Driving Mobility gets set to deliver CPD seminars and assessment insight at OT Show
Occupational therapists from Driving Mobility, the national charity which coordinates driving assessment centres with the Department for Transport, will be offering ‘express’ on-stand CPD seminars at the upcoming OT Show, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 23-24 November 2022.
The CPD schedule includes the 15-minute seminar, ‘Maintaining independent mobility’, which takes place on 23 November and 24 November, at 11.30am and 2.30pm. During the seminar, Jaqueline Guerin, Occupational Therapist, and David Blythe, General Manager of William Merritt Centre, will outline how Driving Mobility assessments identify physical and cognitive client abilities, with a view to maintaining or regaining safe driving. It will also explain why each assessment establishes a person’s fitness-to-drive relative to specific medical conditions and is carried out by qualified OTs and approved driving instructors.
Delegates will be encouraged to reflect on the role of occupational therapy within driving and gain an appreciation of the link between driving and independence. They will be asked to consider the practical elements of a driving assessment, such as cognitive skills and physical function, and obtain a greater understanding of vehicle adaptions and support to remain driving.
A second 15-minute seminar, ‘Safe Travels – car seat options for children with additional needs’, takes place on 23 November at 10.30am and 12.30pm. Led by Clare Jones, an occupational therapist with specialist paediatric knowledge, this CPD topic will explore potential in-vehicle equipment for children with additional needs including challenging behaviour.
Participants at this seminar will get an understanding of how specific equipment can provide safe travel for children with postural and mobility challenges and of the different moving and handling options. They will also be able to obtain knowledge about the Motability Scheme, wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) and vehicle adaptations for passengers, and about Driving Mobility Centres which offer car seat assessments.
The third 15-minute seminar, ‘The Power of Early Powered Mobility‘, takes place on 24 November at 10.30am and 12.30pm. Led by Kate El Bizanti, Occupational Therapist, this CPD session will increase knowledge regarding the benefits of early powered mobility in children with disabilities. The national Bugzi powered wheelchair loan scheme, provided by Driving Mobility, will be highlighted within the presentation.
Participants will see clinical evidence that demonstrates the importance of early powered mobility and gain a deeper understanding of how powered mobility for young children is more than learning wheelchair skills. They will also find out about increased accessibility to early powered mobility though our ‘new school squads’
To complement the educational content, visitors can visit Stand L30 to view displays that highlight the range of services available at Driving Mobility centres. These include a driving simulator, adapted driving controls, details on the new Hubs Mobility Service, mobility scooter assessments, paediatric car seats and the Bugzi powerchair for children.
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.
Earlier this year, in order to strengthen guidance and information for drivers with disabilities, Driving Mobility began supporting more relevant activities of the charity Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK).
