Naidex 46: 10 Reasons to Attend This Year’s Naidex Event
Naidex 2020 and all co-located events postponed due to coronavirus. The show will confirm the new dates by Monday 16th March. For more details, please visit the Naidex website: www.naidex.co.uk. With the 46th edition of Naidex fast approaching, it’s time to give you the lowdown on what the event is all about. Hitting the halls of Birmingham’s NEC on the 17th and 18th March, Europe’s most established event dedicated to the disability and independent living industries will be boasting 400 world-class suppliers and 300 inspirational seminars all available to you for the price of nothing. The tickets to attend the event are completely free. But if free tickets, extraordinary suppliers and incredible seminars don’t convince you alone, we’ve compiled below 10 reasons why you must attend this year’s event: This TGA sponsored feature allows visitors to test a large variety of mobility scooters and powerchairs available at the event, as well as test your own. The track includes various artificial off-road terrain, ramps, and obstacles – brimming with activity and excitement as attendees gather to see for themselves the present and future of mobility technology. Be the first to witness the latest product innovations set to hit the industry. The products at the Naidex event are a look into the present and future of the disability and independent living industries, and you could be the first to interact or even purchase, these life-changing designs before they reach the mass market. There is such a large amount of useful ideas and concepts available in hundreds of seminars. You can get tips, advice and strategies to move forward in whatever direction you want to go. With our keynote speakers and inspirational talks you will learn from renowned names such as Microsoft, Sainsbury’s, Stanley Security, BBC, Monzo and more. Inclusion and interactivity are the main focus of this feature. An Arena specially created for visitors to try their hand at a wide range of activities brought to the exhibition by some of the biggest sports associations. You can find your next passion and unlock the sportsperson in you! Big businesses bring fierce competition, and exhibitors have gone all in to provide you with the best deals possible. You can expect special discounts on the products and services available at the event, so make sure to speak with exhibitor representatives to find the best deal best suited for you! The Panel Theatre at Naidex will host a variety of discussions and debates around the current topics that are affecting the disability and independent living sectors. You can gain expert advice on topics such as employment, mobility, digital healthcare, disability blogging and so much more, and have all your questions answered. Naidex 46 is seeing the launch of a brand-new trail exclusively dedicated to children with disabilities – Naidex event Junior. It is designed to help highlight those exhibitors who provide the latest innovations and informed professional advice from the creators of the most advanced technology created specifically with children at heart!. Whilst Naidex has always been much more than a marketplace where visitors can find the latest innovations, that does not mean it doesn’t feature an outstanding range of exhibitors. Each business or association is showcasing their most innovative products, services and solutions – with huge names on site from the likes of Kymco and TGA – where else will you have such an assortment of key suppliers under the same roof? There have been forty-five editions of Naidex, the forty-sixth coming this march. In that space, Naidex has grown a tightly knitted community consisting of people living with a disability, carers, healthcare professionals, and decision-makers in companies in the disability and independent living industry. They not only attend the event each year but strive to help each other make a difference. Yes, you read that right. We may have mentioned it before but it has to be reiterated. Tickets to attend are free, so with all of this on offer, why wouldn’t you grab yours now at naidex.co.uk?
