Roadshow opens on a great Anniversary celebration
An amazing showcase of innovation and ideas for disabled and older people
27 June 2013 – This event is a celebration of 30 years bringing together a vast showcase of mobility innovation, at one location, to help disabled people of all ages and those of advanced years, to enjoy a more independent and fulfilling lifestyle. 
Jacqui Jones, chief executive of Mobility Choice the charity that organises this event says she and her team are very proud to be celebrating this milestone. “We know that many share our passion. I hope all our visitors leave the show with new ideas and renewed inspiration, confident that the mobility sector is continuing to innovate to deliver the very best solutions available.”
The Roadshow opens today with 150 exhibitors, almost treble the number in 1983. Ten of today’s exhibitors were in at the start, 28 are here for the first-time and 12 have returned after some years. There are around 60 converted and adapted vehicles on the test drive track, including drive-from-wheelchair and wheelchair passenger models.
In 1983 the Mobility Roadshow was first to offer the opportunity for people with disabilities to test drive and compare a wide range of vehicle conversions and adaptations. Back then the exhibitor list was entirely motoring related: ten of the original exhibitors are showcasing their latest innovations.
Today the event is vastly expanded to encompass hundreds of products and services, information and advice to enable mobility and independence. What hasn’t changed is the value organisations place on the Roadshow as a significant launch platform, with the opportunity to gain valuable feedback from end-users. What has evolved over the years is the increasing number of visitors who make this an annual pilgrimage.
Returning to the Midlands, this is the first time the Roadshow has been held in Telford and for the first time in its history, test drives are taking place on public roads, delivering a more authentic driving experience.
Inspirational Guests
Percy Simmonds, Telford’s longest-serving town crier provides an historic welcome. At 90 years Percy has sound and simple advice to others his age: “if there are mobility aids that can help, use them”.
Guests over the three days include Falkland’s war veteran, Simon Weston; Martine Wright, the Paralympian sitting volley ball player who survived the 7/7 bombings; Paralympian cyclist Rik Waddon and Paralympian wheelchair racer Deborah Brennan Johnson. War-injured, award-winning photographer Giles Duley will announce ‘On the Move 2013’, the national competition for disabled photographers.
Also featured are Dave Sykes, award-winning paraplegic microlight pilot and adventurer, with Aerobility; Michael McGrath the disabled polar explorer, with Etac; and Steve Tarrant, the disabled racing marshal with TGA Mobility.
On the launch pad
As always there is a vast choice of new product introductions. Please see the accompanying ‘What’s New Highlights’ document for detail.
In the Motoring Arena, the Association of Disability Driving Instructors is being launched to address the unmet need to provide an easily accessible UK register of specialist driving instructors. Brotherwood Automobility is unveiling a brand new wheelchair passenger vehicle - the VISION.
There are several recent vehicle models available with adaptations to test drive or view for the first time. Adapted caravans and motorhomes are trending, with several new models being previewed.
In the spirit of the 30th Anniversary are ‘vintage’ models alongside some of the latest conversions and adaptations. They include racing cars, a 1980 Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 GLS 2000 4-door saloon and 1983 Astra GTE Mk1. Bringing motoring innovation right up-to-date is the Nissan LEAF® electric car on static display, plus from Motability a converted drive-from-wheelchair Mercedes Sprinter.
As well as a raft of new wheelchair and scooter models, with some new ventures into niche markets, there are new accessories, products for home and leisure, health and fitness. There’s a wealth of advice – as well as activity – in the Sports and Activity Arena, not forgetting the increasingly popular Cyclefest with the latest models for people with restricted mobility.
Influence future design
Visitors can view and vote for their favourite products in the Design Zone – the winner being awarded ‘Cool Wall Winner 2013’. The Design Zone has expanded this year with several entrepreneurial individuals and groups showcasing their latest concepts and seeking feedback from future users – a chance for every visitor to influence the future of inclusive design.
Keep in touch with dates for the Mobility Roadshow 2014 at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk and follow Facebook and Twitter @MobilityRdShow #mobilityroadshow
Editorial contact for more information and pictures:
Rosemary Vaux at Mobility Roadshow press office
tel 020 8943 5343 mobile 07792 72 62 41
email: [email protected]