Andrea James from North Tyneside who lives with a disability, has been given back her freedom to drive through a grant for specialist driving controls funded by the Motability Foundation, with assessment support from Driving Mobility.

The Driving Assessment Grant (DAG) is a grant funding scheme provided by the Motability Foundation and administered by Driving Mobility to assist disabled drivers who are not Motability Scheme customers. The grant can help towards the costs of a driving assessment, vehicle adaptations and familiarisation lessons at a Driving Mobility Centre.

As a national charity and supported in England by the Department for Transport , Driving Mobility accredits a network of ‘fitness to drive’ and equipment assessment centres around the UK that support clients who self-refer or are sign posted from the DVLA, Motability, NHS and the Police. Through the expert guidance of their clinicians, including occupational therapists, and Approved Driving Instructors, individuals with restricted mobility are assessed and the most appropriate driving controls are recommended from a clinical point of view. Andrea originally contacted the Driving Mobility centre at the Walkergate Park Hospital called North East Drive Mobility. The Mobility Centre advised Andrea about her driving requirements and also recommended she applied for grant funding from the DAG scheme.

Andrea explains her story: ‘I stopped driving a manual car in 2020 as I have a condition called neurofibromatosis which affects my nerve endings. This has resulted in me losing the sensation in my legs and feet so I was having to rely on the speedo more and more to gauge how much pressure I was applying to the accelerator. I was at the hospital for an appointment, and someone told me about Driving Mobility’s services. I went to see the Mobility Centre in 2023 and they were able to assess me and come up with recommendations. As the loss of feeling in my legs was going to get worse, they suggested an under ring on the steering wheel for acceleration and a push brake hand control. I got my head around using the controls quite quickly, but then I had to start saving for the equipment.”

Andrea managed to save half of the money required to get her car adapted however the rest was proving impossible to achieve. Being in part-time work, and with the cost-of-living crisis as well as her unpredictable health, Andrea couldn’t afford the adaptations and was having to accept a loss of independence which was damaging her mental health. It was only when the Driving Mobility centre mentioned the DAG that it all changed – getting back to driving could once again be a possibility. The centre helped Andrea with her application, which was successful. She was awarded the funding and arranged for a local conversion specialist to adapt her car within one week. Combined with several familiarisation sessions at the Driving Mobility centre, Andrea was back on the road in January and now life is a little easier.

In conclusion Andrea says: ” Being able to drive again is amazing. It means I don’t have to rely on my husband to take me to work or pick me up. I just take the car and can get to the shops independently. My husband doesn’t need to keep stopping what he’s doing to help me. I would definitely encourage everyone to apply for the grant if they are in a similar situation to me.”

“I only learnt to drive when I was 40 but for many more people who have driven all their lives, suddenly not being able to drive is a massive trauma. I know that if you have a physical disability it can affect your mental health too, especially if you can’t get out. I have had also surgery to have tumours removed and this, too, affects my wellbeing. Being able to drive is a massive thing which helps keep me positive and working.”

The William Merritt Disabled Living Centre in Leeds, accredited by Driving Mobility, has successfully hosted the latest Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter (PWMS) Retailer Training course.

The PWMS course is free to attend and aims to provide safer roads for all by ensuring retailers are trained to carry out appropriate client assessments, giving customers the confidence that their needs will be carefully assessed to ensure they can use suitable mobility equipment safely.

Rachel Hirst, Occupational Therapist at the William Merritt Centre, led the latest session and was delighted to welcome a high number of retailers who all engaged positively with the training, discussions and practical sessions. All retailers who attended demonstrated their competence to ensure their customers only receive equipment that they can control safely. The course attendees were awarded a certificate for successfully completing the Department for Transport approved training and went away with eye-catching window stickers to display at their businesses.

The feedback from retailers attending the course included:

“I thought the training was excellent” Jon Summerfield – Engineer, O’Brien Mobility, Linthorpe

“This is an interesting and informative course that should be undertaken not only by retailers, but also public and social services personnel” Darren Parr – Business Owner, Mobility Gainsborough, Gainsborough

“Fab course, well set out and delivered” Andrew Todd – Proprietor, Ebor Mobility, York

“Very informative, giving me new knowledge and legislation that is vital to the business” Richard Priestley -Sales Manager, Parkgate Mobility, Rotherham

“Helpful and insightful course”. Jim Hornsey -Service Manager, Rightcare Mobility, Cleethorpes

“Very informative, relaxed course” Jack Leyland – Sales, Guiseley Mobility, Leeds

“Very informative and knowledgeable” Michael Jackson – Sales Agent, Parkgate Mobility, Rotherham

 

The next PWMS training course for mobility retailers will be held on 25th April at:

Devon Assessment Centre – Unit 13, Dakota Way, Skypark, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, EX5 2GE.