Ashford Taxi Drivers Prosecuted for Refusing Guide Dogs
Two taxi drivers have been successfully prosecuted by Ashford Borough Council for refusing to take a visually impaired passenger and their assistance dog. Despite a legal duty on taxi drivers to take a disabled person who is accompanied by an assistance dog, on the evening of 21 March 2019 outside the town’s railway station, the first taxi driver Jamshed Nasir of Oakland, Ashford refused to carry the passenger who was accompanied by their assistance dog. This was quickly followed by a refusal by another taxi driver, Kemal Yalcin, of Ploughmans Way, Ashford. The refusals left the passenger struggling to get home. After an investigation, Ashford Borough Council’s licensing team decided to prosecute for the offences under the Equality Act 2010 and on 24 February at Folkestone Magistrates Court both defendants were found guilty. They had both denied the offence and therefore the matter had gone to a full trial. In summing up, District Judge Justin Barron commented that the taxi drivers had knowingly turned the passenger away. Parliament’s intention was to stop what was happening, to prevent disabled people being told to go to someone else down the cab rank – to interpret the act any other way would “drive a coach and horses” through the intention of Parliament when they drafted the Equalities Act. The offence is clearly one created as one of public policy as the government wants to ensure that everyone is dealt with equally and particularly that disabled people are not discriminated against, added Judge Barron. Yalcin was fined £180, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £1,200, while Nasir was fined £270, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £1,200. Both drivers also had their Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers licences revoked by the council at a prior hearing. They are not appealing the council’s decision to revoke their licences. Chair of the council’s Licensing Committee, Cllr Peter Feacey, said: “I hope that our action following these incidents shows how robustly we will deal with taxi drivers who fail to comply with their legal obligations and leave a potentially vulnerable person at risk.” Siobhan Meade, Guide Dogs Engagement Officer for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: “Refusing to carry someone who is blind or visually impaired simply because they work with a guide dog strikes at the very independence we exist to provide. “I know from personal experience that each refusal feels like an assault from which the mental scars remain. We welcome Ashford Borough Council’s actions in this matter and we will always support them with test-purchasing, advice and support.”
ReSound launches multiple new hearing solutions
The success of ReSound technology is amplified and multiplied for even more people with hearing loss GN Hearing, the innovation leader in hearing aid technology, today launches a range of exciting new ReSound hearing aid solutions, a move which is in line with the company’s continuous strategic focus on innovation leadership, as communicated as part of the strategy for 2020 and beyond. No matter the degree of hearing loss, the new solutions aim to solve the key listening challenges of people with hearing loss where and when they need it most. Globally, 466 million people have a disabling hearing loss[ii]. GN Hearing wants to help every person with hearing loss improve their hearing and live each day to the full. This extensive launch testifies to GN Hearing’s innovation leadership and dedication to helping people with all types of hearing loss, thanks to its leading sound quality, connectivity and customer care. “We are now taking the first step to implement the new strategy with new solutions that are a significant leap forward in terms of offering even more people access to the benefits of GN Hearing’s technology. We strive to constantly listen to and learn from our customers, and in doing so, we have developed a full range of solutions that meets the diverse needs of each individual and thereby improves their customer experience,” says Gitte Aabo, CEO and President at GN Hearing. ReSound ENZO Q – Beyond powerful For people with severe-to-profound hearing loss, ReSound ENZO Q heralds a new and complete hearing solution, based on the remarkable chip platform of the market-leading ReSound LiNX Quattro product family. Available in High Power and Super Power models, this new solution offers a 100% speed increase, 30% more computing power, 20% less power consumption and 100% more memory compared to its predecessor ReSound ENZO 3D™. Customers can enjoy a 60% average improvement in hearing speech in front of them in noisy environments[iii], which is a major challenge for people with hearing loss. The result is the ability to hear high frequency sounds, better speech intelligibility and all-round listening, and just-right volume and noise reduction. People can go about their daily lives with confidence and a reliable, hassle-free hearing experience. This new hearing solution was trusted by Mo O’Brien, Atlantic rower, when she decided to wear ReSound ENZO Q for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. After 49 grueling days at sea, she crossed the finish line to become the first person with profound hearing loss to row across the Atlantic Ocean, doing so with her all-female team, and crediting ReSound ENZO Q for helping her smash ‘the world’s toughest row’. Even when not rowing an ocean, sound clarity and the ability to hear in noisy environments are vitally important for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss –– and this new solution is a clear answer to their needs. ReSound LiNX Quattro success extended – Reinforced connectivity leadershipGN Hearing also launches new additions to ReSound LiNX Quattro, the Premium-Plus hearing solution with the industry’s highest input dynamic range and an extended bandwidth of up to 9.5 kHz, which is recognized by hearing care professionals as a clear winner for sound quality[iv]. This popular range now offers three new BTE hearing aids and a mini RIE model, which are eagerly anticipated by people with mild-to-severe hearing loss. These hearing aids offer the renowned ReSound LiNX Quattro sound quality, comfort, ease of use and aesthetically pleasing design. More people can now enjoy a brilliant sound experience with Layers of Sound, which underpins GN Hearing’s innovation leadership. ReSound Assist Live – A step towards improved customer experienceGN Hearing is positioned in a league of its own for connectivity, as demonstrated by this launch with telecoil and Direct Audio Input (DAI) options, and class-leading direct streaming from compatible iOS and AndroidTM devices[v]. The new ReSound Assist Livei, an innovative new feature of the popular ReSound Assist customer care solution, delivers a heightened level of customer experience and business support for hearing care professionals. This expansion of GN Hearing’s connectivity leadership brings even more benefits to people with hearing loss. People can connect to announcements in public places, such as museums and sports grounds via telecoil. Streaming of phone calls, music or any other audio is made easy directly from smartphones and tablets to ReSound hearing aids using Bluetooth® Low Energyv. Hearing aid users can utilize GN Hearing’s existing remote fine-tuning solution, and now, with new ReSound Assist Live, they can also enjoy convenient real-time and face-to-face online support sessions with their hearing care professional at a convenient time and place. The full product portfolio is globally available by the end of February, and it is equally available for Beltone AmazeTM and Beltone Boost UltraTM.
How Chris kept on turning after going blind
Chris Fisher has made quite a name for himself in the media – you might know him as The Blind Woodturner. Chris wasn’t born blind – toxoplasmosis struck in 2008 when he was working as an engineer with a busy life as a husband and dad to a young son. But after a difficult adjustment period, where Chris had to battle severe anxiety as well as get used to life without sight, he “turned” his life around. With the help of wife Nicola, he is now helping others to do the same. UCan2 editor Victoria Galligan caught up with Chris at his home in Whittle-le-Woods, Lancashire… What happened when you went blind suddenly 12 years ago? How did you cope? You learn to adapt – I suffered with crippling anxiety for four years and that started about a year after going blind. The first year of being blind was all about going to rehab, working with a sensory team and social workers but then I started feeling terribly sick, actually being sick, having panic attacks, hallucinations, muscles spasms, not sleeping, being afraid to go out and sometimes having to come back home because I’d had a panic attack and support worker at the time, Dean, would have to bring me home. It was a terrible place to be. If I didn’t have the network of people around me, my friends and family, I probably would have ended my life. I get why people commit suicide and I was getting towards that point. Luckily I have a son, who was seven at the time, and a wife and I felt I didn’t have that option. So I dug deeper than I ever thought possible and, with the help of counselling from the RNIB’s bereavement service, and going on anti-anxiety meds, slowly but surely I felt “Hey! I actually felt good today!” Then I started going out more – I got through it and I’m so glad I did. Then I started chomping at the bit and feeling: “Right, I’m ready to attack life now!” You mentioned your PA Dean and the RNIB – which other services were there to help you? Initially it was support from Wigan Council’s Sensory Team as I lived in Greater Manchester at the time. They were absolutely brilliant in helping me to come to terms with my disability and giving me practical advice – they taught me how to prepare a simple meal safely or a cup of tea. They showed me how to use some gadgets like a signal cane, and I got some other gadgets from the RNIB like liquid level indicators, talking measuring jug, talking tape measure and a Daisy Player which is a device that plays CDs with tactile, chunky controls on it. I use it to listen to books. And for the first eight years I had a support worker, Dean, then when he changed his job I got Bamber, my guide dog. He’s next-level intelligent and truly indispensable. I’m the navigator when we go out but he’s my pilot and takes me where I need to go! I can ask him to find steps, find a button for a lift, a bus stop. At home, he never leaves me on my own and he’s always watching me! He comes down the stairs in front of me to make sure I’m safe and he’s ever-vigilant. How did the woodturning start? I started to want to try new things – but obviously as a blind man. And because I was a