June Issue of the

Disabled Motorist

Disabled Motorist is the monthly magazine of the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club. It's packed with useful and interesting information and it campaigns on the issues that affect you - whether you are a driver, passenger, or carer for a disabled child. Here, on our growing web site, is a small selection. If you would like to join the 20,000 people who receive a regular copy, please visit the Club membership page .

Various news and information

Better late than never

Roll up, for all the fun of the show!

Scooter scheme reduces prices and raises quality

ROUTE2MOBILITY (r2m), which took over operation of the Motability
Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme two years ago, has announced a
raft of changes designed to signifi cantly enhance the mobility of disabled people
and recruit more customers to the scheme.
The service it operates under contract from Motability allows disabled people
who receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement to use all or part of their benefi t towards the provision of a scooter or powerchair.
From 1 July 2005, these changes include a major reduction in prices on their hire purchase scheme, the creation of a flexible rental option and further plans for
a scheme focused on the needs of more severely disabled customers.
r2m says price cuts in the hire purchase scheme for powered wheelchairs and scooters could be as much as 27% (£1,100), with a typical total reduction of £500.
Helen Halsall, CEO at r2m, told Disabled Motorist: “We are tremendously excited at these price reductions, which mean that the scheme represents excellent value for money.
We believe in offering a complete service so we’ve achieved these price reductions
at the same time as improvements in our initial assessment procedures and level
of after sales care – which we know are very important to our disabled customers.
“In our fi rst year of operation we managed signifi cant reduction in prices
on this scheme but we are always striving to do better and this is the result.
We’ve even managed to introduce an interest-free option if you can pay the
total price over one year.” r2m has also launched a flexible“peace of mind” package to give what they describe as continuous mobility. In a move that is unique in the marketplace they’ll offer a powered wheelchair or scooter, plus all the associated services that are typically bought separately, including insurance, breakdown cover, extended warranty and even replacement batteries and tyres – all for one single monthly payment. Customers will receive a comprehensive initial
assessment to ensure they get the right product and if their needs change during
the life of the agreement, for example as a result of a progressive disability, they
can switch to something more suitable. Says Helen Halsall: “Our customers
are highly dependent on the products we supply. A scooter or powerchair is often
the essential element in determining individual mobility. Price is important
but so is back up and fl exibility.“It will still be possible to buy cheaper
from a ‘box shifter’ on the internet but our customers, 83% of whom need to
use their scooter or powerchair every day, have told us that their continuous
mobility is vital. We have therefore put together a package that tries to balance
everything; giving competitive pricing, the best possible after-sales support and
fl exibility to adapt if a customer’s needs change.”
In what clearly represents a signifi cant shake-up in existing dealer arrangements,
Helen argues that this has only proved possible by linking up with major
national suppliers who share Motability’s commitment to customer service and
value for money. They’ll have to be able to deliver UK-wide coverage, a professional assessment of every customer’s needs, comprehensive maintenance (including product replacement) – and the best prices.
A focus on a limited number of quality dealers who have a significant infrastructure can only be good for the consumer. The mobility aids market is notorious for its high
margins and daunting array of products.
There is often huge price variation on near-identical items and high-pressure
selling techniques and poor practice abound. Even when a customer is wary,
the individual discounting and variation in after-sales support make informed
consumer choice extremely diffi cult.
The top brass at Motability back the changes. Don Brereton, Director of Motability, told us: “We completely support these wide-ranging scheme developments. They are entirely consistent with Motability’s aim of providing fi rst class customer service and affordable prices in meeting the mobility needs of disabled people.”
Helen and her team are now developing plans to cater for the needs of more severely disabled people who need specialist, high tech, powerchairs. The
high cost of these products means they are often out of the reach of the people
who need them most, but Helen is clear in her intent.
“By September 2005, r2m will announce plans to open up access to the Scheme for these products, utilising as network of specialist dealers” she promised.

The silver, drive-from wheelchair machine

BILLED as “the most exciting innovation of the past ten years for disabled motorcyclists”, the Conquest 850 was launched at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.
It is claimed to be the UK’s first mass-produced high-performance tricycle that can be driven from a wheelchair.
Manufactured by Hyde-based Martin Conquest Limited (MCL), the Conquest 850 is based on the BMW R850R motorcycle.
Well-known bespoke wheelchair manufacturer Cyclone Mobility & Fitness was involved in the design of the new tricycle.
MCL founder Alan Martin said: “This is the culmination of a three-year dream to provide mobility to disabled former motorcyclists and disabled aspiring motorcyclists. The vehicle is userfriendly
yet provides the ‘freedom to be wild’ that is missing from many people’s lives.
“After gaining some insight into what it is to be disabled I wanted to build a beautiful machine that would completely change some disabled people’s lives. I believe this is what I have done with the Conquest 850.” He added: “We are delighted that the National Association for Bikers with a Disability worked with us closely as we developed the Conquest and we are grateful for their support and encouragement.”
Rick Hulse, NABD Chairman, speaking at the launch said: “The Conquest trike is the most exciting innovation of the last ten years for disabled motorcyclists.“The ability to ride from the
wheelchair will open up the world of biking to countless more disabled people throughout the world.”
Alan Martin added: “We are also grateful for the encouragement and technical advice and assistance provided to us by Cyclone Mobility & Fitness Equipment.”