To sign up for this free training course or one near you, contact Driving Mobility on: info@drivingmobility.org.uk

#MyDrivingMobility

Rob Heard, a retired Police Sergeant who works with Driving Mobility, has received an MBE in the New Year Honours List, officially recognising his tireless commitment to improving road safety.

Rob Heard MBE, 58 from Hampshire, served as a Police Officer for 30 years. In his last 5 years he was the Road Safety Sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police and dealt with over 100 fatalities. He witnessed first-hand the consequences of dangerous driving and since retiring, has committed his time to consulting and campaigning for road safety. A priority for Rob has been supporting and signposting older drivers through his consultative work for Driving Mobility.

Supported by the Department for Transport in England, Driving Mobility is the national charity that accredits a network of NHS and independent ‘fitness to drive’ and mobility assessment centres. The occupational therapists and Approved Driving Instructors at each centre assess and advise clients, including those signposted from the DVLA, NHS, Motability and Police. Driving Mobility also delivers a range of additional services and projects including those spearheaded by Rob. One such initiative is the Police Alternative to Prosecution Scheme for Older Drivers which is provided in conjunction with several constabularies. Rob also continually campaigns for older drivers to reach out to Driving Mobility centres for assessment of their driving skills and eyesight.

On becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire, Rob said: “I feel very humbled to receive this MBE, there are so many people deserving of recognition for the hard work and dedication they give to make a difference. I am passionate about road safety and I have really seen how effective giving advice and support can be to making roads safer for all. I truly recognise success has been down to a team effort and I appreciate all the support I have received from many.”

“Working with Driving Mobility for many years has highlighted to me how caring and supportive all its staff are. They are dedicated to enabling people to be mobile and independent for as long as possible. Equally if being behind the wheel is no longer viable, they are wonderful at helping people retire from driving and find other ways to get around. I am proud to work with Driving Mobility and look forward to supporting the charity again in 2025 and beyond.”

All at Driving Mobility congratulate Rob on his achievement and believe it is fully deserved. In conclusion, Edward Trewhella, CEO Driving Mobility, adds: “This official recognition of Rob’s trailblazing attitude to road safety is to be commended. His level of commitment to reducing risk on the roads always reflects our own values and ethos. Rob has, and will always be, a valued partner in our proposition. Well done Rob Heard MBE!”

#MyDrivingMobility

Jackson Bogle, 19 from Seaforde in Northern Ireland, has passed his driving test with one arm thanks to specialist tuition from Disability Action (accredited by Driving Mobility) and received a Driving Assessment Grant (DAG) from the Motability Foundation to fund his car adaptations.

Jackson Bogle works as a gym fitness instructor and customer service advisor in Belfast. He approached the charity Disability Action early in 2024 regarding specialist driving tuition. Disability Action, also based in Belfast, is accredited by the charity Driving Mobility which coordinates ‘fitness to drive’ centres across the UK. These centres assist drivers with restricted mobility who either self-refer or are signposted for assessment from the NHS, Motability, DVLA/DVA and the Police.

Jackson wanted to obtain his driving licence and as he has one arm, he sought professional guidance from the Occupational Therapists and Approved Driving Instructors who work for Disability Action. Through their guidance and a grant from the Motability Foundation, he received funds to cover costs of adaptations to his car and familiarisation sessions, so driving independently for the first time could be a reality.

Jackson starts his story: “I found out about Driving Mobility a different way for sure. A family member knew one of the team at the Belfast centre. I got in touch with them about learning to drive through specialist support. I needed a car with steering controls that would allow me to drive safely with one arm. They had vehicles at the centre which cater for me, so I went along to find out more. It was during this time I was told me about the DAG grant. I was amazed and took up the offer.”

DAG is a grant funding scheme provided by the Motability Foundation and administered by Driving Mobility to assist disabled drivers who are not Motability Scheme customers. The grant can help towards the costs of a driving assessment, vehicle adaptations and familiarisation lessons at a Driving Mobility Centre.

Jackson learnt to drive in a car fitted with a ‘Smart Steer’ Bluetooth steering ‘lollipop’ attached to the wheel. This advanced steering knob incorporates buttons for secondary controls such as indicators, windscreen wipers and headlights. This means Jackson can always keep his hand on the wheel. With the help of Disability Action, he passed his driving test first time but still faced the challenge of driving independently in his own car. Jackson was therefore ‘over the moon’ to learn that a grant could fund the supply and fitting of the required adaptations to his own car as well as familiarisation sessions. Without this grant, he would have had to save for a long time to afford the equipment and during this period, driving would have been impossible.

Are you looking for a grant to help with the costs of a driving assessment and vehicle adaptations? Click here to find out more about how to apply: https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/useful-information/driving-assessment-grant/

#MyDrivingMobility