Following a severe arm injury, James Martin, 30, from Farnworth near Bolton, has become the first Driving Mobility client to pass his driving test thanks to the support of the new RDAC Disability Driving School.

Father of two young boys, James experienced a life changing injury whilst working at a plastic recycling centre in 2018. His arm and hand were crushed in a mechanical baler which resulted in hospitalisation, several operations and amputation of two fingers. After his initial recovery, James continued with rehabilitation however has been left with limited mobility and strength in his right hand and arm. His injury has also affected his back and ability to walk which meant passing his test to drive a car was essential for independence and supporting his family. To gain his licence, James would need to be assessed by a qualified organisation who could professionally check whether adapted driving controls would be suitably safe. His rehab manager researched suitable driving assessment services and decided to contact RDAC in Salford, a Driving Mobility centre, to see if they could help.

RDAC centres (Regional Driving Assessment Centres) are centrally located in the UK and are part of the wider Driving Mobility network. Supported by the Department for Transport, Driving Mobility is a charity that accredits over 20 driving and mobility assessment centres across the UK. Many with outreach facilities, these provide clinically-led ‘fitness to drive’ guidance for disabled drivers who want to maintain or regain independence behind the wheel. Driving Mobility centres either operate within the NHS or as independent charities – all focused on assisted driving or personal mobility through accessible travel, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The Salford RDAC centre provides all of these services alongside a new Disability Driving School. Established in 2020, this specialist tuition service helps drivers with life-changing diagnosis, such as James, to learn how to drive with adaptations.

Following an initial telephone consultation to evaluate his needs, James attended RDAC for a driving assessment in October 2020. With the help of John Allen, ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) and an RDAC Occupational Therapist, James completed a desk-based session, checking cognitive abilities and general mobility, followed by a 45-minute assessment out on the road. James drove one of the centre’s fleet of automatic dual-controlled cars which had already been adapted with a steering aid to ascertain its suitability. RDAC had recommended a ‘Lodgesons Lollipop’ grip secondary control unit which clips to a steering wheel and communicates with a car via Bluetooth. This provides an easy-grip handle for turning a vehicle safely with one hand and can include a range of secondary controls.

During James’ assessment he demonstrated that he could use this adaptation to steer with confidence; however, it highlighted he could not affectively use standard indicators, especially when navigating roundabouts. This led to RDAC’s recommendation to integrate indicator controls within any future steering lollipop.

Following his assessment, James was given a consultation and a report explaining RDAC’s recommendations. To pass his DVSA driving test for the first time, they advised he completed driving lessons at the centre with a car specifically adapted to his needs. James agreed and was assigned specialist Driving Assessor Dominic Hibbin to instruct him for an initial 10 hours. It was estimated James would then be experienced enough to take his test and pass without any problems. He completed the course with the RDAC Disability Driving School and did indeed pass his test first time during November 2020 as he explains: “I thoroughly enjoyed my driving lessons; Dom was excellent and believed in me all the way. He gave me confidence that I could do it and made me feel relaxed. I passed the theory test and then when it came to driving, I took this relaxed feeling into the practical test. I knew this would be important, as if I was relaxed, the examiner would be relaxed. I’m so happy to say I passed first time and can now look forward to driving.”

James has applied for a Motability car through his Personal Independence Payment. He has the RDAC recommendations which will be used to specify the right adaptations so he can drive safely. James already has plans for how this is going to improve his life: “Having a car will make a massive difference to us. I’ll be able to take my boys further afield as they love to be out kicking a football and we can go and see my mum in the Scottish Borders. On a day-to-day basis, we won’t have to get taxis everywhere and I can help my elderly neighbours more with their shopping. Shopping at the minute is hard as I struggle to walk and carry bags so have to keep stopping. However, I’ve carried on during lockdown to help my neighbours who can’t get out.”

