Ucan2 - Issue 24

PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE

INCORPORATING

2 ucan

England’s most accessible cities for wheelchair users

Regulator calls for views on plans to improve airline accessibility

FREE FOR ALL OUR READERS!

Ucan2

THE

1LJ Tel: 01257 267677

Fax: 01257 267711 nick@euromediaal.com www.euromediaal.com

PRINTED BY: Buxton Press

DISCLAIMER

Ucan2 magazine would like to thank the advertisers that appear in this publication for their support and wish them continued success.

Ucan2 is an independent publication and has no affiliation with any other organisation.

The views expressed in Ucan2 do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, Euromedia Associates Ltd and its employees. Similarly the efficacy of any products and services featured are the sole responsibility of the supplier / manufacturer. As per terms and conditions of acceptance.

These factors have had a huge impact on the lives of disabled people.

Scope said that since the last Disability Price Tag report there has been no action to tackle the extra cost of disability.

It says on average, disabled households (with at least one disabled adult or child) need an additional £975 a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.

If this figure is updated to account for inflation over the current period 2022/2023, these extra costs rise to £1,122 per month.

Hello - I hope you are well and have got through winter without bankrupting yourself on your fuel bills! It’s been a tough time for everyone, what with the cost of living crisis starting to bite. But what the disability community knows all too well is the price tag of being disabled is even higher.

Campaigning charity Scope says disabled people continue to face unfair extra costs including the higher cost of specialist equipment, higher usage of everyday essentials and energy and an inadequate welfare system.

Scope last published figures for the extra cost of disability in 2019. Since then, there has been a global pandemic, a cost of living crisis and soaring prices. More households have fallen into poverty and the number of disabled people out of work has increased.

These figures are accounting for disability benefit payments like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which are designed to help address these costs.

The pressure on disabled households to meet these costs makes it harder to have a good standard of living. It makes it harder to build savings, and it makes it difficult to plan for the future.

Addressing the Disability Price Tag and reducing the extra cost of disability requires concerted action and commitment from government, regulators and businesses. We need a welfare system which provides sufficient levels of support, and to make sure disabled households have fair and affordable access to essential services.

By working together to reduce and end the extra costs associated with disability, we can create a fairer, more equal society, where everyone can participate and reach their potential.

Cover Images: Adobe Stock

Train operator launching new disability assistance service

Eight Passenger Assist Points will be installed across Northern stations in the coming months to help make travel easier and more accessible for people with accessibility needs.

These new designated areas at key stations across the network will feature clear and accessible signage, as well as seating to make it easier for passengers to get the assistance they need when travelling on Northern services.

Locations will include Barrow-inFurness, Blackpool North, Bolton, Halifax, Harrogate, Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Victoria and Meadowhall stations.

Passengers will be able to wait in these areas or ask for help when they book train travel through ‘Passenger Assist’ - a national scheme for any passengers who require assistance to travel on the rail network.

It allows people to contact Northern and other train operators and they can help you on and off trains as well as reserve wheelchair spaces and seats.

The scheme is part of Northern’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity on its services.

Mark Powles, customer and commercial director at Northern, said: “We are delighted to be installing these new Passenger Assist Points across our network.

“We know that travelling by rail can be challenging for some passengers and we are committed to doing everything we can to make it easier and more accessible for everyone.”

Major coup for British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board

The National Deaf Children’s Society has announced that the charity’s Deputy Director of Local Engagement, has been appointed as a member of the Government’s new British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board.

Martin Thacker is one of 16 members on the independent BSL Advisory Board which will represent the deaf community and advise the Government on the creation of guidance on the use of BSL, as set out in the British Sign Language Act 2022 which received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022.

The Act gives legal recognition to BSL as a language of Great Britain and mandates the UK Government to produce regular reports on how it is “promoting and facilitating the language”.

Susan Daniels OBE, chief executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Martin is the child of deaf adults (CODA) so has BSL as his first language and a wealth of knowledge to share. His appointment is a major coup for the Board.

“Martin also brings very strong professional experience, both from his long service as a headteacher and in his current role where he leads the whole of our charity’s local engagement activity with NHS and local authority partners across Great Britain. Huge congratulations to Martin on this appointment.”

The National Deaf Children’s Society has been campaigning tirelessly for major improvements in BSL support as there is poor access to sign language lessons for families of deaf children, particularly those in the early years.

Ms Daniels continued: “It is completely unacceptable that many families with deaf children currently face having to pay thousands of pounds to learn sign language to support their child’s

language and communication development.”

There is also a lack of highquality access to specialist BSL support in schools, particularly where deaf children are in mainstream schools. Too many deaf children are being supported by communication support workers who have only basic skills in sign language.

Ms Daniels added: “Despite the support of the Department for Education in England, we still lack opportunities for young people – both deaf and hearing – to learn BSL and to gain a GCSE qualification in BSL. We look forward to working with the new Board in driving forward improvements to BSL access and support.”

Image courtesy of Northern

Derby College sign language student, Donna, is Amazon UK’s first BSL ambassador

Learning British Sign Language (BSL) at Derby College Group is helping Amazon UK employee Donna Burton make a huge difference to her colleagues’ lives – and her own life.

an Amazon Ambassador for British Sign Language, the first within the whole of Amazon UK. She is currently using BSL to help make communication easier between 10 hearing-impaired team members and their managers.

Donna added: “What started out as me learning something for myself, has led to my employer carving out full-time interpreter roles. I’m proud to be an Amazon ambassador. I’m just a normal person and hopefully my story will inspire others who want to make a difference but might feel scared of standing out.”

Donna, who is 55 and from Ilkeston, works as a process guide at the company’s Kegworth fulfilment centre.

She decided to learn to sign so she could communicate more easily with deaf colleagues at work.

She said: “I used to worry that one of my colleagues in particular might think we were laughing at him as he couldn’t hear us when we were having a joke. I have Tourette’s, which can cause me to tic when I’m nervous, so I know how it feels to think that everyone’s looking at you.”

After downloading the BSL app and using finger speaking skills she learnt years ago, Donna saw a positive change in her colleague.

She added: “Once I was able to better communicate with my colleague, it was clear he was happier in his work.”

Encouraged by this, Donna tried to enrol on the free beginner’s BSL class at DCG’s Ilkeston College, but that was full, so she paid to go on the level 1 course instead.

She added: “Going to college at 55, and with my condition, might have made me nervous and made my tics worse, but everyone at college has been so welcoming and friendly. When I went to enrol, I was greeted with a warm smile from the lovely person on reception, which immediately put me at my ease.”

Since then, Donna has become

For more information and to apply for the course: https://www. derby-college.ac.uk/course/awardin-british-sign-language-level-1-2/

Donna has become an Amazon Ambassador for British Sign Language, the first within the whole of Amazon UK.

