Occupational Therapists representing Driving Mobility, the national charity which oversees 20 independent driving assessment centres across the UK, will be presenting their services at the 2019 RCOT Conference.

RCOT Annual Conference and Exhibition, stand 62. 17-18 June 2019, ICC Birmingham. #RCOT2019

Many with outreach capabilities, Driving Mobility centres include independent charities and facilities operating within the NHS that deliver professional assessments so disabled and elderly people can gain or retain independence. Each centre employs Occupational Therapists (OTs), Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Administration staff so 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. Over and above driving assessments and advice regarding vehicle adaptations, centres provide a vast range of further information regarding accessible air, bus and train travel – all of which will be displayed on stand 62.

Driving Mobility OTs, ADIs and centre managers will be available to explain how the charity can support client occupational performance and help meet the challenges OTs face, in terms of facilitating mobility outside of the home. These representatives will be from two of the independent regional organisations within the Driving Mobility national network – RDAC and the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre.

Offering an interactive experience, there will be a vehicle simulator on the stand for delegates to try which will highlight parts of the Driving Mobility assessments. This feature is a replica of the equipment at many centres which is used to measure driver capabilities in a clinically-led format. By sitting in the driving seat OTs will understand more clearly aspects to consider when assessing client needs, wants and risks.

Edward Trewhella, Chief Executive, Driving Mobility comments: “We are delighted to be showcasing Driving Mobility services at the RCOT conference for the first time. Our interactive vehicle simulator and comprehensive information display will provide an opportunity for delegates seeking professional guidance in relation to independent mobility. Driving Mobility OTs work closely with fellow peers in the public and private sector to ensure their clients can benefit from inclusion and accessibility within the community. This effective relationship provides solutions to many common transportation issues and hence we look forward to forging new connections at the conference which will result in wider support across the UK.”

Part of the Driving Mobility national network of driving assessment centres, East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD) has assisted Gary Gray from Braintree to discover motoring independence with a disability.

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.

Gary, 53 from Braintree, worked as a Mobile Tyre Fitter until he became ill with peripheral neuropathy in 2011, a condition which develops when nerves in the body’s extremities are damaged. He subsequently spent considerable time dealing with life-changing consequences and was unable to drive for several years. Before contacting EAD, he had attempted to test drive a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), which resulted in damage to the vehicle and a serious dent to his already ‘rock-bottom’ confidence. By self-referring himself to EAD, Gary was determined to find professional and appropriate advice that would re-enable safe independent driving.

Gary comments: “This time a comprehensive assessment took place before I was allowed near a vehicle. This was to provide the EAD staff, including an OT and Approved Driving Instructor, with a true picture of my health, medical requirements and physical and cognitive abilities. It was very professional and completely different to my first experience elsewhere. When I began the actual driving assessment, I was accompanied by specialist staff and received guidance throughout. I tried different options for getting in and out of a vehicle and trialled new assistive controls, such as a steering wheel knob – all at a pace that suited me.”

Following the assessment, EAD provided a comprehensive report which advised Gary on suitable adaptations for safe driving and suggested further lessons would be beneficial. Once these are completed, Gary hopes to choose a vehicle with adaptations via the Motability scheme, based on EAD recommendations.

Gary concludes: “I would really like a drive-from-wheelchair vehicle as this would be easiest for me. EAD have been extremely helpful in showing me all the different aids and adaptations. I now know that a steering wheel knob and wheelchair ramp will be essential which I hadn’t considered before. I feel so informed which will definitely help me with purchasing and driving requirements. Thanks to EAD independent driving is now a possibility for me for the first time in over seven years.”

North West Driving Assessment Service, based in St Helens, Merseyside, has launched two new services – car seat and harness assessment clinics for disabled children and mobility scooter assessments for people with restricted mobility.

Part of the Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North West Driving Assessment Service (NWDAS) is accredited by the charity Driving Mobility. Its team of Occupational Therapists and Approved Driving Instructors provide professional support and driving assessments to people who need to gain, or retain, the ability to drive following a diagnosis involving impairment or disability. Driving Mobility oversees a network of twenty independent organisations – all striving to provide safe and independent mobility.

The new paediatric car seat and harness assessment clinics at NWDAS coincide with the recently launched and relevant Driving Mobility campaign in association with RiDC, The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers. Both charities are working together to raise awareness regarding specialist car seats for disabled children so passenger safety is maximised. This vital information is now readily available to service users attending driving assessment centres across the UK. The new free service at NWDAS is the first of its kind to be provided in the North West of England. It will ensure that disabled children, who require additional postural assistance whilst travelling in a vehicle, can benefit from greater safety and comfort.

Rebecca Jones, OT, NWDAS, comments: “We are delighted to be offering our new specialist car seat clinics which will be overseen by a paediatric Occupational Therapist. We are unaware of anyone in our region offering such an important and unique service – we believe it will deliver peace of mind to many local families with disabled children. Referrals to use this free service can be made via the recommendation of a healthcare professional and we offer convenient times for children, parents and carers to visit our centre. We will discuss needs on a one-to-one basis and explain the variety of seating solutions available from specialist manufacturers such as R82, Recaro and JCM Seating. Our OT will be able to assess a child’s needs and recommend the most appropriate car seat and harness.”

As NWDAS delivers independent driving and mobility assessments for all ages, this highly established centre is now offering mobility scooter suitability assessments. Individuals with reduced mobility or walking difficulties can access this service directly or via medical referrals. To assess product suitability, a variety of mobility scooters from different manufacturers are available to trial with various options regarding features, speed and size.