James is optimistic about the future and is so grateful for the support of RDAC. He recommends its services to all with driving challenges, as he concludes: “RDAC are one excellent organisation! I’m chuffed to have been the first person to benefit from this new service and will share the news with all my friends and family. They were all fantastic and gave me the belief I could pass my test again. John’s mock driving test really helped before the big day. Dom kept saying how comfortable he felt in the car with me during the lessons and we had a rewarding time together. I now have the details of a vehicle convertor who RDAC recommends so can get my car ready quickly when Motability hopefully approve my application. My rehab manager is confident I’ll be successful, so I can look forward to brighter days when the lockdown is eased.”

#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

Driving Mobility, the charity that accredits a network of specialist driving assessment centres, has showcased its services at the OT Show through CPD approved education and advice. (The Occupational Therapy Show 2019, NEC, Stand K51, 27-28 November).

The OT Show is the largest annual exhibition for Occupational Therapists seeking the latest products, services and CPD education to enhance everyday practice. Attendees at the 2019 event were able to engage with Driving Mobility to better understand how this respected charity provides appropriate support to individuals seeking independent mobility.

      

Driving Mobility was represented by members from two of the independent organisations within its nationwide network, namely William Merritt Disabled Living Centre and RDAC. Supported by the Department for Transport, Driving Mobility centres offer professional support and driving assessments to clients who need to gain, or retain, the ability to drive following a diagnosis involving impairment or disability.

Philip North, Senior OT from the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre provided a series of educational seminars which were well attended with over 150 attendees recorded on day one. Entitled ‘Medical Fitness to Drive – maintaining independent mobility’ these seminars outlined how Driving Mobility assessments check client physical and cognitive abilities with a view to driving a vehicle safely and in comfort. This CPD education was complimented by practical advice on vehicle adaptations and an impressive interactive driving simulator.

David Blythe, Manager of the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre, commented: “The OT Show completes a successful year of exhibitions for Driving Mobility. We have increased awareness of our services to drivers, passengers, families and healthcare professionals. Our final showcase was a fitting climax as we welcomed a large number of OTs onto the stand – particularly during Philip’s presentations. Delegates were able to reflect on the role of occupational therapy within driving and consider many practical elements associated with cognitive ability. We have already begun planning our 2020 exhibition schedule so more professionals can understand how we successfully signpost clients to positive outcomes.”

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

https://twitter.com/DrivingMob/

https://www.facebook.com/drivingmobility/

#MyDrivingMobility

A stroke survivor from the East Riding, unable to leave home for over a year following a stroke, can finally enjoy “life-changing” days out thanks to guidance from the new RDAC Hubs service, part of Driving Mobility.

Maureen (81) and husband Colin, (82), from Hessle, were an active couple enjoying days out and trips abroad, including in their VW Campervan. In 2018, a stroke left Maureen unable to walk, whilst as her caregiver, Colin’s health also deteriorated.

Daughter Rachael (50) said:  “It has been a very tough time. Mum was stuck in the house and unable to get out for almost a year and my parents effectively lost their independence and social interaction. I really wanted to allow them quality time outside of the house, as they were so isolated. However, Mum can’t walk following her stroke, she is catheterised and has poor cognition, (she also has Hydrocephalus) so it isn’t easy to manage trips out. Using public transport is all but impossible. I commute and work full time and I can be tired if I’ve been up throughout the night with Mum. I despaired of finding a solution. Then I met Kirsty from RDAC Hull, which was a real turning point.”

Kirsty Flint is a specialist Occupational Therapist in Driving Assessment at RDAC. RDAC is part of the charitable Driving Mobility network of assessment centres which provide support and guidance for disabled and older drivers and those seeking personal independence. She is also Community Mobility Coordinator of the centre’s new Hubs Project which advises on accessible transport – including local bus and community transport through to accessible train and plane travel.

Having met Rachael at a Stroke Educational Programme, Kirsty was able to reassure her that solutions were available. Amongst other information, Kirsty signposted the family towards local charity Motorvation, in South Cave, which provides accessible transport and days out to locations of their choosing.

