Motability has awarded the national driving assessment charity Driving Mobility grant funding worth £50,000 to pilot a new Driving Assessment Grant Programme. The programme will offer financial support to drivers with a disability who are not currently customers of the Motability Scheme, so that they can take advantage of the services available at UK Driving Mobility centres.
Supported by the Department for Transport, Driving Mobility is the national charity which accredits over 20 driving assessment centres across the UK. Many with outreach facilities, these main centres are managed by NHS departments and independent charities so clients with restricted mobility have access to all the help they need to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Occupational Therapists, Approved Driving Instructors and support staff provide a comprehensive range of services including fitness-to-drive assessments (following injury or diagnosis), mobility equipment recommendations and accessible transport advice. Disabled people seeking help can either refer themselves straight to a Driving Mobility centre or are referred by organisations including the DVLA, the NHS or the Police.
The new Driving Assessment Grant Programme will help to provide driving assessments, vehicle adaptations and familiarisation lessons on a pilot basis to approximately 50 disabled drivers in receipt of a qualifying means-tested or disability-related benefit. Through the Driving Mobility centres, Assessors can clinically recommend the most appropriate driving controls which can include adaptations to steering wheels, pedals, seating and secondary controls. With the right adaptations, motorists with a disability can continue to drive safely and comfortably, plus they can also take lessons to build competency and confidence as they learn to drive in a different way.
“This new funding from Motability will open up even more opportunities for disabled drivers through our specialist services. Driving Mobility has always been fully committed to helping everyone gain independence safely. However, if clients have faced financial challenges, then we have been unable to help. This new pilot means we are able to support those who qualify – resulting in less restrictions for us and more drivers living life to the full. Alongside our relationship with Motability, we are supported by the Department for Transport; this new pilot programme fits perfectly with their inclusive strategy.
“If clients are unable to afford Driving Mobility services or the cost of specialist vehicle controls, this 12-month pilot can cover costs up to a value of £2,000 per application. In special circumstances, applications over this amount may be considered, however, every client is assessed on a case-by-case basis, with each regional centre managing their individual allocated budgets. The pilot programme represents significant news to the disabled driving community.”
“As a national charity, Motability has a bold vision to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged by poor access to transportation. We know that mobility gives freedom and independence, and so we are determined to increase the range and reach of how we can support all disabled people in the UK with the costs of their transportation needs. We are delighted to award this grant to Driving Mobility and fund the pilot as their objectives align closely to our own.”
The Driving Mobility Driving Assessment Grant Programme is scheduled to run as a pilot for 12 months and is available to qualifying drivers on a first come, first served basis. To find out more information about this pilot, visit the Driving Mobility website.