The Kegworth Fulfilment Centre is the size of 18 football pitches and is located just off the M1. And thousands of employees work onsite.

Images courtesy of Derby College

Scooter firm teams up with train operator to make rail more accessible

Northern and mobility scooter manufacturer TGA have launched a new partnership aimed at making train travel easier with a mobility scooter or wheelchair.

People can now travel to and from more than 160 stations, on 281 routes on Northern’s network, using their scooter or wheelchair.

All power chairs and wheelchairs can be taken on accessible routes but only certain smaller mobility scooters are permitted – this is where the Northern mobility scooter permit scheme and TGA can help.

Passengers can apply for a free permit on the train operator’s website which will show whether their scooter is suitable for rail travel. TGA can provide advice on which products from its range can be safely used on the Northern Rail network, such as the Minimo

Autofold or Minimo Plus.

Maxine Myers, accessibility improvement manager at Northern, said: “We are committed to giving people with additional mobility needs the confidence to travel by rail. We want to support our customers whenever they need it.

“The mobility scooter scheme is an example of this commitment and we’ll be looking to deliver improved accessibility across our network as we roll out similar improvements at other stations in the future.”

To celebrate the new partnership and to encourage more people onto the trains, Northern passengers with new mobility scooter permits will qualify for a 10

per cent discount on train friendly TGA products.

Daniel Stone, TGA managing director, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Northern who are providing greater accessibility on the rail network and opening up travel to areas in the North of England that may not have previously been possible. Inclusive stations and routes enable mobility scooter and wheelchair users access to the rail network with confidence and we are proud to offer our support to the scheme.”

Northern mobility scooter permit scheme applications can be made via https://northernrailway.force. com/s/scooter-permit

Image courtesy of Northern

can

2 u

INCORPORATING SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

We are Derwen! A specialist college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In

2022, the

was

2022

We build

your programme of activities around what you enjoy doing.

College

awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, recognising the education and vocational training it provides for young people from across the UK.

England’s most accessible cities for wheelchair users

Independent research from Mobility Solutions Direct, a leading provider of mobility and wheelchair solutions, has released a list of the most accessible cities in England & Wales for wheelchair users to help them navigate urban environments that can present unique accessibility challenges.

We used national statistics on taxi and private hire vehicles from the Department of Transport, before finding the population of each of these locales to deduce the amount of wheelchair-accessible taxis per capita (a full methodology can be found below the findings) to find the most accessible city.

The most accessible city for wheelchair users is Liverpool, with 286 wheelchair-friendly taxis per 100,000 people. Although London had the highest number of accessible taxis (14,625), it came in fifth place, with 164 taxis per 100,000.

The results show that Liverpool is the most accessible city for wheelchair users. Other cities that

made the list include Manchester and Coventry, each offering decent accessibility options in transportation for wheelchair users.

Additionally, there has been a 12% increase in disability awareness training for taxi drivers since 2019 as part of a legal requirement from local authorities, a total of 55% of taxis are wheelchair accessible.

66% of authorities require all or part of the taxi fleet to be wheelchair accessible. 83% of authorities maintain a list of wheelchair-accessible taxis in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

The Transport for London’s ‘Conditions for Fitness’ taxi licensing policy requires all 14,6000

20 Most Accessible Cities For Wheelchair Users in England & Wales

taxis in London to be wheelchairaccessible. Only 40% of taxis were wheelchair accessible outside of London in England.

Methodology:

We started by using nation statistics from the Department for Transportation on wheelchairaccessible taxis and private hire vehicles in cities in England and Wales

This was divided by the population of each of these cities to find the number of wheelchairfriendly taxis per capita (per 100,000 people)

We then sorted the range of the per capita and total number of taxis in each city to find the above overall ranking

Image courtesy of iStock

Northern wins national business award for innovative approach to accessible rail travel

Northern has scooped a prestigious national award for its unique and innovative approach to improving accessibility on trains and at stations.

Users can now choose a character and scenario that represents their needs and experience trains, stations and interact with staff in a realistic simulated environment on their own phones, tablets, PCs or in Virtual Reality headsets for a fully immersive experience.

accessibility improvement manager at Northern, said: “This amazing new app will give confidence to some of our customers, and even prospective rail travellers to enable them to take independent journeys. We want to support our customers whenever they need it.”

The train operator recognised that more needed to be done to reduce travel anxiety and make journeys easier to plan and make.

The Accessible Travel Simulation “Serious Game” won the Customer Service Excellence category at the Rail Business Awards earlier this year and has been developed to support people who are anxious or need Passenger Assistance, including disabled customers

and those with hidden conditions, to build confidence to travel by train.

The awards, which are in their 25th year, celebrate achievements in every aspect of the industry, from daily operations, safety and customer service to technical innovation and major projects and recognises operators, suppliers, and infrastructure providers from across the country in 16 hotly contested categories.

This first of a kind digital solution has been developed by Northern with lead partner Chrome Angel Solutions and digital technology experts Totem Learning, working closely with industry partners Angel Trains and Community Rail Lancashire. The team won funding from the Department for Transport’s Accessibility Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG: Accessibility) programme delivered by Connected Places Catapult to develop and test a proofof-concept demonstrator.

Maxine Myers,

The team is continuing to develop the simulation from the user testing and is now rapidly expanding pilot testing as well as demonstrating to passenger and disability groups across the network.

Angel Trains and Northern have recently jointly funded VR headsets for Community Rail Lancashire to take the game into classrooms as part of their educational programme that supports thousands of children each year.

Image courtesy of The Rail Business Awards

Plans to improve airline accessibility

Regulator calls for views on plans to improve airline accessibility

Consultation opens following ‘Rights on Flights’ campaign led by Sophie Morgan

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is calling for views on a proposed framework to improve airline experiences for disabled and less mobile passengers.

The regulator’s framework would rank the performance of airlines based on their service for disabled and less mobile passengers, from booking flight tickets and assistance at the airport, through to their onboard experience and complaints handling.

Ratings would include consideration of access around requesting assistance, onboard facilities including seating and toilets, as well as boarding and disembarking.

The framework also sets standards for bringing assistance dogs onto flights, along with providing guidance on how airlines should handle mobility equipment and providing compensation when

it is lost or damaged.

In developing the proposals, the regulator has significantly engaged with disabled people, as well as major airlines.

Anna Bowles, Head of Consumer at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Our proposals to introduce this new framework are about holding airlines to account in meeting their obligations to disabled and less mobile passengers across all aspects of their journey.

“Consumers should have confidence that the standard of support they receive when flying will meet their needs. Assessing airlines against a standardised framework will ensure that disabled and less mobile passengers will be better informed when they choose which airline to fly with, and will highlight areas where airlines need to do better.