Rachael said: “It has been a ray of sunshine and a link to normality for all of us. I can’t explain it any other way. Motorvation collects us in a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) and takes us to venues that are disabled friendly and accessible. Our first trip to Shibden Hall in Halifax was perhaps a little ambitious, so we have organised visits closer to home, including to Ledsham, near Leeds and the marvellous ‘Sistine’ exhibition in Hull Minster recently.   It’s been great to be able to take my parents outside of the house and the trips give us all something to look forward to. I’m really very grateful to Driving Mobility’s RDAC centre and Motorvation for making this possible. It has made a significant difference to my family’s health and well-being.”

Kirsty Flint comments: “The national Driving Mobility centres deliver excellent services including adapted driving assessments. With the launch of Hubs, seven centres including RDAC now also provide wider transport guidance. Hubs services include free information so individuals can remain independently mobile without use of a car and we can signpost people to local services, such as Motorvation. I believe our new offering will enable more people to retain or regain social activities within their community through access to essential and accessible transport information.”

For information regarding the RDAC Hubs Project contact:
Kirsty Flint, Community Mobility Coordinator (HUBS Project)
Specialist Occupational Therapist in Driving Assessment (RDAC Hull/Scunthorpe)
Telephone: 0300 300 2240. Email: hubs@rdac.co.uk

Alongside many stakeholders and associates, Councillor Stuart Davis and Mrs Sarah Walker have officially begun construction of the new RDAC disabled driving assessment headquarters in Hampton in Arden, part of the national Driving Mobility network.

RDAC is an independent charity with driving assessment centres located centrally within the UK. Its Birmingham headquarters will relocate to these new flagship Solihull premises when construction is completed in early 2020. RDAC is accredited by the nationwide charity Driving Mobility which is regarded as the national voice of assisted driving and independence. Driving Mobility oversees twenty independent organisations, similar to RDAC, 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.

Councillor Stuart Davis, Mayor of Solihull, commented: “I am honoured to perform this ceremony today and are delighted that RDAC have chosen Solihull as their new home. The location is ideal in terms of accessibility and we look forward to seeing how this new centre helps disabled individuals from across the local area gain more independence.”

The ceremony was well attended by representatives from various organisations who are responsible for the design, construction and delivery of Driving Mobility’s latest RDAC centre. Alongside the Mayor and Mayoress, attendees included:

• Sue Rogers MBE, Manager for the Mobility Centres of England, Accessibility Policy Team, Active Accessible Travel, Department for Transport
• Edward Trewhella, CEO, Driving Mobility
• Colin Barnett, CEO, RDAC, and RDAC colleagues
• John Bridgewater, Commercial Manager, Mossvale, and colleagues
• Neil Chadwick, Client Relations Manager Charities, CAF Bank
• Mark Emeny, Director, Emeny Turley Partnership Limited
• Nicholas Barlow, Managing Director, Packington Estate Enterprises Limited, and colleagues

The new RDAC centre in Solihull will serve people throughout the Midlands and will be operated by a team of qualified ADIs (Approved Driving Instructors), Occupational Therapists and Administrative Staff. This team will be focused on maximising road safety through clinical recommendations regarding appropriate adapted vehicles and specialist driving controls.

Colin Barnett, Chief Executive of RDAC comments: “Today, the team and I are feeling ecstatic that construction of our new headquarters has begun. We would like to thank everyone involved with making this happen. This milestone has taken several years to achieve however we can all look forward to helping more individuals gain driving freedom with additional capacity and extra services. Our relocation from central Birmingham has been the result of HS2 however our new premises will be situated in a more relaxed and calming rural atmosphere. We believe this will add value to the client experience resulting in greater confidence and clarity during the assessment process. Overall this scenic location will be better for everyone.”

