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

Some useful information from Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) for Hull and East Riding and Greater Manchester areas.

It can be difficult getting out and about, especially if you don’t drive, but did you know there are options you can explore?

RDAC are offering free advice and support to explore what travel options are available to you in your local area and beyond.

RDAC Manchester A5 leaflet_email

RDAC Hull A5 leaflet_email