Hampton in Arden’s RDAC, a driving assessment centre and part of the Driving Mobility network, has had the honour of a visit from Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Minister of State for Transport.

Supported by The Department for Transport (DfT), the national charity Driving Mobility oversees a network of centres across the UK that provide a range of driving and mobility assessment services so individuals with restricted mobility can gain or retain independence. Service users can self-refer or are signposted to centres, such as those operated by RDAC, from the DVLA, Motability, NHS and the Police. Their main ‘fitness to drive’ assessments are complemented by additional services including mobility scooter assessments and advice on using accessible public transport – all focused on facilitating inclusion and reducing social isolation.

On arrival at RDAC’s headquarters, Mr Heaton-Harris MP was greeted by Edward Trewhella, CEO of Driving Mobility, and Sean Barratt, CEO of RDAC. Representatives from the DfT’s Accessible and Inclusive Travel Division; the Manager for the Mobility Centres of England, Sue Rogers MBE; and Head of Equalities and Inclusion, Faith Wilkinson were also in attendance.

Sean Barratt opened by saying: “RDAC were privileged to represent Driving Mobility and other assessment centres in hosting a visit from the minister”. A tour of the recently built RDAC Head Office followed where Sean Barratt explained how the Government is continuing to support Driving Mobility Centres so they can support greater equality and opportunities for disabled and older people.

Stephen Dent, Head of Assessments and Education at RDAC, exhibited a variety of accessible and adapted vehicles whilst giving the Minister an overview of driving adaptations, vehicle access solutions and drive-from-wheelchair options. This was then followed by demonstrations from RDAC’s Clare Jones, Head of Assessments and Research. She showcased paediatric assessment equipment that enables disabled children and families to achieve a better quality of life. Solutions included specialist car seats, innovative paediatric powered wheelchairs and the TryB4UFly service which provides advice on air travel with a disability.

To complete the visit, Amy Leddington, Head of Marketing and Business Operations, talked through the client journey after assessment and how the launch of the new RDAC Driving School and HUBs pilot project complete a full circle of support. Kirsty Flint, Occupational Therapist and HUBS Programme for East Riding and Greater Manchester, reiterated Amy’s message by expressing how invaluable the HUBs service has been for people with disabilities. The HUBs scheme, funded by the DfT, was launched in 2019 to provide information and support about transport options for individuals who were advised against continuing to drive.

Minister Chris Heaton-Harris concluded by saying: “Disability should never be a barrier to independence, and it was a pleasure to see and support the vital work being done at RDAC. Visiting the centre underlined to me how important it is that our transport network is truly accessible, ensuring everyone can travel with confidence again following the pandemic.”

#MyDrivingMobility

Driving Mobility, the charity that accredits specialist driving assessments centres across the UK, has successfully showcased its services to a healthy number of visitors at Kidz to Adultz North.

Organised by the charity Disabled Living, Kidz North is part of a series of regional events that brings together the latest assistive products and services for disabled children and young adults. The latest exhibition at EventCity Manchester generated strong attendance figures from therapists, carers and families keen to discover new solutions for easier living. The Driving Mobility exhibition stand provided an opportunity for visitors to understand its services and experience a driving simulator that highlighted the many aspects of driving assessment.

The 20 independent centres within Driving Mobility, many with outreach facilities, 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 healthcare professionals. Once a provisional licence application is complete Occupational Therapists and ADI’s (Approved Driving Instructors) from Driving Mobility can assess, review and signpost young drivers to the most appropriate adapted vehicle. These services were explained at Kidz North by representatives from two Driving Mobility centres – namely the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre based in Leeds and RDAC Salford.

David Blythe, representing Driving Mobility commented: “We were delighted to have debuted at Kidz North as our services were introduced to a healthy number of professionals and parents. Our driving simulator was a popular feature as it offered both education and entertainment for adult and junior visitors seeking informed guidance on assisted driving.  OTs were able to understand how our assessment services maximise occupational performance for their clients and why choosing Driving Mobility enhances positive outcomes for all.”

Teams from Derby DrivAbility and Birmingham’s Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) will be representing Driving Mobility at Motability’s ‘The Big Event’ on Friday 28 June and Saturday 29 June 2019. The teams will be on hand to explain to visitors how Driving Mobility centres operate and the varied services they provide.

In addition to the main stand, RDAC’s Stephen Dent, Assessment Manager, (Friday) and Barbara Hutton, Occupational Therapist, (Saturday) will be delivering talks on ‘advice and support available at driving assessment centres’ at 1pm on both days in the main Speaker Area.

The Big Event 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:

• Nearly 200 cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), adaptations, scooters and powered wheelchairs on display
• The opportunity to test drive adapted and non-adapted cars, including passenger WAV test drive experiences
• Expert speakers giving talks on all aspects of the Scheme
• 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…

The event will showcase:

• Over 100 cars from 27 different manufacturers
• Over 45 adapted cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV)
• Over 50 scooters and powered wheelchairs
• Specialist advice from our Scheme partners

You can download your free event guide here: https://www.motability.co.uk/tbe_guide_2019.pdf

As one of the UK-wide Driving Mobility assessment centres, Salford’s RDAC has given powerchair user Paula Taylor from Bolton the route to complete driving independence through its specialist assessment and advice service.

