It is with great sadness that we have to report that Wessex DriveAbility, with its main centre in Southampton and outreach centres at Salisbury, Basingstoke and Ferndown, will cease operations on 31^st March 2023. This closure is primarily due to the prevailing economic conditions. Driving Mobility will be redirecting their service users and referrals to surrounding centres at Weymouth, Yeovil, Leatherhead and Worthing while new centres are set up in the south central region to support our client base more locally.

 

#MyDrivingMobility

Driving Mobility to help young disabled drivers get independent at Kidz Middle

Driving Mobility, the national charity that provides specialist driving and mobility assessment centres, will be exhibiting at Kidz to Adultz Middle to help young disabled people get mobile.

Kidz to Adultz Middle, Thursday 16^th March 2023, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry. CV6 6AQ. Free entry and parking. Driving Mobility stand – CZ9.

The national charity Driving Mobility coordinates a network of 20+ centres, many with outreach facilities, which provide ‘fitness to drive’ and mobility equipment assessments. Supported by The Department for Transport, Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) and Occupational Therapists (OT) guide and support young individuals who self-refer or are signposted from the DVLA, Motability, Police and NHS. Every member is committed to enabling people, of all ages, so they can remain independent whether driving an adapted vehicle, using assistive equipment or travelling by accessible transport. 

Young disabled drivers are permitted to gain their provisional licence a year early, at 16, if they receive the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP. Driving Mobility centres help these drivers through a range of services including:

• Driving assessments to ascertain the right adapted vehicles and controls
• Complete guidance from obtaining a licence to passing a test
• Specialist adapted driving tuition – practical and theory
• Expert help with transfers and mobility equipment

For younger clients and parents, Driving Mobility centres also offer the following services, again on display at Kidz Middle:

• Assessment, advice and fitting of specialist car seats for children with disabilities
• Advice on paediatric powered wheelchairs

Alongside vehicle related services, the charity provides guidance for travelling on public transport with a disability. From accessible buses, trains and planes through to community transport, the Hubs Mobility Advice Service, operated by Driving Mobility, is a unique service provided by 15 of its UK centres. There is also the Tryb4ufly advice service specifically for air travel with a disability. 

 

#MyDrivingMobility

Supported by The Department for Transport, Driving Mobility, the national charity that provides specialist driving assessment centres, will be offering expert guidance for all young drivers and passengers at Kidz-to-Adultz-North.

1^st November 2022, 9.30am – 4.30pm. Manchester Central, Manchester, M2 3GX. Stand V1.

Driving Mobility centres primarily provide ‘fitness to drive’ assessments for all ages however they also offer a range of additional services including mobility equipment guidance and ‘Hubs’ accessible travel information. Children, young adults and families can all benefit from discussing assisted transport needs with Driving Mobility Occupational Therapists and Approved Driving Instructors who signpost towards the most appropriate solutions From tuition for provisional drivers who may have a disability and advice regarding vehicle adaptations, through to clinical car seat recommendations, paediatric powerchair loans and tips for air travel, Driving Mobility offers the most comprehensive service for accessible and inclusive mobility.

At Kidz North, Driving Mobility will be presenting:

‘Safe travels – Car seat options for children with additional needs’

Room 2, 11:00am. Presented by Mary Yates, Occupation Therapist and
Paediatric Lead, Driving Mobility/RDAC

This seminar will provide information on current UK legislation for children travelling in vehicles with mainstream products. It will explore available equipment for children with additional needs including challenging behaviour.

Learning objectives:

• Knowledge of current legislation 
• Awareness of current mainstream car seat options
• Awareness of the additional needs and possible solutions for children with postural and mobility needs
• Awareness of options for moving children with challenging behaviour 
• Information about the Motability Scheme, vehicle adaptations for passengers and wheelchair accessible vehicles 
• Details of Driving Mobility Centre which offers car seat assessment

Mary will also be available on stand V1 alongside other Driving Mobility representatives to answer individual queries regarding car seats. The team will also explain how teenagers, if they have a disability, can apply for their provisional licence from aged 16 and how specialist support can help them through the process of passing their test and beyond. Easier access in and out vehicles and transportable wheelchairs and boot hoists will also be topics for discussion.

