Disabled driver groups back in merger talks
MERGER of the two main organisations for disabled drivers and passengers in the UK is again a possibility. The Executive Committees of the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club (DDMC) and The Disabled Drivers Association (DDA) are meeting in early September to try and plan the way forward.
Talks had stalled since the last attempt at merger had foundered amid acrimony three years ago, but the DDMC are approaching the meeting with a high level of optimism.
“Our Council of Management recently had a weekend event, facilitated by myself, where we had a great opportunity to think strategically about the future,” said DDMC Chief Executive Ed Passant.
“There is no doubt that a merged organisation would give us a stronger voice and a far better use of scarce resources.
There was an extremely strong feeling that we owed it to our members, and disabled drivers and passengers in general,
to give merger negotiations another try.”
DDMC Chairman, David Grieve, wrote to his opposite number, Joe Hennessy, requesting an early meeting to “establish a clear and positive commitment to merger from all parties”, and immediately received a positive reply.
The DDMC, founded in 1922 by a group of disabled people, was the world's first motoring organisation for disabled people and one of the first disability organisations to be run solely by disabled people. The Disabled Drivers Association grew out of the Invalid Trike Association and ran pioneering social activities for disabled people at a time when little else was available.
Both organisations are similar in size (with the DDA claiming a slightly larger membership) produce a regular magazine,
develop services to members and campaign on issues affecting disabled drivers and passengers.
“We believe that, with goodwill on both sides, we can at last achieve the vision that both organisations have been working towards,” said David Grieve. 
Retailers publish bay abuse code of practice
THE BRITISH Retail Consortium (BRC) has at last issued
a code of practice for retailers to “stamp down on people
who abuse parking bays intended for disabled customers”.
But the code has received a cool response from bay
abuse campaigners who believe it is far too little, far too
late (see comments page).
As part of the code, retailers will now undertake regular
“Blue Badge inspections”, devise a means of alerting nondisabled customers that they are not entitled to use those
bays and ensure that staff, suppliers and contactors do not
occupy or obstruct any disabled parking bays.
The code also claims to ensure that if parking is offered
as part of a refurbishment or new build programme, there
is appropriate provision for disabled customers in terms of
numbers dimensions and locations of bays. Kevin Hawkins,
BRC director general said: “Retailers are committed to
providing the parking facilities for disabled customers
but some people continue to abuse them. It's now time for
retailers to take action.
“All BRC members with parking facilities support the
code, putting substantial weight behind the efforts already
being made by retailers and giving them more power in
effectively dealing with unauthorised users.
“We hope the code will put an end to this unacceptable
behaviour and let disabled customers know that retailers
are working to stamp down on abuse – hopefully making
their shopping experience more enjoyable and convenient,”
he added.
Lorries ‘can use’ your bays
DDMC is seeking urgent clarification of an apparent anomaly that could render many disabled parking bays pointless.
In the outcry over the Green Party parking their campaign bus in disabled bays in Gloucester, the local police force told us: “The space is not a dedicated disabled parking space – it is also a loading and unloading bay.”
Disabled Motorist has since asked Gloucester City Council, which co-ordinates the bays, if this could be so, to be told by a spokesman: “There is a formal traffic order which designates all of the disabled bays in the city. This order has
a list of exemptions which includes:
emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, council vehicles, etc. The exemptions also cover the use of the bays for loading
and unloading purposes.
“It's rarely a problem as most delivery trucks don't use them and will normally park on yellow lines, etc for their deliveries.
“I'm told by my engineers that this exemption list under the traffic order is fairly standard and if you delve you'll probably find it in most, if not all other areas.
“There is no sign on the bay because road sign convention is that you don't sign what is allowed – only what isn't,” he added.
If this is the case everywhere, it will add insult to the injury disabled people feel each time they see a lorry in a disabled
parking bay, because the chances are the lorry would be within its rights to park there.
DDMC Chief executive Ed Passant said: “Perhaps I'm simply exposing my ignorance, but I find Gloucester City Council's suggestion that this type of traffic order is commonplace simply staggering. Can it really be the case that bays allocated to disabled people can also be used by lorry and van delivery drivers at will?“Disabled motorists have enough
difficulties coping with parking abuse– without this additional burden. I'll be seeking immediate clarification from the Mobility and Inclusion Unit at the Department of Transport.”
Inclusive design awards reward bright ideas
STUDENTS from London's Royal College of Art have been rewarded for designs aimed at making life better for older and disabled people.
