Driving Mobility to help aspiring young disabled adults get behind the wheel at upcoming paediatric event
At this month’s Kidz to Adultz North, Driving Mobility, represented by occupational therapists from the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre and RDAC Salford, will be informing young disabled adults about the pathways available to safe assisted driving.
With aspiring new drivers able to apply for their provisional licence from 16 if they have a qualifying disability, young disabled adults are required to undergo a clinically-led fitness-to-drive assessment before they are able to take to the roads.
To help educate and assist young adults in this process, OTs and advisors from the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre in Leeds and RDAC Salford will be on hand at the show to discuss the assessment in detail, as well as cover all the other services available in regards to accessible driving.
Both centres own a fleet of adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles, enabling the organisations to deliver test drives and driver evaluations for a variety of abilities. Along with professional advice from Driving Mobility, clients and supporting OTs can then proceed with sourcing the most appropriate vehicle for safe and comfortable driving, says the charity.
In addition to advice and guidance, Driving Mobility will also offer a fun and interactive element on stand, allowing professionals and families to try out a vehicle simulator – a replica of the equipment used at many centres to measure driver capabilities and highlight considerations associated with adapted driving.
“As the national voice of assisted driving and independence, Driving Mobility is committed to helping as many young disabled drivers as possible get behind the wheel,” commented Edward Trewhella, Chief Executive of Driving Mobility.
“Our services extend to all aspects of accessible travel, particularly with our new Hubs initiative supported by the Department for Transport. The Driving Mobility stand at Kidz North will provide an invaluable opportunity for families and healthcare professionals to discover pathways to greater independent mobility for their clients and children.”
A national charity, Driving Mobility accredits a network of 20 centres providing professional support and driving assessments for young disabled people who wish to learn or retain the ability to drive, with each centre operating either as independent charities or within an NHS Trust.
Young individuals are signposted to the centres from the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals where they receive support from OTs, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Administration staff.
Supported by the Department for Transport, the national driving charity recently unveiled its new ‘Hubs’ pilot scheme, an initiative focused on providing in-depth advice relating to accessible travel to help reduce social isolation and improve independent mobility.
Kidz to Adultz will take place on Thursday 14th November 2019. 9.30am – 4.30pm, EventCity, Barton Dock Road, Manchester, M17 8AS.
Driving Mobility will be on stand F27.
https://thiis.co.uk/driving-mobility-to-help-aspiring-young-disabled-drivers-get-behind-the-wheel-at-upcoming-paediatric-event/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Driving_Mobility_KidzNorth_2019.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Driving_Mobility_KidzNorth_2019-150x150.jpgNewsroomSector NewsThird SectorDepartment for Transport,driving assessment,Driving Mobility,Edward Trewhella,event,exhibition,Kidz to Adultz,Manchester,Occupational Therapist,OT,OT's,pathways,RDAC Salford,William Merritt Disabled Living CentreAt this month’s Kidz to Adultz North, Driving Mobility, represented by occupational therapists from the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre and RDAC Salford, will be informing young disabled adults about the pathways available to safe assisted driving. With aspiring new drivers able to apply for their provisional licence from 16...Calvin BarnettCalvin Barnettcalvin.barnett@bhta.comAuthorTHIIS Magazine