“To make the framework as

effective as possible, we’re asking for feedback from individuals, disability rights groups and the industry to help shape our plans.”

Josh Wintersgill, Founder and Director of Able Move, said: “This consultation is a great opportunity for people to share their constructive feedback to help influence and shape the framework further. A tremendous amount of work has gone into it thus far, and the framework is very much welcomed.

“Whilst only guidance, it is hoped it would enable the UK Civil Aviation Authority to better monitor airline performance and hold airlines to greater public accountability just like UK airports are today, which has shown improvements, but perhaps not at the pace which people expect.”

The consultation launched on April 24 and is open until July 21. It is seeking further feedback from

Image courtesy of UKCAA

disability rights groups, individuals, and the aviation industry, particularly around what best practice looks like.

The initiative would carry out assessments on all UK and nonUK airlines which operate to the UK, with the outcome of these assessments being made public.

It follows the introduction of a similar framework for airports in 2014, which has driven airports to spend millions of pounds improving experiences for passengers with reduced mobility.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has also helped deliver other significant improvements for passengers over the last decade in its access to air work, including developing guidance for UK airports on helping people with non-visible disabilities such as autism, dementia and hearing loss as well as many other conditions that are not immediately obvious.

The consultation comes amid the Rights on Flights campaign led by TV presenter Sophie Morgan calling for airlines and other parties in the industry to be held accountable for:

• Damage to wheelchairs or

essential mobility devices

• When they leave Disabled passengers on flights for a prolonged period once the flight has landed

• When they fail to provide adequate assistance despite prior knowledge of Disabled passengers’ needs

After delivering a petition to Downing Street, Sophie Morgan commented: “I am pleased to be at Downing Street to deliver the RightsOnFlights Open Letter to the Prime Minister today, but I wish I didn’t have to be. My wheelchair, which is essentially my legs, my independence and my lifeline, was broken by an Airline and I, like so many other Disabled travellers, have had enough.

“Throughout the campaign, thousands of people have contacted me to share their own traumatic experiences on flights –equipment being broken, no toilet access, lack of accessible safety materials, inadequate assistance, adults dragging themselves around airports, or down aircraft aisles, children being left, like discarded rubbish, on the aircraft for hours.

“Worse still are the countless

Plans to improve airline accessibility

numbers of people who are now avoiding flying as or those who, due to the inaccessible design of the aircraft, aren’t able to fly at all.

This has been happening for decades. It really is unbelievable that we are having to fight for our basic human rights in 2023. The systems that are currently in place are clearly not fit for purpose.

“We are in a crisis and we need our Government to support and protect us by granting the Civil Aviation Authority the power to impose fines when Airlines (and other parties) fail us. Other countries have these in place, so why don’t we?

“And this is just the start. We will not stop here. Next, we will be calling on the Department of Transport to draft new and improved assisted travel legislation. The time is NOW and this visit to No.10 today is one step on the long but necessary journey towards systemic change.

“So, it’s a shame Rishi didn’t invite me in for a chat this time, but this won’t be the last time he hears from us!”

Image courtesy of iStock

Huge research project swings into action to analyse disabled golfers

EDGA - formerly the European Disabled Golf Association - has recently embarked on a year-long research project looking into the golf swings of golfers with disabilities.

The plan is to analyse at least 200 golfers over the next year, including players with visual impairments. Research will continue at key EDGA Tour events in Scotland, Ireland and England, including at the inaugural The G4D Open, staged by The R&A with support from the DP World Tour, at Woburn in May.

The academic researchers anticipate that the results will further increase the body of knowledge and so better support golfers with a wide range of impairments, leading to improved competitive opportunities, reduction in injury, while welcoming new players to the game.

A key ambition is to further enhance the current classification of players with different impairments into ‘sports classes’ that will ultimately help the golf industry to understand and attract more of the 15% of people worldwide who have a disability.

EDGA believes that it will not only be the players who benefit from the research findings, as tournament organisers, national governing bodies, PGA coaches, professionals working in sports medicine, and equipment manufacturers will also find the results of this study valuable in helping support the growing market of G4D (golf for the disabled).

The research began during backto-back EDGA Tour events at the Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal in January. The EDGA development and eligibility team used a Trackman launch monitor to record an initial 1,100 golf shots from 25 EDGA golfers with a range of impairments, including paraplegia, limb amputation, limited mobility and neurological weakness. Metrics included capturing ‘smash factor’, spin rate and clubhead speed.

Ethics approval

Professor Eric Wallace from Ulster University helped develop the protocols of the new research, and gave ethics approval.

Leading the project, Dr Roger Hawkes, EDGA Executive Director of Eligibility, said: “To examine in detail the swing characteristics of a large cohort of players with a disability should give the golf industry far better understanding of how different impairments influence a golf swing, thus unlocking a door to the needs of more golfers.

“This research will help golf’s governing bodies in the important areas of classification, and sports classes, around different player impairments for events. Meanwhile, we can all help to include more new players with a disability to start in golf. This project can help more people with different health conditions to enjoy all the great things that the sport offers.”

PGA coach Mark Taylor, Head of Development for EDGA, led the

first player session at Amendoeira. Mark said: “The ball flight and impact data collected from the cohort of players with various impairments will form a starting point for the ongoing research. Analysis of the data, specifically impact data and subsequent ball flight patterns, will help collate –as the research progresses and the cohort of players analysed increases – valuable information in categorising the sports classes.”

Evidence based research

Will Wynter Bee, a Sports and Exercise Medicine doctor based at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), is working on the project with EDGA.

Will said: “The opening of this research has already put us together with some competitive and talented golfers who love the game. Looking ahead, through the data and also the insights of 200 or more golfers, this will provide some fantastic learning for us. We hope we can support the players by way of strong findings from a health perspective, including advancing the cause of fitness and avoiding injury. It will be great if this leads to the golf industry being able to welcome more people with chronic health conditions to play, where regular exercise can make a major difference in their lives.”

Images courtesy of EDGA

AAT takes steps to help address adaptation delay

AAT the stairclimber people have developed an initiative to support adaptation delivery teams in reducing delay- cutting the process to a matter of days/weeks.

The result is achieved through prescription, where appropriate, of an AAT S-Max stairclimber with Universal Back.

The Class I Medical Device certified stairclimber manages the risk of navigating stairs, without the delay and disruption of alternative stair transfer methods. The addition of the Universal Back to the stairclimber means each “passenger” is correctly positioned and secure during the transfer process, with an accessory that can easily adapt to their requirements as their condition changes- and those of another user in the future.

The combination provides a proven, safe way of enabling someone with reduced mobility to access all levels of their home environment achievable in a matter of days: the combination of S-Max and Universal Back can be delivered to the client within a working week of receipt of order.

