A Great Deal for Mobility and Independence
4th December 2012
Visitors to the 2012 Mobility Roadshow, held at the Peterborough Arena, were full of praise for the diverse range of quality products on offer – and above all for the opportunity to try out and compare different brands and models together on one site.
“This was my first visit: it has opened my eyes”. “Unfortunately I need to stop driving so need alternative wheels: I rode a mobility scooter for the first time and I now feel more optimistic”. “I had felt isolated, now I don’t feel so alone and I am confident that there is much to help me to be more independent.” These quotes from visitors represent the general flavour of post-Roadshow messages flooding into the organisers’ office.
The Roadshow opened in buoyant mood despite one of this summer’s worst wet and windy days, and with over 180 exhibitors; more than 40 making their debut at this event; over 60 adapted or converted vehicles on the test drive track and several exciting new products on the launch pad. Always with a focus on mobility and independence these ranged from the latest robotic and hi-tech innovations to simple but ingenious new gadgets to aid everyday living.
“We are delighted with the response and saw many familiar faces, despite the current economic climate and upcoming changes to benefit assessments,” said Jacqui Jones, Executive Director of Mobility Choice, the charity that organises the event. “We know that hundreds of people with disabilities - and carers - recognise the Mobility Roadshow as the annual opportunity to keep abreast of both new and classic mobility solutions. We also saw more older people attending this year: those planning ahead for a time when they need to review their motoring options and perhaps look at alternative or complementary options.”
Julie Fernandez, actress and lively campaigner, opened the event and was pleased to see the emphasis on improving design, ‘looks’ and technological investment in products that enable people with disabilities to remain independently mobile for as long as possible – something she is passionate about. She also called for more fun and colour in low cost wheelchair accessories, such as wheelchair décor and mobile phone or drink holders, which can be purchased in easily-accessible mainstream retail outlets, such as supermarkets.
One of the stars of the event was disabled motorsport marshal Steve Tarrant who smashed the record for the longest distance travelled on a mobility scooter in 24 hours, despite incessant rain and windy conditions. Said Steve on his success: "Since surviving my horrific ordeal at Goodwood in 2000, I have always had a steely determination and even though I knew this was going to be extremely tough, I would not fail. When TGA approached me with this unique opportunity I simply couldn't turn it down and I thank them and my superb pit crew for their moral and mechanical support. My Breeze S4 mobility scooter was faultless throughout the 24 hours. I must also thank the many Roadshow visitors who came to encourage me."
On the Invacare stand meeting visitors were Paralympian and presenter Ade Adepitan and members of the Tour de Forces team talking about their challenge to hand cycle, cycle and run 3,000 miles around the coastline of Britain, raising money for four forces charities.
Launch highlights
In the Motoring Arena, as well as several ‘first view and first drive’ vehicles, including WAVs, there were new hoists, restraint systems, accelerating and seating systems and accessories, as well as a call for sled testing to help make travel for wheelchair users safer.
From China a new stair and ramp-climbing four-wheel-drive power wheelchair that revisitsgyroscope technology was a star turn among several new chair and scooter products being introduced. On the home front, a new product from Australia that converts existing sliding patio doors into automatic doors was popular. Other new ideas being showcased ranged from hi-tech exoskeleton ‘bionic’ walking systems to a host of innovatory gadgets and gizmos to aid independent living. Some were very simple - such as the Medi-popper for easy access to blister-packaged pills - but potentially life-changing
In the new Cyclone Fitness Zone visitors were able to try out the latest high tech rehabilitation and therapy equipment, including leading-edge FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) equipment for use at home.
The Design Zone, again hosted by Enabled by Design and Such and Such Design, expanded to include a café area and a ‘hot desk’ feature where would-be designers and entrepreneurs gained valuable visitor feedback on new concepts for future accessible products. Visitors said they appreciated this opportunity to feed into the future of product design that meets their needs.
Winning the most visitor votes on the Cool Wall was Safesip, a silicon cover that stretches over glasses of many shapes and sizes to prevent spillage while allowing drinking through a straw. Affordable and simple to use it is a dignified solution for a disabled user and ideal for children and people with limited grasp, even when used lying down.
The runner-up by just one vote was Wheelchair Grippers, silicone grips that cover the push rim of a manual wheelchair to give the user more grip and purchase when manoeuvring. They can help users with less hand strength to use a manual wheelchair and were invented by Paul Lawson, whose wife Diana uses a manual wheelchair, after he witnessed her struggling to propel the chair.
Each day a designer in residence from the Helen Hamlyn Centre at the Royal College of Art spoke about their design projects.
There was a great range of bikes at the ever-popular Cyclefest with side-by-side companion and wheelchair-passenger models joining a huge range of accessible cycling models for all ages and special needs. Whizz Kids led wheelchair skills for young people and there was a packed timetable of interactive games for all ages in the Sports Arena. Young visitors in particular were thrilled to join members of the GB Paralympic basketball team on court. Strong winds did not impact the enthusiasm for the climbing wall – it was simply moved inside when they became too strong.
On the Move, the annual competition for disabled photographers, organised by Mobility Choice and the Disabled Photographers Society, relaunched with Sport in Motion as the theme for 2012. Entry details, terms and conditions are at www.mobilitychoice.co.uk andwww.disabledphotographers.co.uk
On the Saturday – National Young Disabled Persons’ Day – Mobility Choice announced this year’s Ready Willing & Mobile Competition for young people aged 7 to 16 years. As in previous years it is designed to encourage disability awareness and inclusivity from a young age, and this year invites short stories that include a young person with a disability as the central character – all information at www.mobilitychoice.co.uk/competitions
Next year the Mobility Roadshow celebrates 30 years of bringing together the very best in innovation and technology to help people with disabilities, and others of advancing years, to remain as mobile and independent for as long as possible. The organisers have exciting plans for a bumper anniversary event. Keep in touch with the website www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk for news as it develops.