keen horror film fan and loved doing stuff at Halloween for the house. I wanted to make a vampire stake for the garden – people said “You what?” but it was something I wanted to do! You’ve got to start somewhere. I started to listen to woodturning tutorials on YouTube and ended up listening to 600 hours! I was really serious about it because I wanted that vampire stake! I listened for five or six hours a day for months, assimilating all the information I could about woodturning, tools, techniques, health and safety and finishing. I got in touch with a few YouTubers to ask them to add some audio description to the videos – a lot of the videos are compressed, with no verbal directions and they’re set to music, which is of no use to the blind! So about 10 woodturning YouTubers added some verbal information and they’d say: “This blind guy’s got in touch because he wants to learn woodturning so, for you Chris, I’m going to explain what I’m doing here!” After the 600 hours I got myself a lathe, some wood and some tools and taught myself, just by touch and with a picture in my mind. Because I was sighted until I was nearly 39 years old, I had a great memory map which played in my favour. I’d worked with tools and my hands all my working life – I didn’t have any accidents but my early work was a bit shoddy and I made mistakes. But I put the hours in and the practice and became very passionate and people started to want to buy what I was making. Last August I became the first-ever blind person to join the Register of Professional Turners. I had to apply with photos of my work. This had to be backed by two sponsors, and then they came out to assess me. It was a rigorous test by a master turner from the Worshipful Company of Turners (which has 800 years of history). There was an interview, an accounts check of my business to make sure I was making money from woodturning, a risk assessment check, an examination of my completed works plus a check of the workshop and a practical assessment – which was videoed. It was tough but I passed! You’ve now built a real brand around yourself! How did you achieve that? I started a YouTube channel to inspire and motivate people
WheelAir announces international expansion
A Glasgow-based mobility company has heralded its expansion into Europe as a “game changer”, after opening a new office in the Netherlands. WheelAir – the start-up behind the first temperature control system designed for, and to fit all, wheelchairs – launched its wholly-owned Dutch subsidiary this month. The move comes after a strong year for the company, in which it expanded its product range and launched version two of the WheelAir system. Looking to build on this success, the team has now set its sights on bolstering its European customer base. “With sales increasing in Europe we thought that now is the time to branch out,” said Corien Staels, WheelAir Managing Director. “We want to really take the time to fully support the business’ growth and to make it a commercial success. And the best way to do this is to open the Dutch subsidiary.” The new office is located in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, near Rotterdam. WheelAir will retain its office in Glasgow and plans to grow the team in both locations. “We will be maintaining a strong presence in the UK and remain fully focused on serving our existing loyal customers and new ones,” Ms Staels continued. “It is a move which the board and team are all excited about!” The 28-year-old entrepreneur formed the company in 2016 in Glasgow, UK, to provide effective temperature regulation solutions to overheating and over-sweating for wheelchair users. Through active airflow, the WheelAir system allows for self regulation of wheelchair users’ body temperature through convection, conduction and evaporation heat loss. Ms Staels said that WheelAir’s customers remain “the number one priority” and visiting them face-to-face across the UK and Europe has been one of her favourite parts of the job. She continued: “Expanding to the Netherlands means that not only will we still be spending as much time as possible with customers in the UK, but with the new offices near Rotterdam, we will be able to spend time with our lovely customers around Europe.” Since its introduction to the market in 2017, WheelAir systems have been sold internationally, providing life-changing results for people all over the world. Chairman of WheelAir, Albert Nicholl said: “The expansion of WheelAir to include a new facility in Rotterdam puts the company in a strong position to not only work more closely with suppliers but to more easily deliver the exemplary customer service that people have become used to from us. “Leading the discussion on microclimate and the issues around overheating and over sweating continues to be at the forefront of everything we do and the new offices and new team members are a demonstration of that commitment to improve the lives of those people who use our products.” www.wheelair.co.uk
All you need to know about the Motability scheme UK