The Design for our Future Selves Awards, organised by the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre, included the Mobility
Choice special award scooped by Leon Williams, who has designed a jewellery collection that enables people to wear devices that deliver medication without stigma. “Patients love them and the NHS is extremely keen to become
involved,” said Leon. “The problem is the cost – doctors want to reduce the aesthetics to make the jewellery an option for all, while patients want the pieces to look fantastic.
“It's difficult to find a balance, but I'm determined to find a solution when I study for my PhD.”
Fellow student Tom Eaton won first prize in the Mobility Choice award for Mobility with PureCycle, an innovative
redesign of the bicycle.
Jan Gethings, executive director of Mobility Choice, the charity that organises the Mobility Roadshow, said: “It is fantastic that young people are looking to the future and extending boundaries in this market.”
Minister fears exemption would lead to ‘disrepute’
THE TRANSPORT Minister has snubbed a DDMC request to consider the plight of disabled motorists when planning new “congestion busting” lanes on motorways.
David Jamieson went so far as to say that any exemptions for disabled motorists could lead to the scheme “falling into disrepute”.
He made his remarks in a letter to MP Andrew Dismore, who had approached him on behalf of DDMC Council member David Kent to find out if disabled motorists were being considered.
The plan to create special high occupancy vehicle (HOV) motorway lanes for cars carrying more than one person was announced by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling in July.
DDMC pointed out that some disabled motorists had no choice but to travel along in their cars, perhaps because the rest of the vehicle is needed for a wheelchair and other associated equipment.
Mr Jamieson said he was happy to confirm that if a disabled driver was sharing their car with someone else, they would be able to use the HOV lane.
“However, I would not be in favour of allowing a disabled driver to use the HOV lane if there are no passengers in the car,” he added.
“Such a relaxation in the rules for disabled drivers could lead to car-sharing lanes falling into disrepute with the general
public.
“In taking forward the proposed pilot scheme, the Highways Agency will be consulting widely, including with representatives of disabled drivers to ensure that their concerns are taken into account.”
He concluded: “I hope this is helpful.”
Open 4 All aims to name and shame access offenders
THE Disability Rights Commission has launched the “Open 4 All” accessibility poll to give people the chance to say who
really is open for all and who is shutting out disabled people by not making their services accessible.
People can vote for the “best” (most accessible) and “worst” (least accessible) service providers in each of these three
groups:
• major stores
• major entertainment and leisure venues
• local authorities.
The poll is being carried out via a dedicated website which will allow people to vote up to six times, for the most and least
accessible service providers in each group. Major contenders are listed on the site, but voters are also able to nominate other large groups that deserve praise or blame.
“We know that this is not a 'scientific' poll,” said a spokesman. “But it is a chance for you to have your say, and you can help the campaign by telling us about your
experiences, good and bad.” For further information and to vote, see www.drc-gb.org/open4all
Traffic growth slows on British roads
TRAFFIC levels in Great Britain grew by an estimated 0.8 per cent between 2002 and 2003, slightly less than the provisional estimate of 1.4 per cent.
The latest figures show an estimated growth of 2.0 per cent between the second quarters of 2003 and 2004.
The Road Traffic Statistics: 2003 provides detailed analyses of road traffic estimates. Key results show that between 2002 and 2003 estimated car traffic levels were virtually unchanged while goods vehicle traffic and light van traffic increased by an estimated 0.4 per cent and 5.2 per cent respectively.
Two-wheeled motor vehicle traffic rose more than any other category, with an estimated increase of 10.4 cent.
Getting to grips with lunch
MORE than 200 Sainsbury's customer restaurants are now offering a high-quality set of Easy Grip cutlery specifically designed to cater for the needs of people with arthritis, the single biggest cause of physical disability in the UK.
Independent living show promises a fun day out
If you want to see a wide range of independent lifestly aids
under one roof, Independent Living London is at Wembley
Conference & Exhibition Centre on September 22 and 23.
With more exhibitors than ever– including DDMC, of course – the exhibition promises to provide an informative and fun day out for disabled people, the elderly and their carers– as well as healthcare professionals.
The selection of products will range from access equipment,
daily living aids and mobility solutions through to security
and safety equipment, and special feature areas like an
inclusive kitchen and self-defence workshops are designed to
turn the experience into a memorable day out.
Briony Mansell-Lewis, head of rehab events for show organiser Emap, said: “This is the only event of its kind in the
South East and we are particularly keen to reach those who
need help but don't know where to find it. Many people would
never think of going to an exhibition to find specialist healthcare equipment – especially those rehabilitating after an operation or accident.
