Member Article

New driver assessment centre opens doors for Colchester drivers

Drivers with debilitating medical conditions can get advice and guidance from a new assessment centre launched by East Anglian DriveAbility this month.

The official opening of the new facility in Wakes Colne on 25 July is being supported by vehicle adaptation specialist, Autochair and will feature top tips on maintaining independence from Autochair’s ambassador, quadruple amputee and disability rights campaigner, Helen Dolphin MBE.

East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD) is one of 17 accredited mobility assessment centres across the UK which offer professional information, assessment, advice and recommendations to people who want to keep driving despite reduced mobility or any other medical condition that may affect their fitness to drive. The event will celebrate the official opening of its new suite with healthcare professionals, driving instructors and demonstrations of specially adapted vehicles. There will also be chance to get to know Bugzi, the free-loan powered wheelchair for children aged one to six and see a range of Blue Badge Company accessories.

Jules Allen, Autochair sales and marketing director, said: “We have more than 30 years experience providing vehicle adaptations including hoists to lift people from wheelchair to car, hoists which lift wheelchairs and scooters into a car and additional driving aids. Helen and I feel privileged to bring our combined industry expertise to advise those who want to maintain their independence through driving.”

Helen Dolphin, who also chairs the East Anglian DriveAbility board, said centres such as the EAD are a lifeline for people who have recently been diagnosed with a mobility impacting condition such as stroke, brain damage or memory loss.

She added: “I lost all of my limbs after a devastating case of meningitis almost 20 years ago so know much about the minefield and emotions that are involved in trying to sustain your independence against all odds.

“People often feel that a medical diagnosis may lead to having their license revoked but driver assessment centres are all about ensuring people can stay behind the wheel for as long as possible. The EAD open day is a fantastic opportunity to speak to occupational therapists and driving instructors who can run through the physical and cognitive aspects of an assessment and meet the experts manufacturing the products that genuinely make a positive difference to your lifestyle.”

The open day will run from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday 25 July at East Anglian DriveAbility, Wakes Colne Business Centre, on Colchester Road. For more information contact Kimberley Bateman at Kimb@eastangliandriveability.org.uk or call 01787 222 873.

Autochair is a supplier and UK manufacturer of vehicle adaptation products established in 1983 by David Walker, whose own disability and determination to live an independent life resulted in creating hoists to make car travel easy and accessible for disabled drivers or passengers.

It offers Smart Lifter equipment which aids the lifting of a scooter or wheelchair from pavement to car and Smart Transfer aids which transfer passengers from wheelchair to car.

For more information on Autochair visit www.autochair.co.uk

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