So many of us take our freedom for granted, we can simply head to a forecourt, pick a model of car we like (and can afford), get behind the wheel and drive away that day. Without even considering how important this car will become to our life, we use it to get everywhere from commuting to and from work, to picking up the kids from school. Unfortunately, not everyone has that freedom. For people living with a disability, or with a disability in the family, finding a car to suit their needs can be incredibly difficult. What’s more, disability can affect a family’s earning potential and an adapted car built to accommodate disability can be more expensive than a standard model. This can leave families somewhat stranded, compounding the difficulty of tasks many of us take for granted. Which is where the Motability Scheme comes into play – a government-back incentive designed to help disabled drivers regain their independence by providing access to allowance-covered cars. To provide more insight into the Motability Scheme – Chris Adams, Operations Director of car dealership Brindley Group, answers some of the most common questions. What is the Motability Scheme? The Motability Scheme helps families affected by disability to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair, giving them greater freedom to carry out everyday tasks. The scheme covers almost all of the costs of owning and running a vehicle, as long as a member of the family is eligible for a relevant allowance. The scheme isn’t just for disabled people who wish to drive themselves – carers and parents of children with a disability can also apply. This is great for carers and parents of disabled children who need specific models or specially-adapted cars with additional space, increased access or special features. Whilst some families affected by disability may not require the Motability scheme, it is especially helpful for those who are struggling to afford the vehicle that will really improve their quality of life. What are the benefits of the Motability Scheme? The simplicity of the Motability Scheme is perhaps one of its great advantages. If you are eligible for (or already receiving) certain allowances (which I’ll cover later), then these can automatically cover the leasing and running costs of cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs. Not only will your allowance pay for the car, it’ll also cover insurance for up to three named drivers, servicing, maintenance, tyre and windscreen repair. You’ll even get breakdown cover courtesy of the scheme! Furthermore, it’s possible to get a huge range of different vehicles from top manufacturers as part of the scheme, as well as specially-adapted cars. This is great if you’re a keen petrolhead – you don’t have to compromise on the make and model as part of the scheme. For wheelchair users, there’s a great range of WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) available – with extended leases of five years. For disabled people with very specific needs, the costs of manually adapting a vehicle can also be covered by the scheme – really opening it up to a greater number of families. The insurance is also very comprehensive, covering the following: There is also a generous mileage allowance of 20,000/year – significantly higher than many standard leasing terms! We find this is ideal for families with disabled children who may have to regularly drive great distances for specialist schools and medical appointments. How does the Motability Scheme Work? The Scheme works by exchanging all or part of your mobility allowance to lease your chosen vehicle at a price that works for you. The payments are deducted from your allowance every four weeks, before being paid directly to Motability UK by the Department for Work and Pensions. The standard lease is over three years, or five years if you are leasing a WAV. It really is that simple! From there, you can pick the make and model you like, and then enjoy the freedom than a Motability vehicle can provide! Am I eligible for the Motability Scheme? If you are new to the Scheme, you must have at least 12 months’ award length of your allowance remaining and receive one of the following mobility allowances: It’s worth noting that the Personal Independence Payment is a recently-added allowance that grants eligibility for the scheme. So, if you’ve been declined before, but receive PIP, then you could be entitled to lease a great new car, scooter or powered wheelchair! Once your lease is completed, you can simply lease a new vehicle – provided you still have at least 12 months of your allowance remaining. What if my allowance doesn’t cover the Motability Scheme? If you’re struggling to afford the right mobility solution to meet your needs, then Motability may be able to provide you with some financial aid, including grants that can be put towards Advance Payments for cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), driving lessons and extra adaptations. The Motability Scheme is all about helping more people enjoy the freedom of vehicle ownership. So, if you’re concerned that you’re not eligible or can’t afford the vehicle you require – just talk to your local Motability-approved garage. They’ll help you discover what you’re entitled to, and direct you to your perfect car. Can I add or transfer any adaptations on my Motability vehicle? You can add multiple adaptations during your lease, but you’ll have to inform Motability’s Customer Services team as well as RSA. When adding adaptations, you’ll need to use a Motability Adaptations installer. It’s worth noting that many of the most common adaptations are available at no extra cost when fitted at the start of your lease. In terms of transferring previous adaptations, it depends on whether they’re suited to your new car. Your adaptation installer will be able to advise if your existing ones can be transferred, plus they can point out which cars may be best suited to them. For the majority of cases, there is no extra cost for the transferal of adaptations at