The speed of delivery is complimented by AAT’s assessment managers, who endeavour to be with the client, and undertake the free, no obligation assessment, within 10 working days.

“Someone’s ability to navigate stairs in one of the most common issues requiring an adaptation or delaying hospital discharge,” observes

Peter Wingrave, AAT Director. “Our S-Max/ Universal Back combo is, where appropriate, a viable, practical solution.

“It can be delivered within a working week of order, with full training given. It requires no structural alteration to the home, nor installation. If/when no longer needed, it can be taken into stores and re-issuedexpediating another adaptation without the need for grant funding. It can help prevent future admission/re-admission, by reducing the risk of a fall on the stairs- one of

the top home hazards.

“With the current, and ongoing pressure on NHS and social care services, surely it makes sense, where reasonable and practical, to make use of such resources?”

Further details of the AAT S-Max and Universal Back can be found here: https://www.aatgb. com/s-max/, or by emailing sales@aatgb. com, calling 01978 821875.

Image courtesy of AFPR

Full Power for Mountain Trike All Terrain Wheelchair

New SDMotion Trike all terrain power chair, combines the quality and all terrain durability of the Mountain Trike wheelchair and the proven SDMotion power system.

Anew partnership between the Mountain Trike Company and Steering Developments Ltd sees the launch of the SDMotionTrike - a brand new fully electric powered, joystick controlled, off road wheelchair.

The SDMotion Trike has plenty of unique key features, it is fully electric controlled with an easy to use joystick which can be mounted to either the left or right hand side. Standard fittings include a lithium-ion battery which offers a range of approx 18 miles and offroad 26” tyres provide excellent performance over a variety of uneven terrains. The robust Mountain Trike frame with its proven track record of outstanding offroad performance makes this partnership the perfect match to bring this innovative product to market and allow even more wheelchair users access to the great outdoors.

Talking about the new product, Tim Morgan, Managing Director at Mountain Trike says, “The SDMotion Trike has been in development for a good 18 months so I am super excited to see the product launch. Both myself and Jeff Adams from Steering Developments have an engineering background and have many years of experience working with niche mobility products

so getting the product right from an engineering and end user point of view has been key and why we’ve taken time to bring it to market. For us at Mountain Trike adding this fully powered, joystick controlled, all terrain wheelchair compliments our existing wheelchair range. Helping people get outdoors, despite ability, has always been our ethos and the addition of the SDMotion Trike will enable a wider range of users with a variety of abilities to enjoy the outdoors.”

Tim continues, “I’m excited about this new partnership with Steering Developments, our organisations are very aligned and bringing the Mountain Trike together with the SDMotion kit is the perfect combination for this innovative new product.”

Grant Harbour, Managing Director at Steering Developments Ltd said “we are very excited that this new partnership between MT and SDL has meant the SD Motion range has taken a new step forward. Since our first visit to Japan in 1999, these high quality power add-on systems have allowed thousands of users to experience freedom in going to new places. Now we look forward to seeing the new SDMotion Trike in use up and down the country and beyond places users have gone

before.”

The SDMotion Trike is easy to use, can be folded into a cube and has quick release wheels for easy transport, it weighs 37 kg (without the battery) which is light for an electric wheelchair. It comes in a wide range of colours and customised adaptations are available. Comfort and safety is key with rock shox air shock absorbers, electromagnetic brakes and manual safety brakes, highly efficient brushless motors with built-in braking function,

various seating options with moulded comfort cushions and adjustable footplate.

The model is currently only available for sales in the UK with a RRP of £11,950, it comes with a 3 year warranty (1 year on battery and power system).

For further specifications and to arrange a demo visit the Mountain Trike webpage https://www. mountaintrike.com/ products/sd-motion-trike

MADE FOR

Image courtesy of Steering Development Ltd

Geberit continues to lead the way with new products and technologies to support bathroom independence

Bathroom adaptations play a vital role in helping people of all ages with a long-term limiting illness or disability to remain in their own homes.

With over 40 years’ experience in developing shower toilet technology, Geberit has invested all its wealth and expertise to offer something revolutionary for the Care market. The AquaClean Mera Care shower toilet has been specifically designed to improve quality of life for those who have difficulty using a conventional toilet and is the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality.

The Geberit AquaClean Mera Care shower toilet has been specifically designed to put the user in control; smart, stylish, and easy to use, its advanced technology enables you to have a greater sense of independence in the bathroom. A complete solution that can be adapted to take care of your individual needs; the Mera Care leaves you feeling cleaner and fresher with a comfortable, convenient, and hygienic bathroom experience.

Its innovative features include a hybrid hot

water system with continuous flow heater and a water storage heater that guarantees warm water even on consecutive washes. Warm air drying will leave you clean and fresh, along with a single activation control panel for ease of use.

Enhanced by patented WhirlSpray technology the shower spray is infused with dynamic aeration for a gentle but targeted and thorough clean with minimal water consumption. This is further enhanced by the oscillation feature and ability to personalise and

store both the position of the spray arm and intensity of the spray to consistently deliver the same wash.

Other features that can be tailored to fit bespoke needs include the unique shower chair mode and the flexibility to accommodate different height requirements, making the Mera Care compatible with a range of other bathroom equipment to ensure the most comfortable experience.

National Sales Manager, Simon Thomas believes ‘In the design of every aspect of the

Geberit AquaClean Mera Care and at all levels of product development, we have focused on the needs of the end users – and the new five-year warranty underscores our confidence in what is a next generation product. Thanks to its outstanding functionality, this product is not only beautiful to look at, it also makes life easier and more comfortable.’

To find out more about how the Geberit AquaClean Mera Care can work for you visit www.geberit-aquaclean. co.uk/care

Images courtesy of Geberit

Welsh Government highlights developments to help people with rare diseases

Llywodraeth Cymru yn amlygu datblygiadau i helpu pobl â chlefydau prin ac yn goleuo adeilad Parc Cathays i godi ymwybyddiaeth ar Ddiwrnod Clefydau Prin

The development of a new app, which allows users to share their health profile and potentially draw attention to rare or complex medical conditions with health services, both in the UK and abroad – like a passport – was launched on Rare Disease Day earlier this year by Health and Social Services Minister Eluned Morgan.

The Care & Respond app has been developed in Wales with Welsh Government funding to support clinical decision making in cases of emergency and other time critical situations.

It is hoped it will also improve coordination of care for those affected by rare diseases, like the Swan family from Caerphilly.

Their daughter, Lucy, has Snijders Blok Fisher Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder which sees her suffer with hypotonia and sensory processing issues among other things.

For years they had no name for the syndrome affecting her, which left them feeling isolated and alone.

Lucy’s mum Claire said: “The awareness around undiagnosed and rare genetic conditions is very minimal. It would have helped my family and many families before and after mine if the understanding was increased. I am also sure this would aid a smoother process for families and enable faster diagnosis.

