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

Philip North, Senior OT, will be providing unmissable education regarding client driving assessments at the OT Show, in conjunction with Driving Mobility and its regional William Merritt Disabled Living Centre. (Stand K51 NEC, 27-28 November).

The William Merritt Disabled Living Centre is proud to be part of the nationwide Driving Mobility network. Supported by the Department for Transport, Driving Mobility centres offer professional support and driving assessments to OT clients who need to gain, or retain, the ability to drive following a diagnosis involving impairment or disability.

Philip is a highly experienced OT from The William Merritt Centre in Leeds. He has over 30 year’s of clinical practice and is a nationally respected specialist in medical fitness to drive assessments. He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in postural, driver and passenger assessments. Philip manages Driver Assessment Services across three regional sites in Leeds, Sheffield and York.

Medical Fitness to Drive – maintaining independent mobility

Dates and times:      27th November, 10:30-10:45, 11:30-11:45, 12:30-12:45, 14:30-14:45.                 
28th November, 10:30-10:45, 11:30-11:45, 12:30-12:45, 14:30-14:45.

Location:                      OT Show, NEC Birmingham Stand K51

Speaker:                       Philip North, OT

Synopsis:
The sessions will outline how Driving Mobility assessments check client physical and cognitive abilities with a view to driving a vehicle safely and in comfort. They will also offer advice on aids and adaptations that may assist driving. Each assessment establishes a person’s fitness to drive, related to a medical condition and is carried out by a team of qualified OTs and Approved Driving Instructors.

On stand K51 Driving Mobility will demonstrate and discuss the role of their Occupational Therapists when assessing cognitive and physical driving abilities. A driving simulator will be available on the stand so visitors will be able to experience the key aspects that are assessed.

Learning outcomes:

• Delegates will reflect on the role of occupational therapy within driving
• Greater appreciation of the link between driving and independence
• Consideration of the practical elements of a driving assessment:
  – Cognitive skills being assessed – eg. visual perception, decision making, attention, planning ability, slowed processing skills, memory and higher executive thinking
  – Physical function – ability to steer and use foot controls and change gear
• Develop greater understanding of vehicle adaptions and support to remain driving

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

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

#MyDrivingMobility