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

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

Driving Mobility, the charity that accredits a network of driving assessment centres, has relaunched its website to provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of adapted driving, accessible travel and personal mobility.

https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/

Supported by the Department for Transport, Driving Mobility is the umbrella organisation that coordinates 20 independent driving assessment centres across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. With over 70 outreach facilities, centres are individually managed by separate charities and NHS departments – all providing clinical ‘fitness-to-drive’ assessments commonly for people who have experienced a life changing diagnosis. Client can also benefit from a range of other services and either self-refer or are signposted from the DVLA, Motabilty, Police and NHS.

In addition to clinical recommendations regarding driving with a disability, professional advice is available on wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), mobility equipment, using public transport and accessible lifestyles. Healthcare professionals are also supported with CPD training and events. Driving Mobility is regarded as ‘the national voice of assisted driving and independence’ and its improved website now reflects this position of authority.

Driving Mobility boasts the UK’s largest knowledge base in terms of accessible driving.

Its team of Occupational Therapists (OTs), Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), management staff and trustees, bring together vast experience in assisted driving and accessible travel. This wealth of expertise ensures the new Driving Mobility website is a vital gateway to accessibility for all.

Edward Trewhella, Driving Mobility CEO, explains: “When you or a client experiences a change in  mobility, there is always a need for qualified advice so informed decisions can be made to remain independent. There is a raft of information on the internet however identifying solutions to individual needs can be impossible. This is why our new website has been significantly strengthened and redesigned with extra content – to facilitate easier access to many answers regarding driving with a disability. Add to this, solutions for living without a car, condition specific suggestions and HUBs information, the new Driving Mobility website represents an invaluable tool for all consumers and professionals seeking qualified guidance on personal independence.”

Development of the enhanced Driving Mobility website

This hhas involved input from a large number of staff each with unsurpassed knowledge in their field. The team has included respected individuals, such as, trustee and international transport specialist Ann Frye OBE, BA, FCILT, FCIHT, TPP. Her knowledge has complemented clinical content from leading OTs within the organisation and frontline feedback from centre managers. Managers have also assisted with collating an impressive range of client stories which highlight how services make a difference on a personalised level. This material is available through large clickable tiles for easy access and is summarised in the charity’s recently published professional video. This video has already achieved over 30,000 targeted views in just over three months with high performance recognition from YouTube.

Edward concludes: “With the need for safe, accessible and independent travel heightened by Covid-19, demand for Driving Mobility services will be higher than ever as lockdown restrictions are eased. We now have a robust, future-proofed website capable of delivering the support required.”

#MyDrivingMobility

In this professional video, the assisted driving and mobility assessment services provided by Driving Mobility are showcased through the William Merit Centre in Leeds. This centre is part of the Driving Mobility network across the UK. Find your local centre here

Driving Mobility, supported by the Department for Transport As a registered charity, Driving Mobility accredits a network of 20 driving assessment centres covering the whole of the UK. Many with outreach facilities, these centres include independent charities and NHS centres which offer professional information and assessment so disabled and elderly people can gain or retain independence.

Driving Mobility ensures that there are common standards, promotes good practice and offers training and education to all regional centres, whilst working closely with associated national organisations. These include the Department for Transport, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Driver and Vehicle Agency (NI), Motability and the Police, along with many other valued stakeholders.

Driving Mobility is privileged to have Baroness Thomas of Winchester as their patron, and is supported by HM Government.

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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/

The first relaunched Get Going Live! event in Carshalton, focusing on independent mobility and assisted motoring, has been hailed a success by visitors, QEF Charity organisers and the Mayor and Mayoress of Sutton.

Friday 5^th October. Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF), 1 Metcalfe Avenue, Carshalton. SM5 4NR.

Mayor, Councillor Steve Cook and Mayoress Pauline Cook of the London Borough of Sutton officially opened the show which was organised by QEF Mobility Services. Based in Carshalton, QEF Mobility Services is one of twenty independent organisations which offer professional information, advice and driving assessments for people seeking assistance with mobility. Accredited 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.

The Mayor commented: “The event has really opened my eyes to the outstanding mobility equipment and accessible vehicles that are available these days. The Mayoress and I found Get Going Live! very rewarding and we would like to congratulate QEF for delivering such vital driving and mobility services in our area.”

Karen Deacon, QEF Chief Executive added: “What an amazing day – to have all these companies together with a wealth of knowledge and information to help people become able and not disabled. From our point of view Get Going Live! has been a huge success and I would like to thank everyone who has put so much time and effort into organising the event. The support of the Mayor and Mayoress has also been fantastic – what really impressed me was the time spent with us and the number of products they tried.”

Originally a feature of the national Mobility Roadshow which closed in 2017, this new regional Get Going Live! event was busy all day with visitors engaging with exhibitors and QEF staff. Over 30 mobility equipment manufacturers showcased products and accessible vehicle test drives were available around QEF’s private test track. There were also informative seminars regarding accessible transport and advice from the QEF’s Tryb4uFly service which advises on air travel with a disability.

Marion D’Moirah, QEF Communications Manager concluded: “Today has proven that Get Going Live! is alive and well! We have welcomed so many people, of all ages, to our centre today to see and experience a comprehensive range of products and services for greater independence. Bathed in glorious sunshine, our private track has been popular all day with visitors taking advantage of the 30 adapted and accessible vehicles available for test drives. The support of all the exhibitors is appreciated and as the atmosphere has been so positive and rewarding, we feel confident Get Going Live! will be even more of a success in 2019.”

The 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.

The event was attended by staff and managers from all nationwide assessment centres along with board members, educational specialists and guest speakers. The comprehensive agenda involved a variety of topical presentations and discussions focusing on developments within Driving Mobility and the accessible driving sector as a whole.

Strengthening Existing Services and Developing New Centres

Driving Mobility Chief Executive, Edward Trewhella, provided a compelling update regarding the charity’s business strategy and how it focuses on strengthening existing services and developing new centres. This presentation was followed by a series of speakers from within the organisation outlining current educational initiatives, operational standards and assessment training. The morning session came to a close once AGM formalities were completed and new board members were voted in – Alan Norton (Independent), Phil North (OT), Laura Holly (ADI), Ann Frye (Independent) and Anne O’Shea (OT/Cornwall Board).

External Speakers

The afternoon programme was equally as rewarding for all attendees. Driving Mobility welcomed a series of external speakers so that the latest developments and challenges within accessible driving and driver assessment could be highlighted. Guests included Owain Read from Motability; Jon Quinn from Research Institute for Disabled Consumers; Dr Paul Donaghy, Academic Clinical Lecturer, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University; and Kim Morgan, Assistant Director Specialist and Elective Services, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The final slot of the day involved a fascinating presentation from Ann Frye, recently appointed board member and highly experienced inclusive transport specialist. She outlined the latest initiatives in public transport accessibility and how individuals can remain independent if driving is no longer possible. Colin Barnett, Driving Mobility Chair, successfully summarised the day’s achievements and brought proceedings to a close.

Edward Trewhella concludes: “A really interesting day was had by all and it was really positive to see senior representation and participation from DVLA, Motability, DVSA and the Department for Transport.”