Get Going Live! returns for disabled drivers after the closure of the Mobility Roadshow
Get Going Live!, a popular feature from the now-closed Mobility Roadshow, is being relaunched this October at the Leeds William Merritt Centre’s annual AccessAbility exhibition, giving disabled people of all ages the chance to experience adapted driving.
Accredited by the charity Driving Mobility, the William Merritt Centre in Leeds is one of twenty independent organisations, many with satellite centres, which offer professional information, advice and driving assessments for people seeking assistance with mobility.
All centres are staffed by occupational therapists, as well as approved driving instructors, so that safety for drivers with injuries, disabilities or restricted mobility is maximised.
Focussing on younger disabled people, novice drivers and individuals with a newly acquired medical condition, Get Going Live! will be able to test drive a range of accessible and adapted vehicles around a dedicated test track, in safety with qualified specialist instructors. Teenagers, from the age of 14, will be able to try assistive driving for the first time and explore suitable options for accessible motoring.
The relaunch of the Get Going Live! events with Driving Mobility was first mentioned by Driving Mobility board member and chair of Mobility Choice Ann Frye when the closure of the Mobility Roadshow was initially announced.
“We are in discussion with Driving Mobility, the charity representing the UK’s mobility centres, and with Disability Driving Instructors, about opportunities for them to organise local events under our “Get Going Live!” banner which focuses on driving opportunities for young and newly disabled people,” she said back in October 2017.
In addition, the Leeds event will also provide useful opportunities for individuals with existing or progressive conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons and dementia, to explore safer driving options and receive independent and professional guidance.
Annette Abbott, Senior Occupational Therapist at the William Merritt Centre, commented: “We are delighted to be including Get Going Live! in our annual assistive technology and equipment exhibition. We believe it will deliver a unique experience to young and disabled individuals seeking driving independence.”
The wider AccessAbility exhibition will showcase new and innovative assistive technology and equipment from leading specialist suppliers including walking and bathing aids, beds and seating equipment as well as tricycles, scooters, wheelchairs and vehicle adaptations.
A number of charities will be in attendance providing one-to-one advice and information to enable greater independence for disabled children and adults or those with additional needs.
The event will take place on the 18th October, from 10 am – 3 pm at Centenary Pavilion, Leeds United Football, LS11 0ES