Charity Driving Mobility, supported by the Department for Transport, accredits twenty independent organisations which offer professional driving assessments to people who need to gain, or retain, the ability to drive following a diagnosis involving impairment or disability. Service users can self-refer or are signposted by the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals such as GPs. The new, custom-built RDAC centre in Salford advises Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, mobility scooter and wheelchair users on independence mobility.

Paula, aged 46, has driven the same adapted vehicle since a car accident in 2001 which caused a progressive decline in health and mobility. Following injections in 2003 to treat Fibromyalgia, she became paralysed from the neck down and spent a year recuperating in hospital. Paula was subsequently diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), a debilitating complex pain condition in her limbs.  Now a full-time wheelchair user, Paula’s needs have recently changed and she finds unaided transfers into her car particularly difficult. Having first visited a Driving Mobility centre fifteen years ago, she decided to arrange another assessment at RDAC Salford in preparation for a new vehicle purchase. Paula wanted to ascertain that she was still using the most suitable adaptations and which controls would fit her new vehicle.

Paula comments: “Following my time in hospital, I became very depressed as I needed help with everything. I knew something had to change and my first Driving Mobility assessment in 2004 was incredibly helpful. In fact, I have used the recommended adjustable floor-mounted hand control ever since. I now have a more limited range of movement and a PA visits during the week to assist me – but I’m determined not to lose my driving independence, especially with five children and seven grandchildren. As I wanted to thoroughly research all my options, I contacted RDAC who have been really helpful.”

Following an update regarding Paula’s medical history and a cognitive assessment, Sean Barratt, RDAC Centre Manager, suggested Paula trial various new hand controls to operate the brakes and accelerator, as well as steering wheel rim controllers. However, as Paula found them unmanageable over extended periods of driving time, Sean subsequently recommended she updated her current controls to a Carospeed Menox. This can be installed in most vehicles and is highly adjustable to suit individual requirements. Sean also recommended a steering wheel ball and pedal adaptations to enable Paula to be more comfortable in the car.

Paula concludes: “To be able to talk to a specialist about individual needs and receive impartial advice is so reassuring. I discovered exactly what I needed, and I was delighted that all the adaptation recommendations were suitable for any vehicle. I’m grateful to the Centre staff for also spending time trying to establish which new vehicle would be best for me. They considered transfer requirements and which car could cater for my hoist and powerchair. Following my assessment, I have ordered a new accessible vehicle which fits me like a glove and is so easy to transfer into. The hands-on information that people can receive from Driving Mobility centres is unparalleled. I certainly know where to go next time I need advice!”

Accredited by the charity Driving Mobility, RDAC operates 11 driver assessment centres nationwide – it is opening a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Greater Manchester so that more people with disabilities can benefit from assisted motoring.

LOCATION: AJ Bell Stadium, 1 Stadium Way, Barton-upon-Irwell, Salford, Greater Manchester. M30 7EY
OFFICIAL OPENING: Thursday 1^st November 2018, 11am – 3pm.
PRESS CALL: All reporters and photographers are welcome to attend.

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. RDAC is part of this network and has been in existence since 1989 – it provides assessments for older and disabled drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and mobility scooter or wheelchair users. Within its services practical advice is given regarding appropriate driving adaptations, WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) and specialist tuition so that domestic and professional drivers can remain independent and safe. The new, custom-built RDAC centre in Salford represents a ‘flagship’ modern facility servicing people from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire.

Sean Barratt, Assessment Team Manager, directs a team of Approved Driving Instructors, Occupational Therapists and Administrative staff – all focused on providing the best individualised recommendations for mobility with peace of mind. This caring and experienced team delivers a service that seeks to minimise the worry of driving assessment and positively supports drivers, of all ages, with conditions such as Stroke, Arthritis or Spinal Injury. The new Centre boasts outstanding access and transport links with off road assessment areas for non-licence holders. Other ancillary services include Tryb4uFly cabin assessments to help with accessible air travel, and guidance regarding specialist car seats for disabled children.

Sean explains: “The team and I are so proud of our new spacious centre – its modern facilities will make a huge difference to service users looking to regain their driving independence. I would like to invite everyone with an interest in assisted motoring to attend our official launch day. We have an impressive range of features planned including the opportunity to test drive adapted cars from our specialist fleet. We will be welcoming several VIPs including senior representatives from the Department for Transport and Driving Mobility. Come and enjoy free refreshments and the opportunity to meet drivers and professionals ready to share experiences and advice.”

Sean continues: “RDAC is all about restoring confidence and improving safety – we strive to help as many people as possible to regain driving independence. We have a fully accessible indoor assessment zone so that vehicles can be driven into the Centre for demonstrations and discussions whatever the weather. This is a major advantage, especially during the winter months, making appointments to discuss driving adaptations far more engaging. Our spacious premises include a suite of private consultation rooms and an information lounge full of the latest guidance and literature. Thanks to our stadium location, service users can benefit from a driving experience that is calm and reassuring.”

Sean concludes: “Our contemporary spacious setting is a welcoming and fresh environment to help disabled and elderly drivers seeking answers – it perfectly reflects the nationwide RDAC and Driving Mobility commitment to service excellence. We look forward to helping more and more individuals enjoy the lifestyle benefits of assisted motoring.”

#MyDrivingMobility