People with disabilities soon to have easy route to specialist driving lessons
The Association of Disability Driving Instructors is a new organisation being set up to address the currently unmet need to provide an easily accessible, comprehensive, regularly updated UK register of driving instructors who have been trained to work with people with disabilities.
To be launched at this year’s Mobility Roadshow that takes place at the Telford International Centre on 27-29 June, the initiative is in partnership with the Forum of Mobility Centres to provide an on-line ‘one-stop shop’ to help people with physical disability, special educational needs or with hearing difficulties to get impartial advice about learning to drive
New models on Roadshow test drive circuit
Drivers requiring adapted vehicles will have their first opportunity to test drive some of the latest models at this Roadshow. On the test drive track will be the new VW Golf, winner of World Car of the Year in the World Car Awards 2013. Ford will showcase its all-new Kuga and the Ford B-Max will be available to test drive (was static display at the last Roadshow). Other motoring highlights include local Shrewsbury distributor Budgen Motors hosting the first public showing of the new Peugeot 2008.
New caravans and motorhomes are being featured by Coachbuilt, Lewis Reed, and WildAx Motorhomes in partnership with Brook Miller Mobility.
Marking the 30th Anniversary of this popular annual event will be ‘vintage’ models alongside some of the latest available for the mobility sector. Confirmed to date are a 1980 Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 GLS 2000 4-door saloon and 1983 Astra GTE Mk1. Bringing motoring innovation right up-to-date will be the Nissan LEAF® electric car on static display, plus an adapted Mercedes Sprinter from Motability, converted for drive-from-wheelchair capability.
Authentic driving experience is a first
The Mobility Roadshow was the first event to offer opportunities to test drive production model vehicles with a variety of adaptations, enabling people with disabilities the rare opportunity to ‘try before you buy’.
This year, for the first time in the show’s history, test drives will take place on public roads around the venue, offering visitors a more authentic driving experience. With the opportunity to try a wide range of marques and models, including drive-from-wheelchair options, this is an excellent opportunity to compare vehicle handling in real traffic conditions.
A carefully planned route, with set off from and return to the Telford International Centre, has been designed in consultation with experienced instructors, who as always will accompany each driver.
Test drives are open to full licence holders only; however, provisional licence holders will have a chance to try out vehicles for comfort and accessibility and are invited to attend Get Going Live! – an event specifically for novice drivers with disabilities – on Saturday 13th July, details atwww.getgoinglive.co.uk
Register at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk for free tickets, test drives and to keep abreast of news as it unfolds. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @MobilityRdShow #mobilityroadshow
Ends
Editorial contact for more information, interviews and pictures:
Rosemary Vaux at Mobility Roadshow press office
tel 020 8943 5343 mobile 07792 72 62 41
email pressoffice@mobilityroadshow
Mobility Reporter 