“After fighting for what felt like forever we finally had a diagnosis for our daughter’s ultrarare genetic condition. This is something some families never achieve. I couldn’t help but cry.”

Health and Social Services

Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Rare

disease patients and their families can face a lifetime of complex care. Living with a rare disease can also have a huge impact on education, financial stability, mobility, and mental health.

“It is vital we include the voice of rare disease patients when developing wider health and social care policy.

“I am delighted the Care & Respond app is being developed and I am confident it will streamline communication and understanding around conditions for both users and health professionals.

“Our new Innovation Strategy, Wales Innovates launched yesterday and this is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through this strategy and collaborative working.”

The Welsh Government is currently implementing the Wales

Rare Diseases Action Plan, and funding the UK’s first SWAN (Syndrome Without a Name) Clinic, based at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, added: “The SWAN clinic brings hope and reassurance to families, offering a ‘one stop shop’ with access to specialists and cuttingedge investigations. This is a huge step to shortening the time people are living with an undiagnosed disease.

“We are also the first UK nation to offer genome genetic testing to very ill children and the first nation to appoint a national clinical lead and an NHS programme manager to support the implementation of our Rare Diseases Action Plan.”

The Swan family

Hospital Stay Inspires Device To Help Those With Chronic Illness And Disabilities…

Mandy Charlton was recovering on a neurosurgical ward after a major operation, when she was offered a scalding hot coffee in a cup that made it impossible to drink.

And that made the photographer, who also runs Philomena’s Boutique - an online sustainable and unique gift shop - believe that there had been to a better solution to help people in her position and those who found drinking out of a cup or glass a challenge.

“As someone who suffers from chronic conditions myself, I’m well aware of the problems that people have to deal with,” said Mandy.

“And I thought there must be something that people could

use that would not only solve the problem but would also give the users a certain amount of independence.”

Mandy created the double handled Freedom Cup, made to a sturdy design and which has a special spout to minimise spillage.

Each cup can be personalised by choosing from a range of images or buyers can add a photograph or illustration of their own choosing.

“The first one I made was for a Mother’s Day gift for a customer whose mum had suffered a stroke and I posted it online,” said Mandy.

“I couldn’t believe the response and now the orders are flooding in, which is fantastic not only for me as a small business but also because it shows there really is a

need.

“The fact that each one is unique has also been a major plus, meaning it can be decorated in something that’s special to the person.”

Mandy has also come up with a child friendly version, suitable for youngsters of all ages.

The cups sell for £19.95p and are available at https:// philomenasboutique.com/products/ adult-sippy-cup-adaptive-drinkingaid-spill-proof-mug

“Every one of them that I’ve sold so far has a very personal story attached,” said Mandy.

“It’s amazing that this really is making a massive difference to so many people.”

A North East woman’s postsurgery brainwave has set her on a mission to improve the lives of those with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Mandy Charlton

Spinal Injuries Association heralds the launch of the Frank Williams Academy

The SIA has formally launched its new project named in memory of Formula1 great Sir Frank Williams.

train those affected by spinal cord injuries and healthcare professionals to ensure safe, appropriate care is provided.

Through research and development, the Academy intends to champion best practice, raise national standards and build an evidence base to influence longterm transformational change

Matthew Savage, Chairman of the Board, Williams Racing: “We’re delighted to support the launch of the Frank Williams Academy. To honour Sir Frank’s life by providing fundamental education, care and support to change the lives of people affected by spinal cord injuries is truly special. Everyone at Williams Racing is looking forward to helping the Academy flourish.”

him such an inspiration to many while he was alive. Following his death, I wanted to do something to continue that legacy, and the Frank Williams Academy couldn’t be a more fitting tribute. The work that the Academy will do will provide potentially life changing care for spinal cord injured people, just as the SIA did for my dad. With that support, the bounds of possibility are endless.”

It hopes to honour Sir Frank’s legacy and his achievements while living with a spinal cord injury.

The SIA supported Sir Frank following his car accident in 1986, which was integral to his recovery and return to work.

He went on to found the Williams F1 team, achieving nine Formula One World Championship Constructors’ Titles.

The SIA has been the team’s Official Charity since 2015, with Sir Frank’s daughter, Claire Williams, being its Vice President since 2016.

The Frank Williams Academy was launched on Wednesday 19 April at an SIA reception at Hoare Memorial Hall in Westminster, attended by our patron, HRH The Princess Royal.

Claire is spearheading the new academy and an appeal to raise £1.5m to launch and establish it during its early years. This funding will be used to help educate and

Claire Williams, Vice President, SIA: “My father lived the most extraordinary life, not least as one of the most successful Team Principals in the history of the sport and doing so from a wheelchair as a tetraplegic for the greater part of it. His tenacity in the face of this adversity was just one of the many things that made

Nik Hartley, CEO, Spinal Injuries Association: “The launch of the Frank Williams Academy is momentous, not only for SIA but for spinal cord injured people across the UK. Inspired by Sir Frank’s success and motivated by the challenges he faced, the vision is to completely transform the availability of specialist expertise in health and care so that anyone anywhere has the best chance of a fulfilled life after injury. Sir Frank was the living example of such a life. We’re so grateful to his daughter, our amazing Vice President, Claire Williams and to Williams Racing for backing this.”

Images courtesy of SIA

Everybody Welcome initiative aims to put North on the map for accessibility

A new initiative has been launched to help establish the North East as the most accessible region in the UK.

Everybody Welcome, funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA), will ensure visitors, including those living in the region with access requirements, can experience the destination with confidence.

The programme, being delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), will allow anyone coming to the region to research information relating to their needs prior to their visit, as well as being able to view 360o videos of attractions and hotels before their arrival.

Working with staff in the tourism and hospitality sector the programme Everybody Welcome will help businesses to produce relevant information and excellent services for their visitors with access requirements, both visible and hidden, older people and families by providing free access to:

Staff training, toolkits and guidance on a wide range of conditions, barriers and access requirements from industry experts WelcoMe: an established digital platform, enabling visitors to source information relating to their specific needs and ask questions in advance of their visit as well as helping venue staff create a warm and inclusive welcome.

360-degree filming for selected venues: a valuable marketing tool which gives visitors a taste of what’s on offer to help with visit planning.

Working with industry experts Chris Veitch and Jane Cooper, Everybody Welcome will encourage businesses to sign up to the project and take advantage of the free business support package.

Chris is a leading independent consultant in the field of accessible tourism working closely with DCMS, VisitEngland and VisitBritain to help the UK meet its aim of

being the most accessible tourism destination in Europe by 2025. Jane is managing director of Access and Inclusion UK, which specialises in providing access consultancy, training, access auditing and business support services to clients across the UK, with a particular focus on accessible tourism.

