Mobility Information and Advice
This section is dedicated to information and advice about mobility, so that you can make the most of the childrens mobility support organisations available. If you're thinking about investing in a wheelchair accessible vehcile, then look no further, our advice section below the directory of contacts gives practical tips about choosing a vehicle to improve your child's mobility.
The organisations listed below are all in the sphere of mobility, whether that is help finding wheelchair transport, teaching your child about how to use their wheelchair safely or choosing a wheelchair accessible vehicle for your family.
The advice section below the information gives guidance on choosing an accessible vehicle, selecting the right vehicle for your childs needs and what to look out for! Please note, Special Needs Kids does not provide accessible vehicles, so use the details provided to contact the organisations listed directly.
MOBILITY SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS |
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RADAR 25 Mortimer Street, London W1N 8AB |
DEPT OF TRANSPORT DOOR TO DOOR GUIDE Disability Unit, Room S 10/21, 2 Marsham Street, |
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MOTABILITY Warwick House, Roydon Road, Harlow, Essex CM19 5PX |
ROAD TAX EXEMPTION DSS, N9 Block 3, Government Buildings, Warbreck Hill Road, Blackpool FY2 0YF |
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DISABLED CAR PURCHASE 114 Commonwealth Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6LS |
MOBILITY ADVICE & VEHICLE INFORMATION SERVICE Dept of Transport, Macadam Avenue, Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG11 6AU |
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WHIZZ KIDS A National charity dedicated to helping children who use wheelchairs and their families. They offer help with all aspects of disabled children's mobility Website - http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk |
SCOTTISH DRIVING ASSESSMENT SERVICE Astley Aimslie Centre, 133 Grange Loan, Edinburgh EH9 |
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NORTHERN IRELAND MOBILITY CENTRE 189 Airport Road West, Belfast BT3 9ED |
ASSOCIATION OF WHEELCHAIR CHILDREN 6 Woodman Parade, North Woolwich, London E16 2LL |
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TRIPSCOPE The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Bristol BS16 2QQ offers training and advice about wheelchair use |
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Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
If your child uses a wheelchair, you may find a wheelchair accessible vehicle an indispensible part of your family life. In the UK, the Motability Car Scheme is a charitable enterprise that enables wheelchair users to use their Disability Living Allowance to fund the right vehicle to meet their needs - over 90% of those who purchase or lease a wheelchair accessible vehicle in the UK do so through Motability.
Wheelchair users have a unique set of needs when it comes to transport. If you've ever attempted to transport your child and their wheelchair in a regular vehicle you'll be well aware of the issues faced, both in accessing the vehicle and carrying the wheelchair.
Suppliers of wheelchair accessible vehicles convert appropriately-sized vehicles to be wheelchair accessible. Manufacturers use technology and some sophisticated solutions to solve the access uses that wheelchair users face with regular vehicles, including hoists and lifts, automatic ramps, adapted doors, and internal modifications.
Have an idea of your child's precise individual requirements before you approach a specialist manufacturer, there are a number of practical considerations and wide array of different styles and designs of vehicles. Search online to see examples of the many wheelchair access vehicles available. A home demonstration is a great way to get a feel the look and features of a particular vehicle, and compare it against your list of needs.
To qualify for the Motability Scheme, you must be receiving the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance, and have a minimum of 12 months allowance left. A specialist manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles will be able to assist you with your application for funding.
This article was provided by Allied Mobility, the UK's largest supplier of wheelchair accessible vehicles through the Motability Car Scheme.
Find out more at http://www.alliedmobility.com or call 0800 916 3018
