Government-backed service signposts disabled people to accessible travel

Supported by the Department for Transport (DfT), charity Driving Mobility has introduced a new information service that helps people with restricted mobility who cannot drive a car, the Hubs Mobility Advice Service (HMAS).

Driving Mobility coordinates and accredits over 20 independent driving and mobility assessment centres that support self-referring drivers and those signposted from the DVLA, NHS, Motability, and police. Each centre’s occupational therapists and approved driving instructors provide clinical ‘fitness to drive’ assessments and adapted vehicle recommendations for individuals with a variety of medical conditions, such as stroke, dementia, and amputation.

Driving Mobility provides an enabling service, which aims to keep as many people driving safely as possible. However, if using a car is deemed unsafe or not best for individual needs, then HMAS now provides advice on alternative transport choices.

As part of the UK Government’s Inclusive Strategy, HMAS is a free information and guidance service on the best accessible travel options for people with disabilities and individuals who may be considering retiring from driving.

It is provided online through a national website and via representatives at 15 Driving Mobility centres. Each centre has dedicated HMAS experts who will assist with inclusive transport queries if driving has always been, or is no longer a viable option.

Services vary slightly between centres; however, all provide free detailed advice on:

• Accessible buses and coaches
• Easy access rail and air travel
• Community transport
• Rights as a disabled passenger
• Hiring or purchasing the right mobility scooter or wheelchair
• Planning for local, national, and international travel with a disability

The most up-to-date local accessible transport guidance, by county, is available on the HMAS website or by contacting a local service. Team members provide friendly telephone, email, or face-to-face support, either at their respective Driving Mobility Centre or by visiting individuals in their home.

Terry Welsh, 71, a heart attack/stroke survivor from Pelaw near Gateshead, was one of the first people to benefit from HMAS at the Driving Mobility Centre in Walkergate Park Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.

As Terry volunteers at Washington Stables, a Riding for the Disabled Centre (RDA), and has several part-time educational jobs, it was essential he could remain mobile, especially as he felt isolated and lonely when at home. However, it was taking him over two hours each way to reach the stables using the bus and metro, whereas a taxi could get him there in 10 minutes.

The issue was the cost of taxis – Terry could not afford them and needed a solution, as the situation was impacting on all his volunteering and paid roles. HMAS at North East Drive Mobility (NEDM) found the answer.

Paula George, NEDM HMAS Lead, explained: “With Terry’s approval, I asked Age UK to perform a benefits check for him. At the time he was not claiming any benefits and was unaware that he would be entitled to anything. Age UK looked into his situation and confirmed that he qualified for help with the travel costs of getting to the stables.

“It wasn’t so much the expense of getting there, it was the time it was taking to get there and back. This meant Terry was always risking being late for his other part time jobs. This funding would help with the cost of taxis when he was pushed for time which meant he could continue volunteering at the stables and fulfilling his passion for helping children and adults with disabilities.”

Terry concluded: “Being involved with charities such as RDA is a lifeline for my mental health and wellbeing. Not only has HMAS solved my transport issues, it has also made me aware of other services from Age UK and helped me access more brain injury therapy.

“Thank you, Paula, I’m so grateful for the guidance you gave me. I received some good advice on taxis and as I don’t cope well on the phone, it was good to speak face-to-face with a professional. Having the extra money for taxis means I’m not worried about metros and buses being cancelled. HMAS will make a huge difference to my life.”

Driving Mobility has helped Constantin Adrian Popescu, 37 living in Berkshire, to regain his driving independence following a traumatic brain injury. Read the case study here.