 

#MyDrivingMobility

In this month’s ‘Driving Mobility Centre of the Month’ we take a look at the William Merritt Centre in Leeds

The William Merritt Centre (WMC) is a charity headed up by 9 trustees, the team is made up of 8 Occupational Therapists, 4 approved Driving Instructors, 1 Occupational Therapist Assistant, 5 support staff and a General Manager.

Their headquarters is in Leeds where they deliver assessments on all aspects of daily living, driving lessons and moving and handling courses for Healthcare Professionals in partnership with Back Exchange.

If you would like to take a tour of their centre, click this link: https://www.wmdlc.org/3d-tour-william-merritt-centre.

WMC also have a satellite Centres in York and Sheffield where they deliver driving assessments, passenger access assessments and driving lessons, we are hoping to expand our satellite Centre in Sheffield to also deliver PWMS (Powered Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter) assessments.

WMC was established 41 years ago during the ‘International Year of Disabled People’, and originally named as William Merritt Aids and Information Centre in memory of Councillor William Merritt. The Centre initially delivered assessments to assist in daily living including bathing, wheelchairs and walking aids.

In 1999 they introduced their driving assessment service to ensure safety and comfort for people when driving with a disability or medical condition.

Following on from that service’s success, they have also introduced:

Switches 4 Kidz (2007) which provides families and professionals with advice on adapted toys, switches and information on access to games consoles, computers, smart phones and tablets.

Tryb4uFly (2014) working in conjunction with QEF (Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People) to provide information and advice when flying with a disability.

Bugzi loan scheme (2015) with the help of MERU, offering a unique opportunity for pre-school children with disabilities to experience independent mobility, often for the first time in their lives.

Shopmobility service (2022) which provides the hire of scooters and powered/manual wheelchairs at the White Rose Centre as well as the Merrion Centre. This service enables people with limited mobility the opportunity to explore Leeds, contribute to the local economy and socialise with friends and family. Creating a platform for people to live independently.

This year the WMC team is very much looking forward to welcoming back their key partners and clients to their AccessAbility Exhibition in June, after having cancelled it 2 years in a row due to the covid-19 pandemic. The AccessAbility exhibition will showcase Assistive Technology, Equipment and Driving for disabled people of all ages, older people and healthcare professionals. You can find out more here: https://www.wmdlc.org/accessability-22-delegates

William Merritt Disabled Living Centre
Aire House, 100 Town Road, Rodley, Leeds, LS13 1HP

0113 350 8989
01133 508681
info@wmdlc.org
http://www.wmdlc.org

#MyDrivingMobility #DrivingAssessments #DisabledDrivers  #Leeds

 

The William Merritt Centre, part of the Driving Mobility network, is delighted to announce the return of its AccessAbility exhibition so healthcare professionals and people with disabilities can discover the latest in adapted driving, assistive technology and mobility equipment.

15th June 2022, Centenary Pavilion, Leeds United Football Club, LS11 0ES. 10.30am to 3:00pm.

The William Merritt Centre, also based in Leeds, is an independent charity accredited by Driving Mobility – a national charity supported by The Department for Transport. Driving Mobility co-ordinates over 20 centres, many with outreach facilities, that provide ‘fitness-to-drive’ and mobility equipment assessments. Clients self-refer or are signposted from the DVLA, Motability, Police and NHS.

AccessAbility will be a fully inclusive event, for all ages, and will include experiences such as:

• Options and advice on assistive equipment – opportunities to try products which can enhance everyday life and enable greater independence.
• All aspects of driving including vehicle adaptations, accessible vehicles and a test drive circuit with new and existing drivers in mind.
• Chill out in the gaming area including advice on adaptations to enable everyone to access computers, mobile phones, tablets, toys and computer games.
• Specialist seminars offering the latest education
• Opportunities to speak to Occupational Therapists for personalised guidance.

AccessAbility will provide a rewarding and fulfilling day out for:

• Children, teenagers and adults with disabilities (14 year+ for the drive test)
• Parents and carers
• Healthcare professionals
• Older people
• Approved Driving Instructors

It offers a unique opportunity to see and try a range of services for people with disabilities, all in one location.

Find out more here: https://www.wmdlc.org/accessability-22-delegates

Book your free ticket here: https://accessability22.eventbrite.co.uk