Edward Trewhella, CEO, Driving Mobility, concludes: “The latest RDAC centre will be absolutely fantastic especially as it is purpose built for our services. An undercover all-weather area for vehicle assessments, an adjoining closed road for test drives, calming ambience and excellent transport links – it couldn’t be better. The facilities will be such an improvement on RDAC’s previous headquarters and will provide the perfect base to develop more outreach centres across the Midlands. I concur with Colin in thanking all concerned.”

Overcoming her health challenges, Diana Whittaker from Sale, has regained invaluable driving independence through the support of the new RDAC Driving Assessment centre in Salford, Manchester.

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. The new, custom-built RDAC centre in Salford serves people from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire with assessments and practical advice for older and disabled drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and mobility scooter or wheelchair users.

Diana lives with a variety of health issues including Cerebral Palsy, which in particular affects her limbs, and Osteoporosis. She has pins in her lower spine, a hip replacement and has experienced cancer twice. Due to health changes and deteriorating mobility, Diana found that she could no longer drive her Motability car with ease or in comfort, which subsequently led to a decrease in driving ability and confidence.

Diana comments: “I can walk short distances but as the strength in my lower limbs and knees has decreased, I find I am now more wheelchair reliant. Unfortunately, over the years, I gradually stopped driving as my vehicle adaptations did not suit my altered health requirements and were not providing suitable assistance. My husband and daughter have been very supportive in driving me around. However, I recently decided that if I could update my vehicle adaptations and return to driving, then it would take some of the pressure away them.”

After researching with her daughter, Diana discovered the organisation Driving Mobility and applied for a referral via Motability. In due course, a driving assessment was arranged, in May 2018, at the newly opened RDAC centre in Salford.

Diana comments: “I was very organised and prepared everything in advance that I could think of. I contacted the DVLA to inform them of changes to my health and upgraded my licence to the photo version. I also made sure when I went for my assessment that I took my driving glasses, pip award and lists of medication. On the day I was very nervous as I hadn’t driven for nearly ten years. However, being welcomed by Sean Barratt, RDAC’s Assessment Team Manager, as well as John Allen, Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and Rebecca King, Occupational Therapist soon set me at ease. The interest they showed in my needs and abilities really reassured me. I received a medical assessment and we discussed my general mobility. They really wanted to understand my true range of movement and strength so that they could help me in the most effective way.”

The Centre staff accompanied Diana for a short driving assessment and then recommended she try a variety of vehicle controls and adaptations that might make driving easier, including an over-ring accelerator and push-brake through to various cushions to enhance seating comfort.

Diana comments: “John and Becky didn’t just assess my driving – they assessed how parts of my body moved, such as my shoulders and arms. They seemed to know exactly what I needed and constantly checked how I was feeling. It was very much a slow and steady pace whilst I familiarized myself with the controls and driving but overall, I felt really safe. I was thrilled to be able to trial so many adaptations, particularly the over-ring accelerator as I had previously been unsuccessful in finding anywhere to try one.”

Diana received two assessments at RDAC followed by six lessons paid for by Motability. She was provided with feedback and reports from Driving Mobility which she used to keep the DVLA and Motability up to date with her progress. The reports also recommended the adaptations and controls that Diana would require on an automatic vehicle to enable her to return to driving effectively.

Diana concludes: “I am delighted to report that I am now back behind the wheel! I am continuing with a few more lessons to build up my road confidence but I am very much enjoying driving my new Nissan QashQai which has been adapted by Motability. I use a Guido Simplex over-ring, an electric handbrake as well as a push brake and four-way hoist – all recommended by the RDAC team.  I really want to emphasise how friendly and encouraging they have been. I haven’t felt any pressure or panic throughout. So few mobility organisations offer these services – you might be able to find someone to demonstrate a push-pull knob but trialling an over-ring is another thing. I can’t thank RDAC enough for the opportunities, feedback and advice I have been given. They have some of the best people I have met – a true dream team!”.