Last year the North East was announced as the chosen region for the Government’s regional tourism pilot, receiving £2.25m. The Destination Development Partnership pilot will be the blueprint for the structure of tourism nation-wide and a key area of the pilot is accessibility and working with businesses to improve their accessibility offer.

Sarah Green, Chief Executive of NGI said: “Everybody Welcome will help to drive our ambition and that of the region’s to achieve the accessibility agenda across the visitor economy, celebrating and driving quality in the tourism sector.

“It will help those taking part to increase their share of the UK’s £15.3 billion ‘accessible tourism’ market by improving experiences for visitors across the region, also benefiting our local communities

“By training frontline staff in our

visitor and hospitality venues, as well as developing a way for consumers to liaise directly with businesses on their requirements before they arrive, we can become the UK’s most accessible region and further increase our visitor offer.

“We are really excited to be working on this project and with the support of leading industry experts, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating a destination with is open to all.”

Jane Cooper added: “Access and Inclusion UK are delighted to be working with NewcastleGateshead Initiative on this exciting project which has so much potential to benefit the destination, its businesses, visitors, and the local community.

“There is no mystery to accessible tourism: at its heart, it is about demonstrating to people that ‘we know you; we understand you and we value you to make everybody welcome.”

To receive the most up to date information on the programme including invitations to informative webinars and regular project updates, go to Everybody

Welcome - NewcastleGateshead Initiative (ngi.org.uk)

New Employment Programme To Help People With Cystic Fibrosis Fulfil Their Career Aspirations

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has launched Work Forwards, a new employment project to provide free, tailored careers information and advice to people affected by cystic fibrosis and those who care for them.

The landscape of cystic fibrosis is changing dramatically with new medications giving many people the prospect of longer and healthier lives. But after years of poor health and hospital treatment, many people with CF have already seen the damaging impact to their education or career of living with an invisible, long term and life limiting illness. Through a range of online one-to-one coaching and advice sessions, the new programme, supported by the National Lottery, will help people with cystic fibrosis break down these barriers and fulfil their career goals.

David Ramsden, Chief Executive at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “Our new Work Forwards project will support people with CF to access the skills and guidance they need to help them set and realise their career aspirations. Having a lifelong and life-limiting condition imposes an additional financial burden and this programme will help people with CF to build a sustainable financial future.”

The CF community will be able to access one to one advice from our employment experts, join group sessions to learn key employability skills, and share their experiences of work and CF to inspire and support each other.

Becky Kilgariff, Head of Information, Support and Programmes at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “We are so grateful to the National Lottery for supporting this exciting new programme. We’re excited to have the opportunity to make sure that everyone affected by CF has the skills and support they need to have a fulfilling and exciting career and be financially sustainable. The Work Forwards programme will provide muchneeded support and advice as well as opportunities to share experiences to inspire others”.

An anonymous person with CF said: “I used to be a primary school

teacher, but had to stop due to my CF. Now I work part-time in retail, which I enjoy, and it makes it easier to manage my health. I sometimes get very frustrated when I think of how difficult it is financially due to CF.

“After finishing university, I hoped to be in work full-time as a secondary school teacher, on a decent, stable salary that would go up over time. Without CF, I would have been teaching full-time for the past decade; I’d have been able to save and have a lot more financial independence.

“I managed to teach part-time for two and a half years before having to stop. Now I’m on around £11 per hour, on a zero-hour contract with no sick or holiday pay. I rely on Universal Credit, but if you work more, you get money deducted from the next month’s benefit and you’re still taxed on the original amount. This means I effectively work for under minimum wage once Universal Credit has been deducted, which is very hard to accept.”

Shad: a CF sufferer, said: “Being able to earn a living whilst simultaneously managing the hidden disease that is Cystic

Fibrosis has been incredibly challenging. In the work place, the biggest obstacle I have faced was overcoming employer’s bias against and a lack of compassion for health. For so long I had to endure prioritising work over my health, which had a tremendous negative impact on my quality of life. My work ethic and capability were never questioned, but enduring comments like “You have another hospital appointment?!” Or “You like fine” made me feel ignored and uncomfortable in the workplace. Unfortunately when I was job hunting for several months after the company I worked for collapsed, I found it hard to get an interview because my ask for reasonable adjustments due to my health was not in the culture of the recruiting organisations - despite me having the skillsets for the vacancy. In the age of diversity and inclusion that we are living in today, it is important for employers to recognise that capability to do a role must not be restricted to the healthy - that those with hidden illness like CF can contribute positively to the business.”

Image courtesy of iStock

Kia Stonic - the small SUV with big ideas

Sleek on the outside with distinctive traits, the Stonic is a bold statement in fun driving and available on Motability with a range of options and adaptations.

The upgraded Stonic offers drivers a range of efficient ‘Smartstream’ powertrains, with innovations that enhance efficiency. Among these, the Stonic offers Kia’s petrol 48V mild-hybrid ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain, available with manual or double-clutch transmissions.

Updated in 2020, the interior and exterior design of the Stonic remain largely unchanged since its launch in 2017. However owners have even greater choice in terms of new body and roof colours and colour schemes, and new wheel designs. Inside, there is a large 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system with the latest Kia Connect telematics features. Safety and driver support are further enhanced with the adoption of high-tech advanced

driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Introduced to the European market at the end of 2017, the Stonic has become one of Kia UK’s more popular models, the sixth best-selling model in the country just after the XCeed and Ceed line-ups.

The Stonic is based on a version of the Rio supermini platform, and is powered by high-efficiency, high-technology ‘Smartstream’ petrol powertrains. It was designed in Europe at the company’s Frankfurt studios, with input from the main design centre at Namyang in Korea. Originally intended as a car solely for Europe, it is also now sold in Korea, such was the reception it got when shown there.

In the UK there is a standard four-model line-up based on ‘2’,

‘GT-Line’, ‘3’ and ‘GT-Line S’ trim levels. In early 2023, a ‘Quantum’ special edition model is also available. All versions offer an extensive package of connectivity features, including links to Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ via pre-downloaded smartphone apps, while advanced electronic driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Headlight control. There are no plans for an EV or hybrid model in the Stonic lineup. More generally, under Kia’s long-term ‘Plan S’ strategy, the brand will launch a range of 14 EVs globally by 2027, which will cover a wide range of vehicle sizes and segments. Several of these will launch in the UK and Europe.

Image courtesy of Kia

Designing the next-generation of electric Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Two students selected to explore design & engineering solutions that could help thousands of disabled motorists

Two talented students have been selected by Motability Operations and CALLUM to help design and engineer an electric Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (eWAV) prototype with the aim of encouraging industry innovation and helping to ensure future EV mobility is accessible for all.