Rebecca Jones comments: “The provision of mobility scooter assessments allows people to try before they buy – enabling the correct purchasing decision to be made. This is essential so users remain safe and in control of a suitable product. Trying out scooters in the presence of a specialist instructor builds confidence and driving ability for the service user. We are always happy to provide mobility advice and purchasing information as well. We firmly believe both of our new services will deliver greater highway safety and look forward to welcoming new service users to our centre.”

Accredited by the charity Driving Mobility, RDAC operates 11 driver assessment centres nationwide – it is opening a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Greater Manchester so that more people with disabilities can benefit from assisted motoring.

LOCATION: AJ Bell Stadium, 1 Stadium Way, Barton-upon-Irwell, Salford, Greater Manchester. M30 7EY
OFFICIAL OPENING: Thursday 1^st November 2018, 11am – 3pm.
PRESS CALL: All reporters and photographers are welcome to attend.

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. RDAC is part of this network and has been in existence since 1989 – it provides assessments for older and disabled drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and mobility scooter or wheelchair users. Within its services practical advice is given regarding appropriate driving adaptations, WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) and specialist tuition so that domestic and professional drivers can remain independent and safe. The new, custom-built RDAC centre in Salford represents a ‘flagship’ modern facility servicing people from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire.

Sean Barratt, Assessment Team Manager, directs a team of Approved Driving Instructors, Occupational Therapists and Administrative staff – all focused on providing the best individualised recommendations for mobility with peace of mind. This caring and experienced team delivers a service that seeks to minimise the worry of driving assessment and positively supports drivers, of all ages, with conditions such as Stroke, Arthritis or Spinal Injury. The new Centre boasts outstanding access and transport links with off road assessment areas for non-licence holders. Other ancillary services include Tryb4uFly cabin assessments to help with accessible air travel, and guidance regarding specialist car seats for disabled children.

Sean explains: “The team and I are so proud of our new spacious centre – its modern facilities will make a huge difference to service users looking to regain their driving independence. I would like to invite everyone with an interest in assisted motoring to attend our official launch day. We have an impressive range of features planned including the opportunity to test drive adapted cars from our specialist fleet. We will be welcoming several VIPs including senior representatives from the Department for Transport and Driving Mobility. Come and enjoy free refreshments and the opportunity to meet drivers and professionals ready to share experiences and advice.”

Sean continues: “RDAC is all about restoring confidence and improving safety – we strive to help as many people as possible to regain driving independence. We have a fully accessible indoor assessment zone so that vehicles can be driven into the Centre for demonstrations and discussions whatever the weather. This is a major advantage, especially during the winter months, making appointments to discuss driving adaptations far more engaging. Our spacious premises include a suite of private consultation rooms and an information lounge full of the latest guidance and literature. Thanks to our stadium location, service users can benefit from a driving experience that is calm and reassuring.”

Sean concludes: “Our contemporary spacious setting is a welcoming and fresh environment to help disabled and elderly drivers seeking answers – it perfectly reflects the nationwide RDAC and Driving Mobility commitment to service excellence. We look forward to helping more and more individuals enjoy the lifestyle benefits of assisted motoring.”

#MyDrivingMobility

RiDC, The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, and the charity Driving Mobility have collaborated to launch an awareness campaign focusing on specialist car seats for disabled children.

RiDC has over 50 years’ experience of user-centred research involving disabled and older consumers. In response to a growing demand from families and carers with disabled children, RiDC have introduced qualified and unique information about specialist car seats and harnesses.

Driving Mobility oversees a network of 20 independent organisations, many with satellite centres, which offer professional information, advice and driving assessments for people seeking assistance with mobility. This charity will be supporting RiDC to raise awareness of its independent car seat research and advising its driving assessment centres to provide this vital information to service users.

The campaign aims to ensure that children who require additional postural assistance whilst travelling in a car, can benefit from greater safety and comfort. Signposting towards specialist suppliers, such as JCM Seating, R82 and Recaro, is being provided along with key features and estimated prices.

https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/information/physical-disability/car-seats-for-disabled-children/

One Big Day on 11 August at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate 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!

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

All Motability Scheme events bring everything available on the Motability Scheme together in great accessible locations, to make joining the Scheme as easy and informed as possible. They’re totally free and a great day out for all the family. At One Big Day, Harrogate there will be:

• A huge display of cars, WAVs, adaptations and scooters
• 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 jumping castle and more

Find out more here: https://www.motability.co.uk/news-views-and-events/one-big-day/

#MyDrivingMobility

Two of Driving Mobility’s main centres, Cornwall Mobility and Wessex Driveability, will be exhibiting at the One Big Day event at Exeter, so please do go and talk to them for any information or advice on gaining or retaining your independence through mobility.

What’s On At One Big Day, Exeter

One Big Day Exeter 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 80 cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and adaptations 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…

Specialist Advice Available

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

For more details please visit https://www.motability.co.uk/news-views-and-events/one-big-day/exeter/display/

#MyDrivingMobility

North West Driving Assessment Service is delighted to be taking part in the Warrington Disability Awareness Day (DAD)

If you are going along to the Warrington Disability Awareness Day on Sunday 15th July please keep your eyes peeled for the North West Driving Assessment Service (NWDAS) stand.

The main event ‘DAD’ opens at 10am on Sunday 15th July 2018 and finishes at 5pm. Entry to the show ground is completely FREE and so is the programme.

The friendly NWDAS team will be there to help you with any questions you may have regarding their services. They will also have Driving Mobility leaflets available if you need to find out more about the charity and what we do.