“But Independent Living London will feature equipment
which could make a huge difference to some people, along
with lots of information and advice.”
The exhibition has always been viewed by companies in
the homecare business as an ideal place for unveiling new
products. Liverpool-based Da Vinci Mobility, for example, is
keen to see how its wheelchair with a difference is received.
Designed for users who enjoy life in the fast lane, the Super
Compatta is a highly-compact lightweight chair created specifically for drivers of sports cars and convertibles and is made to measure for customers' individual requirements.
A great advantage for visitors is being able to meet manufacturers and suppliers face-to-face to discuss their products and receive expert advice and guidance before buying.
The fun element will include an Inclusive Kitchen area
involving cooking demonstrations from celebrities and guidance on cooking and nutrition for a healthy lifestyle, especially geared towards those with a disability.
One of the highlights of the opening day will be the appearance of celebrity chef Daniel Green, while actress and writer Julie Fernandez will give cooking demonstrations on the second day. Celebrity nutritionist Dr Gillian McKeith will be
guesting on both days.
A new feature area incorporated into this year's show will
be co-ordinated by Physability, a Stroud-based rehabilitation
centre specialising in exercise therapy and martial arts
for people affected by spinal cord injury, head injury, stroke
and multiple sclerosis. The exercise therapists will provide
exercise demonstrations, a neck and shoulder massage clinic
and martial arts workshops to show how quality of life can be
improved through functional fitness.
The self-defence workshops will include an introduction to
martial arts with a special talk by Tudur Booton, a Physability
client who was paralysed while training to be a stuntman.
Other scheduled features include an Association Village,
where visitors can get help and advice about associations such as the British Red Cross, the Disabled Worker's Co-operative, the MS Society, the Dare Foundation, Scope and RNID. A programme of seminars will take place throughout the show.
The recently extended Department of Health-funded drive
to develop community equipment services across health and
social care will be outlined by a variety of speakers, each discussing topical issues such as communication aids and online shopping for children's equipment.
Entry is free to the show. For your tickets, contact the hotline
on 0870 429 4372 or to pre-register in advance, please visit the website at www.independentlivingevents.co.
Motorhomes get a lift
Camping and Caravan Section coordinator Ron Tansley casts his eye over what is thought to be the first ready adapted motorhome on the UK market.
I was recently invited to the launch of a new motorhome,
designed specifically for disabled people and being marketed
by RDH Motorhomes, of Nottingham, and came away
thinking it would make a good investment for anyone looking
to holiday both home and abroad.
The body of the Eurable is built on to a flat chassis, with
air ride suspension, powered by a 2.8 td engine. To the rear of
the vehicle, a large door opens up to reveal a Ricon chairlift
for wheelchair access.
On the left side are storage cupboards and a wash basin,
which I suggested should be moved to the other side, nearer
to the shower, as it would be awkward to access from a
wheelchair where it is now.
The shower, which is on the right, is large enough to
accommnodate the stoutest person; there is also a chair fitted to the side wall which can be lowered and raised.
The sleeping area consists of bunk beds on one side. These
are extra wide and the top bed has a strong metal rail fitted
underneath so that the disabled person using the lower bed
can use it for assistance in turning over or sitting up. The bottom bed can also be lowered by six inches to give more head room when sitting up.
Above the vehicle's cab there are further beds, which pull
out to accommodate two more people. This space could also
be used for storage.
To the left of the beds is more storage room, an oven and a
fridge/freezer. I suggested the storage doors, which currently open outwards, be replaced with sliding doors and also I would prefer to see a microwave instead of an oven.
Further up the vehicle we find the dining area, which is
large enough to accommodate four people, and the kitchen
which has a sink and cooker combination unit. This can be
lowered by four to six inches so that it can be accessed by wheelchair- users. There are wheelchair anchorage points in the floor (right), consisting of a metal ring and ratchet system. At the moment the motorhome is only available with
a manual gearbox, but its makers are looking at providing an
automatic version. The firm also plans to add this new vehicle
to their already expanding fleet of hire vehicles.
The current price for these motorhomes is £39,950 plus the
dreaded VAT (which can be reclaimed).
All in all it is refreshing to see manufacturers and suppliers
getting together and realising that there are disabled people
as well as able-bodied people out there who require leisure
vehicles.
Anyone requiring further information should contact Richard
Black or Rod Harris at RDH Motorhomes on 0870 758 5050
or email . See www.rdh.co.
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