Listen Technologies to create inclusive guest experiences
Disney MagicALL promotes inclusion and accessibility; provides seamless, synchronized experiences for all guests Listen Technologies, the leading provider of assistive listening systems for 22 years, is collaborating with Disney Parks, Experiences and Products to develop advanced technology that provides a more inclusive experience for guests. Listen Technologies will develop assistive technologies and tour solutions utilizing the Disney MagicALL suite of Disney SyncLink® Technologies. MagicALL is an accessibility platform featuring a suite of proprietary technologies, intellectual property and patents that enable all guests to experience the magic of Disney. MagicALL is for guests with hearing loss, who are deaf or blind, or guests who speak a different language. Disney licenses MagicALL to other organizations so they can use this technology to enable magical guest experiences everywhere. In collaboration with Disney, Listen Technologies solutions will pave the way to bring products to market that dramatically improve experiences and increase inclusion for users whether they are in a theme park, a performing arts center, on a tour or other destination. In 2018, Listen Technologies entered into a technology agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to use Disney SyncLink, a synchronization technology that delivers customized content and information. Together, the technology and solutions will deliver the right information at the right time and place to the right person, seamlessly. “Imagine entering an immersive ride, exhibit, or performance and being able to listen in real-time to synchronized audio in your native language or hear clearly despite having hearing loss,” said Maile Keone, president of Listen Technologies. “Disney and Listen Technologies are making this possible. Our solutions, combined with Disney’s SyncLink Technology, will provide inclusive experiences for guests with hearing, visual or translation needs.” “Disney is synonymous with delivering magical experiences to guests so Listen Technologies is thrilled to team with Disney on its MagicALL initiative and bring greater accessibility, inclusion and engagement to all people,” said Russ Gentner, CEO of Listen Technologies. “Listen Technologies is committed to improving life’s experiences by providing exceptional, personalized audio and content on any platform at any venue.” Listen Technologies products provide a new level of connectivity by utilizing a variety of advanced solutions for assistive listening as well as customized content for guided and self-guided tours. Listen Technologies will extend the inclusive, Disney MagicALL experience to concert halls, museums, houses of worship, stadiums, walking tours, and more, providing the technology to allow all types of venues to offer immersive experiences. “We have a commitment to share our accessibility know-how and technology with companies around the world to help enhance experiences for everyone,” said Chief Safety Officer and Vice President for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Greg Hale. “We are pleased to license Disney SyncLink® Technology to Listen Technologies to further develop seamless synchronized Disney© MagicALL experiences for guests with hearing, visual or language needs.” About Disney Parks, Experiences and ProductsDisney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, Twentieth Century Studios and National Geographic—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime. When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 60 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses, including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 53 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia with more than 170,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022 and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawaii; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; one of the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across platforms; more than 300 Disney store locations around the world; and the shop Disney e-commerce platform. These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships and consumer products—including books, games and merchandise. To learn more about Disney’s MagicALL initiative, visit https://disneysynclink.com/accessibility/
The Big Event and other disabled motoring events announced for 2020