Zoe Graham, a fourth-year Bachelor of Engineering student of Product Design Engineering at The Glasgow School of Art/Glasgow University, and Yikuan Zhang, a third-year Bachelor of Arts student studying Automotive and Transportation Design at Coventry University, impressed the judging panel with their eWAV concepts developed at ‘Design Hacks’ held at their respective universities. Both students will receive a paid placement at Warwickshire-based

design and engineering business CALLUM to progress an eWAV prototype under the guidance of its design director Ian Callum CBE and engineering director Adam Donfrancesco, as well as the support of Motability Operations and insight of its customers.

The project is also being supported by selected automotive OEMs along with some of the WAV industry converters who will share engineering insight into vehicle models to assist the design and engineering project.

Dumfries-born Zoe Graham (22) says: “Upon reading the eWAV brief I felt inspired. It’s such an important and interesting design and engineering problem that could really benefit people. Even as a school child, I wanted to make robotic limbs for people with disabilities: I would like to use

my skills to design products that continue to improve the quality of people’s lives. With my initial eWAV design, I wanted the user to have the best experience possible while also offering something ‘cool’ that has the new-age, exciting feel that most electric cars have today.”

Yikuan Zhang (24), from Xiamen, China, and currently studying in Coventry, says: “I entered the Design Hack to challenge myself with this interesting and meaningful design task. In my career I want to understand our society, solve problems with better design and ultimately bring positive changes to society. I believe that key to a successful eWAV design is an idea that is practical, can be mass produced and makes as little impact as possible to the vehicle architecture so that more car manufacturers will be willing to

support it. I’m excited to work with CALLUM to design, engineer and bring an eWAV into reality.”

Motability Operations supplies approximately 30,000 WAVs through the Motability Scheme, with around 4,000 applications each year for the small and medium WAVs that are generally less cumbersome and cheaper to run. However, these customers face additional practical challenges and higher costs as the industry moves towards EVs. The architecture of an EV, with the battery located in the floor, proves problematic for eWAV conversion as it reduces internal height and usable space in the cabin while also limiting the available payload.

Almost 150 students took part in Design Hacks organised by CALLUM and Motability Operations at both Coventry University and the Glasgow School of Art, where they proposed solutions to this complex issue with the aim of providing accessibility and utilising internal space.

Ian Callum, design director at CALLUM, was impressed by the ingenuity of the solutions suggested by attendees: “This is an incredibly complex problem that needs to be addressed today to ensure that no one is left behind as the automotive industry moves towards its next electric evolution. It’s wonderful to get a glimpse at the next generation of talent and ideas that will soon enter the sector.”

During the judging process, the teams at CALLUM and Motability Operations were impressed by

Graham’s creativity and how she conveyed her novel solution, which has the potential to create more space for users. Zhang also piqued the teams’ interest with how he addressed the battery packaging and provided a creative solution with stackable seats.

“Both Zoe and Yikuan stood out for their understanding of the brief, their novel and creative ideas, and how well they were able to

communicate these. At CALLUM we understand the importance of supporting the next generation of talent, of nurturing the innovators of tomorrow and sharing ideas and knowledge. We are looking forward to working with them to develop a viable, scalable eWAV solution to drive further innovation in the field and support all motorists to make the transition to EVs.”

Andrew Miller, CEO at Motability Operations, says: “WAVs provide freedom and independence for lots of our Motability Scheme customers every day. Solving this problem is vital, so we can support our WAV drivers when they switch to an electric vehicle in the future. Everyone at Motability Operations is excited to see this opportunity come to life and we hope Zoe and Yikuan, along with the team at CALLUM, can develop a working solution for the WAV industry.”

Graham and Zhang will begin work with the CALLUM design and engineering teams in March to develop an eWAV prototype that will be revealed in late autumn 2023.

Images courtesy of Motability Operations

PB Conversions

We are a small friendly family run business who value customer service and we offer a professional and personal service. Our moto ‘Giving You Freedom’ is what we strive for and we aim to achieve this for all our customers. We are constantly updating and training our staff in all the new equipment that is available.

We adapt many different types of vehicles. We fit all variations of controls from simple driving aids to fully adapted drive from the wheelchair conversions. We only fit the best adaptations and the ones that are right for you.

We manufacture our own hand controls and left foot accelerators and interface boxes. We also fit many different types of equipment from hoists, seats, radio remotes, wheelchair stowage for manual wheelchair, advanced driving controls. We also adapt vehicles so you can drive from your wheelchair or as a passenger wheelchair accessible vehicle. We fit Space Drive equipment which means you can drive from your wheelchair and drive from a fitted joystick or mini wheel or lever. This is a very advanced system using microprocessors and can even be voice activated.

We have a good relationship with all our local garages covering Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Dunstable, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northampton. We also go further afield. We also go to local shows and assessment centres to

keep people informed of what is available.

We have 4 demonstration vehicles with numerous adaptations fitted as well demo stands at our fully equipped unit in Leighton Buzzard, we will be delighted to show you all that we can offer.

We service our customers adaptations free of charge at our fully equipped workshop in Leighton Buzzard. We offer free advice and quotes, a list of our full services can be seen on our website www.pbconversions.co.uk. Our website has videos of many types of the adaptations we fit so you can see how they work. Please call us to discuss your needs and we will happily point you in the

right direction. We are very proud of our Google and Yell scores which are both 4.9 out of 5. We would be happy to hear from you so why not call and see what we can offer and book an appointment where we will be able to show you what is available.

We are also now going to be stocking a powered walker and an electric wheelchair with a scooter coming soon so we will be able to offer you a complete package all under one roof. Keep an eye on our website for updates as to when these will be available.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our workshop where our friendly team will be happy to help you.

PB Conversions was set up in January 2001, we have over 30 years experience within the industry and have grown organically to a team of 12, we have some very experienced members of staff that have been with us for many years as well as investing in training for our trainees.

Images courtesy of PB Conversions

• Auto Wipers and Lights

• Climate Control with Auto De-Fog

• Forward Collision Assist and Lane Keep Assist

• 120 PS DCT Automatic

• Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel

• Rear Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera

• Touchscreen Navigation and Audio Display with Smart Device Integration

A TRUE MOBILITY SOLUTION: DACIA JOGGER IS THE UK’S ONLY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE FAMILY CAR

The Dacia Jogger’s award-winning practicality is now available to all, thanks to an innovative Wheelchair Accessible Car conversion by Sirus Automotive.

The conversion makes it currently the only new Wheelchair Accessible Car for sale on the UK market.

Sirus Automotive has been designing and manufacturing forwardthinking mobility solutions for more than 20 years and is the industry leader of Drive From Wheelchair and Upfront Passenger Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. In the Dacia Jogger, its engineers found a platform that allowed them to deliver favourable levels of interior space for a car of this size that are usually reserved for van-based conversions. The result is an industry first, a family-

friendly car based on the Dacia Jogger designed to accommodate up to six people, including one wheelchair passenger.