GB shows way with Paralympic World Cup success

THE INAUGURAL Paralympic World Cup in Manchester has been hailed as a huge success.
“It shows we can do it so well and it’s got to be a big boost for London’s 2012 bid,” said wheelchair athlete Tanni Grey Thomson after winning twice at the games.
More than 350 athletes from 46 countries competed at the four-day event, which featured wheelchair basketball, athletics, track cycling and swimming. It is set to be held annually for the next two years and organisers hope it will help to bridge the gap between Paralympic Games.

Winner gives converted Zafira to special school

WHEN Mr David Westley from Stockport was picked as the first winner of Gowrings Mobility’s 40th anniversary Seize the Day competition to win a specially adapted car, he immediately donated it to his local special school.
Mr Westley entered the competition to win the converted Vauxhall Zafira so that he could give it to special school, Charnwood Nursery School and Family Care Centre as a thank you for the support they have given his son and family.
His son, Jacob, was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at two years old and benefited from extensive speech therapy lessons at Charnwood Nursery School.
Mr Westley said: “I was totally amazed when I found out that I’d won. The first thing my wife and I did was to go down to the school to let them know the good news as they didn’t even know I’d entered in the first place. I wanted to show my
gratitude to the school for everything they’ve done for us, and I’m delighted they can use the car.”
The news was very welcome for Charnwood Nursery and Family Centre, which was about to start fundraising for a new wheelchair accessible vehicle itself. Mrs Jean Lee, Principal, said: “It’s fabulous news; we are over the moon. In the past,
trips out have been difficult for some of our children with special needs, but now that we have a wheelchair passenger car, visits to local amenities will be much more practical.”
The Vauxhall Zafira 2.2 Elegance has been adapted to the Gowrings Mobility conversion standard, which includes a lowered floor and integral ramp for easy access, a four-point wheelchair securing system and a personal lap and diagonal
belt for the wheelchair user. The wheelchair user enters the Zafira via the ramp at the rear and can travel, whilst remaining in their chair, in comfort and safety.
Paralympic athlete and Gowrings Mobility’s campaign spokesperson Dame Tanni Grey Thompson was invited to the Gowrings-organised Mobility South at Newbury Racecourse in May to hand over the keys.
Gowrings Mobility is giving away three specially adapted vehicles, while raising at least £100,000 for a group of charities, including the DDMC.
Entry to the competition is usually via the premium rate hotline 09065 500 600 – but during the Mobility Roadshow visitors can enter for a discounted rate of £1 with all proceeds going to charity. The competition will see a Citroen Berlingo given away at Mobility North on September 30, and a Special Edition “Anniversary Gold” Kangoo for Christmas.
NEWS & INFORMATION
IT’S THE all-action Mobility Roadshow at Donington Park from July 7-9, with thrills
planned for the “infield action arena” (left).
Innovations galore will be on show, with a special focus on young disabled people.
See our preview of the show, starting on Page27. Further information about the free event is available at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk or by calling 0870 770 3222.
Winner gives converted Zafira to special school Tanni Grey Thompson and Linda Ling (right) hand over the keys to David Westley and Jean Lee at Mobility South.

DRC tells court health chiefs are ‘erecting demons’

THE GENERAL Medical Council and Secretary of State for Health were deeply offensive and patronising in suggesting doctors should be able to overrule the views of disabled people about the treatment they receive, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) told the Court of Appeal.
On the last day of an appeal between Leslie Burke and the GMC, the DRC also argued that the GMC and Secretary of State for Health were “erecting demons which don’t exist” by
misreading a previous judgment of the case.
The DRC’s arguments in the appeal hearing centred around three core principles which, it said, needed to be upheld on behalf of disabled people around life-saving treatment. They are: disabled people with capacity should be able to decide for themselves what in their best interests and not have the views of doctors imposed upon them particularly on non-medical
issues; proper value must be placed on the lives of disabled people who lack capacity; in the event of a dispute on best interests, the court should be involved.

Rotarians add wind to sails

ROTARIANS International British Isles have selected RYA Sailability, the charity founded ten years ago to develop sailing opportunities for disabled people, as one of their special projects for 2005/6 and will embrace it as part of their
Opportunities to Serve portfolio. Their support will help local sailing clubs raise funds for boats and equipment for disabled sailing and may also provide that most valuable asset – volunteers.
RYA Sailability works with around 220 centres providing boating opportunities for people with disabilities irrespective of their disability. It is one of the few sports where people with disabilities can participate on equal terms with able bodied
sailors. In 2004 over 16,000 disabled sailors used these facilities.