Following last summer’s successful programme of events, The Big Event will be returning to the NEC in Birmingham on 3 and 4 July 2020. The flagship show houses the UK’s largest display of cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), powered wheelchairs and scooters for disabled people, with cars also available to test drive. In addition to the event in Birmingham, there will be five regional One Big Days taking place across the UK. The 2020 disabled motoring events dates are: • Friday 3 and Saturday 4 July, The Big Event at the NEC, Birmingham • Saturday 6 June, One Big Day at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Northern Ireland • Saturday 25 July, One Big Day at Westpoint, Exeter • Saturday 15 August, One Big Day at Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate • Saturday 5 September, One Big Day at East of England Arena, Peterborough • Saturday 19 September, One Big Day at Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh The events are free to attend, with free parking too. They offer disabled people and their families a great way to find out more about leasing a car, WAV, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Motability Scheme’s worry-free leasing package. While The Big Event at the NEC is the largest show of the year, all the events have a wide range of cars on display as well as Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), adaptations, scooters and powered wheelchairs. There are also helpful Motability Scheme advisors to answer questions about the Scheme, as well as representatives from the Scheme partners, RAC, RSA and Kwik Fit. Information will also be available from Disabled Motoring UK. Visitors can test drive adapted and standard cars with a professional instructor to help find out which vehicles are best suited to their individual needs. Test drives can be booked on the day – visitors simply need to bring along their full driving licence and choose a car to test drive. Alison Beasley, One Big Day Event Manager, said: “The One Big Day events have continued to be extremely popular and attracted nearly 20,000 visitors in 2019 and we’re excited to welcome even more people to the events next year. The Big Event at the NEC is our most popular show as there is plenty of room to not only showcase the largest display of products on the Scheme but to also host expert speaker sessions, provide visitors with an indoor scooter test drive area and the opportunity to discover what it’s like to travel in a passenger WAV for the first time.” All visitors receive a free tea, coffee or soft drink and the whole family is welcome to come along. Children can meet the Scheme mascot, Billy the Bear, who is always happy to take selfies. There will also be free face painting and a kid’s play area as well as cafés, plenty of seating, and accessible toilet facilities. Ear defenders are available at all the events, and a sensory quiet room space can be found at each venue. Find out more about The Big Event and the regional One Big Days online at motability.co.uk/news/one-big-day/ and for the latest announcements, pictures and videos, visit the Motability Scheme Facebook page (facebook.com/motability). For more information on leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 953 7000.
Can I get a Motability Scheme car?
The Motability Scheme is the UK’s leading car, scooter and powered wheelchair scheme, enabling people to get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a new vehicle. Motability Scheme customers simply exchange all, or part of their mobility allowance, to lease an affordable, new car. Customers can enjoy worry-free motoring as they have the freedom and reassurance of a new car with none of the worries associated with buying and running an older one. The Scheme is available to those who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment. Recipients can exchange their weekly mobility allowance to lease a new vehicle of their choice. To be eligible, recipients will need to have at least 12 months or more of their allowance award remaining and they can also apply on behalf of a child aged three or over who receives a relevant allowance. Over 600,000 customers currently use the Motability Scheme to keep them mobile. Whichever car customers choose, the worry-free package includes insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, MOT, tyre replacement and windscreen repair. The Motability Scheme allows up to three named drivers, who can be the customer, their friends, family or carers. It’s easy to search the full range of cars available on the Motability Scheme website. The online search tool allows customers to search by a number of different options according to their needs. Customers can even create a shortlist and compare up to four of their favourite cars side by side, with the option to then arrange test drives in their chosen vehicles with one of the 5,000 Motability dealerships across the country. There are three pricing options available for those looking to lease a car through the Motability Scheme: 1) Cars that cost less than your mobility allowance – these cars are available to lease at a fixed weekly amount for the whole of the agreement, meaning that the remainder of the allowance, including any increases, will be paid directly to the customer by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 2) Cars that cost all of your mobility allowance – customers simply pay all of their weekly mobility allowance, including any annual increases from the DWP, to lease their car through the Scheme. 3) Cars that cost all of your mobility allowance, plus an Advance Payment – customers can increase their choice of cars by paying a non-refundable payment upfront, known as the Advance Payment. This covers the difference between the allowance amount and the total cost of the lease. The Motability Scheme doesn’t just offer cars. There are also options for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), adaptations, scooters and powered wheelchairs. There’s a wide selection of WAVs available through the Scheme including small, medium and large, as well as ‘Nearly New’ WAVs, to cover a range of accessibility needs. Find out more at www.motability.co.uk.