Simon Pearson, Sirus Automotive Founder and Managing Director commented: “We selected the Dacia Jogger so we could offer our customers all the benefits of a family car at an affordable price. We were impressed with the quality and reliability of Dacia’s range, so the Jogger was the ideal car for us, giving us a choice of trim levels which includes the latest driver assistance and infotainment technology.”

The conversion enables wheelchair access via a lightweight, counterbalanced ramp. By lowering the floor, Sirus Automotive has been able to achieve a seated head height of 139cm with the Dacia

Jogger’s space and generous headroom ensuring a wheelchair user can sit comfortably. The mid-row seats –capable of seating one, two or three people and with integral ISOFIX mountings for two car seats – can be safely folded out of the way to create additional space or left in place so a wheelchair user can sit with other rear-seat passengers. An anti-slip coating on the ramp ensures safe access even in wet weather, while a variety of wheelchair restraint systems –including manual or automated locking and winch-assisted loading –are also available.

“Just because you are in a wheelchair doesn’t mean life stops,” explains Andrew Russell, one of the first customers of the Dacia Jogger Wheelchair Accessible Car. “We still need a car that is nice to drive, offers flexibility, has rear seats for our grandchildren, and ISOFIX for two child seats. To be able to fit myself plus another five people in the car is fantastic. We will use all the rear seats on the occasions we are taking our grandchildren on holiday. The modular roof bars also mean we can easily transport our luggage.

“Travelling in the back is very comfortable and there is plenty of

headroom, and I am 5 ft 10,” he continued. “I also need flexibility and plenty of space in the rear as I use different wheelchairs. I had been using accessible taxis and with some of them you just felt like a piece of luggage travelling in the boot! I don’t feel like that in the Dacia Jogger as I am sat further forwards, so I can sit with my grandchildren and just feel like part of the family. My wife loves it too, as its dimensions mean it’s easy to manoeuvre and drive, and with it only taking a couple of minutes for me to get in and out, it means we can now take going out for granted. There’s now no need to weigh up whether the effort is worth it, and that’s the appeal of it – it’s a standard car that happens to have wheelchair access.”

The conversion is fully supported by Dacia, is PAS Approved and has National Small Series Type Approval. In addition to Dacia’s three-year manufacturer warranty, Sirus provides a threeyear conversion warranty for extra peace-of-mind. The new Dacia Jogger Wheelchair Accessible Car is available through the Motability Scheme from £4,495 Advance Payment, or for private purchase priced from £26,995 (ex VAT).

The Dacia Jogger underlines its famed versatility as it becomes the UK’s only Wheelchair Accessible Car, while many other conversions often rely on larger, commercially derived vehicle platforms.

Image courtesy of Dacia

Disability minister visits Motability HQ on fact finding mission

In recent years, Motability has expanded its reach beyond that of just those who use the Motability Scheme, with projects to help all 14.6m disabled people in the UK. Alongside its well known car leasing scheme Motability also awards grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. Currently there are over 650,000 disabled people on the Motability Scheme.

It also funds research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all. We co-sponsored a world leading national accessible EV charging standard, in partnership with the UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Produced by the British Standards Institute (BSI), the standard provides industry with a clear

specification of how to make public EV charging accessible.

Over the past year, Motability has also launched six new grant programmes to help other charities and organisations to provide transportation solutions to disabled people and funded the new £20m National Centre for Accessible Transport (NCAT), which will be run by Coventry University and a number of consortium members.

Latest Motability deals revealed to include updated £750 New Vehicle Payment rule

Motability renegotiates its prices with manufacturers every three months and the current list of 650 brand new vehicles is valid until the end of June 2023.

There are over 140 cars available with an Advance Payment starting at less than £500. These include Suzuki S-Cross (starting from £199) and Toyota C-HR (starting from £495 previously £1,695).

To make it even easier for you to order a new car, you now have the option to send your £750 New Vehicle Payment directly to your dealer to help towards the cost of your Advance Payment. If your Advance Payment is more than £750, you’ll just need to pay the difference to your dealer. If it’s less than £750, we’ll send the remaining amount to you after you get your new car.

Cars that cost some of your mobility allowance

You can choose to use just some of your allowance. This means you can spend the rest of your

allowance as you want, including if it goes up in the future. This is known as a fixed or ‘constant’ lease.

From £63.50 a week: Kia Stonic

1.0T GDi 99 GT-Line 5dr

From £64.50 a week: Toyota Aygo X 1.0 VVT-i Pure 5dr

Your total allowance and weekly rental amount might be the same right now. This means we’ll receive your entire allowance, however if your allowance increases, you’ll receive the difference between your weekly rental payment and your total allowance from your allowance provider.

Cars that cost all of your mobility allowance

You can choose to use all of your allowance. We’ll always receive your total mobility allowance, even if it goes up during your lease. Allowance rates can change each

year, usually in line with inflation. When inflation rises, the cost to bring you the Scheme rises too, so we put this amount towards covering those costs. This is known as a variable lease. You will not need an Advance Payment –this means you will not need to pay anything upfront.

Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet 48V

Hybrid SZ-T 5dr

Corsa Vauxhall 1.2 Turbo Ultimate 5dr Auto Hatchback

Nissan Leaf 110kW Acenta

39kWh 5dr Auto Hatchback

Mini Cooper 135kW S Level 2

33kWh 3dr Auto Hatchback

Vauxhall Mokka 1.2 Turbo 136

Ultimate 5dr

Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI 110 SE L 5dr

SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI SE

Technology 5dr

Kia XCeed 1.5T GDi ISG 2 5dr

The Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, visited Motability’s offices in Harlow, Essex, earlier this year to learn more about the organisation’s work, including the types of grants Motability can award to disabled people, how assessments take place and the diverse range of beneficiaries it supports.

‘3’: Combined 48.7 (5.8), CO2 emissions 131g/ km. ProCeed ‘GT-Line’: TBC. Sportage ‘2’: Combined 42.2 (6.7), CO2 emissions 152g/km. Combined not applicable. Niro EV 3, CO2 emissions 0 g/km and electric combined range of up to 285 miles, to a city range of 375 miles. Soul EV ‘Urban’, CO2 emissions 0 g/km and electric combined range of up to 171 miles, to a city range of 402 miles. These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The Niro EV and Soul EV are battery electric vehicles requiring mains electricity for charging. Range based on test conditions and may vary. Charge time quoted based on 350kW DC Rapid Charger. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are tested using WLTP. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Specification varies across the range and is subject to change without notice. For further information and full details, please contact your local Kia Motability Accredited Dealer. Motability is offered on selected vehicles across the Kia range, find out more at www.kia.com/uk. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty.