very supportive in driving me around. However, I recently decided that if I could update my vehicle adaptations and return to driving, then it would take some of the pressure away them.”

After researching with her daughter, Diana discovered the organisation Driving Mobility and applied for a referral via Motability. In due course, a driving assessment was arranged, in May 2018, at the newly opened RDAC centre in Salford.

Diana comments: “I was very organised and prepared everything in advance that I could think of. I contacted the DVLA to inform them of changes to my health and upgraded my licence to the photo version. I also made sure when I went for my assessment that I took my driving glasses, pip award and lists of medication. On the day I was very nervous as I hadn’t driven for nearly ten years. However, being welcomed by Sean Barratt, RDAC’s Assessment Team Manager, as well as John Allen, Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and Rebecca King, Occupational Therapist soon set me at ease. The interest they showed in my needs and abilities really reassured me. I received a medical assessment and we discussed my general mobility. They really wanted to understand my true range of movement and strength so that they could help me in the most effective way.”

The Centre staff accompanied Diana for a short driving assessment and then recommended she try a variety of vehicle controls and adaptations that might make driving easier, including an over-ring accelerator and push-brake through to various cushions to enhance seating comfort.

Diana comments: “John and Becky didn’t just assess my driving – they assessed how parts of my body moved, such as my shoulders and arms. They seemed to know exactly what I needed and constantly checked how I was feeling. It was very much a slow and steady pace whilst I familiarized myself with the controls and driving but overall, I felt really safe. I was thrilled to be able to trial so many adaptations, particularly the over-ring accelerator as I had previously been unsuccessful in finding anywhere to try one.”

Diana received two assessments at RDAC followed by six lessons paid for by Motability. She was provided with feedback and reports from Driving Mobility which she used to keep the DVLA and Motability up to date with her progress. The reports also recommended the adaptations and controls that Diana would require on an automatic vehicle to enable her to return to driving effectively.

Diana concludes: “I am delighted to report that I am now back behind the wheel! I am continuing with a few more lessons to build up my road confidence but I am very much enjoying driving my new Nissan QashQai which has been adapted by Motability. I use a Guido Simplex over-ring, an electric handbrake as well as a push brake and four-way hoist – all recommended by the RDAC team.  I really want to emphasise how friendly and encouraging they have been. I haven’t felt any pressure or panic throughout. So few mobility organisations offer these services – you might be able to find someone to demonstrate a push-pull knob but trialling an over-ring is another thing. I can’t thank RDAC enough for the opportunities, feedback and advice I have been given. They have some of the best people I have met – a true dream team!”.

The second in a series of regional Get Going Live! events, focusing on accessible motoring and independent mobility, has successfully taken place at the William Merritt Centre’s annual AccessAbility exhibition in Leeds.

18th October. Centenary Pavilion, Leeds United Football Club. LS11 0ES.

The William Merritt Centre, based in Leeds and Sheffield, is one of twenty independent organisations, many with satellite centres, which offer professional information, advice and driving assessments for people seeking assistance with mobility. Supported and accredited by Driving Mobility, all centres are staffed by Occupational Therapists as well as Approved Driving Instructors so that safety and driving solutions for individuals with injuries, disabilities or restricted mobility are maximised. As well as conducting assessments on behalf of the DVLA, Motability and healthcare professionals, Driving Mobility accepts self-referrals.

Previously a feature of the national Mobility Roadshow which closed in 2017, Get Going Live! relaunched for the first time in early October 2018, at the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF), a Driving Mobility centre in Carshalton.

This latest event, hosted by the William Merritt Centre, proved popular all day with both young and older individuals, with existing or progressive conditions, benefitting from free test drives and independent, professional advice. Teenagers, from the age of 14, were provided with unique opportunities to trial adapted vehicles for the first time, in safe surroundings, enabling vital preparations for future driving with a long-term condition or disability. Vehicle manufacturers showcased their latest products as part of the Get Going Live! feature and also within the AccessAbility exhibition itself, allowing event visitors to discover suitable options for assisted and independent motoring.

David Blythe, William Merritt Centre Manager, comments: “We are delighted that our annual AccessAbility exhibition, incorporating Get Going Live! has been so well attended by both visitors and exhibitors. The Get Going Live! feature offered our visitors fantastic opportunities to try adapted and accessible vehicles, accompanied by a specialist driving instructor. This unique experience allows end-users of all ages to make informative decisions regarding safer driving as well as vehicle purchasing and adaptations.”

The wider AccessAbility exhibition successfully showcased new and innovative assistive technology and equipment from leading specialist suppliers. A number of charities were in attendance providing one-to-one advice and information for disabled children and adults or those with additional needs. The exhibition also offered a special gaming area showcasing adaptations which enable access to computers, mobile phones, tablets, toys and computer games whilst providing an area to chill out and have fun.

David Blythe concludes: “The Centenary Pavilion at Leeds United Football Ground has provided an amazing setting for a showcase of assistive products and services that enable people to live with greater independence. We wish to thank everyone involved in organising this rewarding event and look forward to a positive future for both the AccessAbility exhibition and Get Going Live! events.”

The Carshalton based Driving Assessment Centre, managed by the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People, will be hosting a relaunched Get Going Live! event so that young and recently disabled people can experience assistive driving.

Friday 5^th October. 9:30am – 4pm. Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF),1 Metcalfe Avenue, Carshalton. SM5 4NR. Free admission and accessible parking.

QEF Mobility Services is one of sixteen independent organisations, many with satellite centres, which offer professional information, advice and driving assessments for people seeking assistance with mobility. Overseen by the charity Driving Mobility, all centres are staffed by Occupational Therapists as well as Approved Driving Instructors so that safety for drivers with injuries, disabilities or restricted mobility is maximised. As well as conducting assessments on behalf of the DVLA, Motability and healthcare professionals, Driving Mobility accepts self-referrals.

Get Going Live! – Try Adapted Driving And Explore Options For Accessible Motoring

QEF Mobility Services is delighted to be hosting the first in a series of free-to-attend Get Going Live! which will be officially opened by Mayor, Councillor Steve Cook and Mayoress Pauline Cook of the London Borough of Sutton.

The Get Going Live! events which focus on younger people with disabilities, novice drivers and individuals that have become recently disabled. Get Going Live! was originally a popular feature of the national Mobility Roadshow which was held annually from 1983 up until 2017. Attendees to this relaunched exhibition will be able to safely test drive a range of accessible and adapted vehicles around a dedicated test track with qualified specialist instructors. The event will provide the opportunity for visitors and their families, including teenagers from the age of 15, to try adapted driving for the first time and explore options for accessible motoring.

What’s On at Get Going Live!

Features of the event will include:

• Free test drives and driving assessments (pre-booking required) please call 0208 770 1151 to book
• Displays from a range of assistive product specialists who supply WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles), mobility scooters, wheelchairs and more
• The latest range of adapted driving controls and assistive technology
• Informative presentations regarding accessible motoring
• Refreshments and ample level parking
• Accessible aviation travel training

Marion D’Moirah from QEF comments: “We are delighted to be hosting the relaunched Get Going Live! event. Based on its popular heritage, we believe it will be well attended and deliver a unique experience to young and recently disabled individuals seeking driving independence. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be on hand to offer the latest guidance regarding assisted driving and to provide instruction around our test drive track. We will have around 30 vehicles available for test drives and overall the atmosphere of the day promises to be fun and fully rewarding.”

Exhibitors at Get Going Live!

Click an exhibitor’s name to see more information…

Get Going Live! Talk schedule: In the Board Room

East Anglian DriveAbility and Hertfordshire Action on Disability Mobility Care are delighted to be attending Motability’s One Big Day at the East of England Arena in Peterborough on Saturday 8th September 2018, 9am – 4pm.

This is a fantastic opportunity to discover to talk to the friendly Driving Mobility centres and find out what each of the driving assessment centres do and the different services they have to offer. The teams will be able to supply professional, high quality information, advice and assessment to people who need to gain or retain independence through mobility.

One Big Day at the East of England Arena provides the perfect opportunity to discover everything you need to know about worry-free motoring with Motability. There is a huge range of cars, adaptations, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs on display and what’s more, admission is free!

A fun, fact-finding day out for all the family!

This year The Big Event is taking place at an exciting new venue, the NEC, Birmingham and Driving Mobility is delighted to be part of the new speaker sessions.

The Big Event – NEC, Birmingham – Friday 6 and Saturday 7 July 2018 – 9am to 4pm

Come along to this flagship event to see the UK’s largest display of vehicles for disabled people and discover everything you need to know about worry-free motoring and accessible driving with the Motability Scheme. It’s free to attend, with free parking and everyone’s welcome!

For the first time ever, The Big Event welcomes a range of expert speakers to its event line-up. Between 10am and 3.30pm, guests will be able to attend several talks to find out more about the Motability Scheme. The talks will include top tips for visiting a dealer, more information on Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and adaptations, and guest speakers from Driving Mobility, DMUK and Transport Focus. Each session will last approximately 20 minutes and the speaker will be available after the talk to ask any questions you may have on a one to one basis.

You can hear from the Driving Mobility experts at midday on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 July.

Driving Mobility is the national network of independent centres which deliver fitness to drive assessments with support from HM Government. They address all aspects of driving as well as passengers, transfer and specialist seating including for children. The network aims to bring the service to within a 30 mile or 1 hour journey of most of the UK population.

Description of the Driving Mobility talk – Hear about the support available.

For the full list of talks or for more information please visit: https://www.motability.co.uk/news-views-and-events/one-big-day/the-big-event/speakers/