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

Supported by The Department for Transport, Driving Mobility, the charity that coordinates a national network of driving assessment centres, will be presenting its range of mobility services at Kidz-to-Adultz-North exhibition (The Exhibition Centre Liverpool, 17th November 2021, stand V34, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront).

Organised by the charity Disabled Living, Kidz-to-Adultz-North is a free-to-attend exhibition which provides a showcase for all the latest products and services to assist children and young adults with disabilities. This is the first physical Disabled Living event to take place since the start of the pandemic and will offer a unique opportunity for all disabled visitors, families and healthcare professionals. Part of the diverse range of stands on show, the Driving Mobility team will be advising how individuals gain or maintain independence whilst working closely with their Occupational Therapists. Visit the stand and find out why assessments by qualified Driving Mobility clinicians is vital.

Driving Mobility accredits over 20 main centres across the UK, many with outreach facilities, which provide professional support and driving assessments for young disabled people who wish to learn or retain the ability to drive. Individuals aged 16+ with a qualifying disability can self-refer or seek recommendation to Driving Mobility services via the DVLA, Motability and the NHS. Once a provisional licence application is complete, Occupational Therapists and ADIs (Approved Driving Instructors) from Driving Mobility can assess, review and signpost young drivers to the most appropriate adapted vehicle. These services will be explained at Kidz-up-North by representatives from two Driving Mobility centres – namely the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre based in Leeds and RDAC Manchester.

Steve Perry, Driving Mobility Trustee, said: “We look forward to another busy Kidz event and being able to help visitors once again on a face-to-face basis. Our team will be able to answer all questions relating to assisted driving and explain how our Occupational Therapists work effectively with their peers in the community. Driving Mobility is 100% committed to positive outcomes for all so even if driving a vehicle is not an option, our centres can recommend a range of alternative solutions from powered wheelchairs to accessible public transport.”

 

Representing Driving Mobility, Occupational Therapists from the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre and RDAC Salford will be demonstrating their driving assessment services for young disabled people at Kidz to Adultz North.

Thursday 14th November 2019. 9.30am – 4.30pm, EventCity, Barton Dock Road, Manchester.
M17 8AS. Stand F27. Free entry and parking.

Supported by the Department for Transport, Driving Mobility centres offer professional support and driving assessments for young disabled people who wish to learn or retain the ability to drive. Each of the twenty centres accredited by Driving Mobility, many with outreach facilities, operate either as independent charities or within an NHS Trust. Occupational Therapists (OTs), Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Administration staff support young individuals signposted from the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals such as OTs and GPs.

Aspiring new drivers can apply for their provisional licence from 16 if they have a qualifying disability however a clinically-led fitness to drive assessment needs to take place – this is where Driving Mobility can assist following a self-referral or professional recommendation. OTs and advisors from the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre in Leeds and RDAC Salford will be able to explain this process at Kidz North along with all other services that signpost individuals to accessible driving. Both centres own a fleet of adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) so test drives and driver evaluation can be delivered for a variety of abilities. With professional advice from Driving Mobility, clients and supporting OTs can then proceed with sourcing the most appropriate vehicle for safe and comfortable driving.

Offering a fun and interactive opportunity, there will be a vehicle simulator on the stand at Kidz North for professionals and families to try. This feature is a replica of the equipment at many centres which is used to measure driver capabilities and will highlight certain considerations associated with adapted driving.

Edward Trewhella, Chief Executive, Driving Mobility comments: “As the national voice of assisted driving and independence, Driving Mobility is committed to helping as many young disabled drivers as possible get behind the wheel. Our services extend to all aspects of accessible travel particularly with our new Hubs initiative supported by the Department for Transport. The Driving Mobility stand at Kidz North will provide an invaluable opportunity for families and healthcare professionals to discover pathways to greater independent mobility for their clients and children.”

 

#MyDrivingMobility