Representing Driving Mobility, Occupational Therapists from the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre and RDAC Salford will be demonstrating their driving assessment services for young disabled people at Kidz to Adultz North on stand F27.

Supported by the Department for Transport, Driving Mobility centres offer professional support and driving assessments for young disabled people who wish to learn or retain the ability to drive

Each of the twenty centres accredited by Driving Mobility, many with outreach facilities, operate either as independent charities or within an NHS Trust. Occupational Therapists (OTs), Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Administration staff support young individuals signposted from the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals such as OTs and GPs.

Aspiring new drivers can apply for their provisional licence from 16 if they have a qualifying disability however a clinically-led fitness to drive assessment needs to take place – this is where Driving Mobility can assist following a self-referral or professional recommendation. OTs and advisors from the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre in Leeds and RDAC Salford will be able to explain this process at Kidz to Adultz North along with all other services that signpost individuals to accessible driving. Both centres own a fleet of adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) so test drives and driver evaluation can be delivered for a variety of abilities. With professional advice from Driving Mobility, clients and supporting OTs can then proceed with sourcing the most appropriate vehicle for safe and comfortable driving.

Offering a fun and interactive opportunity, there will be a vehicle simulator on the stand at Kidz North for professionals and families to try

This feature is a replica of the equipment at many centres which is used to measure driver capabilities and will highlight certain considerations associated with adapted driving.

Edward Trewhella, Chief Executive, Driving Mobility comments: “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. 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 to Adultz North will provide an invaluable opportunity for families and healthcare professionals to discover pathways to greater independent mobility for their clients and children.”

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This post was written by Jon Nock on behalf of Driving Mobility.