Express CPD opportunities about accessible driving available at the OT Show 2022
Occupational therapists from Driving Mobility, a national charity that coordinates driving assessment centres with the Department for Transport (DfT), will be offering ‘express’ on-stand CPD seminars at the OT Show 2022.
Taking place annually, the OT Show gives occupational therapists (OTs) the chance to discover new assistive technologies from exhibitors, get CPD-accredited experience by attending workshops and lectures, and network with other OTs.
One of the main attractions for attendees is the chance to discover new assistive technologies for their clients. From bespoke seating options and home adaptation solutions to pressure care innovations and telecare advancements, the exhibition is a chance to learn more about life-changing devices that enable people to live independently.
The OT Show 2022 takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 23-24 November.
Driving Mobility is on stand L30 at this year’s exhibition offering a range of CPD seminars for OTs.
The first CPD seminar, ‘Maintaining independent mobility’, will be presented by David Blythe, General Manager for the William Merritt Centre, and OT Jaqueline Guerin. It will run on both days at the OT Show.
On 23 November 2022, the session takes place from 11.30-11.45 and again from 14.30-14.45. On 24 November 2022, the session takes place from 11.30-11.45 and again from 14.30-14.45.
This session will outline how Driving Mobility assessments identify physical and cognitive client abilities, with a view to maintaining or regaining safe driving. Each assessment establishes a person’s fitness to drive relative to specific medical conditions and is carried out by qualified OTs and Approved Driving Instructors.
By attending this seminar, OTs will reflect on the role of occupational therapy within driving; gain a greater appreciation of the link between driving and independence; consider the practical elements of a driving assessment; and develop greater understanding of vehicle adaptions and support to remain driving.
Driving Mobility’s second CPD session, ‘Safe Travels – Car seat options for children with additional needs’, will be presented by OT Clare Jones, who has specialist paediatric knowledge.
It will run on 23 November from 10.30-10.45 and again from 12.30-12.45.
This CPD topic will explore potential in-vehicle equipment for children with additional needs including challenging behaviour.
By attending this seminar, OTs will understand how specific equipment can provide safe travel for children with postural and mobility challenges; explore moving and handling options; learn about the Motability Scheme, wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV), and vehicle adaptations for passengers; and gain awareness of Driving Mobility Centres, which offer car seat assessments.
The final Driving Mobility CPD seminar, ‘The power of early powered mobility’, will be presented by OT Kate El Bizanti.
This CPD session takes place on 24 November from 10.30-10.45 and then again from 12.30-12.45.
The seminar will increase knowledge regarding the benefits of early powered mobility in children with disabilities. The national Bugzi powered wheelchair loan scheme, provided by Driving Mobility, will be highlighted within the presentation.
By attending this CPD presentation, OTs will learn more about clinical evidence that demonstrates the importance of early powered mobility; understand that powered mobility for young children is more than learning wheelchair skills; and find out more about increased accessibility to early powered mobility though Driving Mobility’s ‘new school squads’.
Also, on stand L30, Driving Mobility will highlight the range of services available at its centres. These will include:
- A driving simulator, to understand the clinical assessment process
- Adapted driving controls
- Details on the new Hubs Mobility Service
- Mobility scooter assessments
- Paediatric car seats
- Bugzi powerchair for children
In September 2022, Driving Mobility opened a new driving assessment centre in Glasgow called DriveAbility Scotland.
The centre has a fleet of dual-controlled cars with various specialist driving and control adaptations, so drivers and passengers can be assessed and given recommendations. A small team is available to offer professional advice, enhanced by clinical expertise, to ensure the best possible outcome for clients.