Dedicated East Yorkshire Disabled Volunteer Appointed Ambassador For 2016 Silverstone Mobility Roadshow Incorporating Get Going Live!
22nd April 2016
Stephanie Leaf, 24, from Cottingham, East Yorkshire, has been appointed as Event Ambassador for The 2016 Mobility Roadshow and Get Going Live! at Silverstone Circuit, Northants. 26-28th May.
Stephanie lives with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare progressive disease that causes damage to the nervous system and affects coordination. A regular annual visitor and volunteer at The Mobility Roadshow she has found the event crucial when researching accessible vehicles and assistive products for independent mobility.
The free-to-attend Mobility Roadshow is the UK’s premier consumer focussed event for people of all ages living with restricted mobility. Organised by charity Mobility Choice, it provides visitors with unique test- driving opportunities in adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVS) around the historic Silverstone circuit. The Mobility Roadshow also displays the largest range of specialist adapted driving controls at any UK disability event. The popular Get Going Live! feature for young and novice drivers with disabilities, age 16 plus, provides free test drives in the safe presence of a professional driver, the chance to try an impressive range of adapted controls and even take a mock theory test. Plus, inside the Silverstone Wing, a diverse showcase of mobility products, including wheelchairs, scooters and trikes, are available to compare at leisure.
Stephanie first noticed her mobility had altered whilst taking her GCSEs but successfully managed to complete her exams. However, starting driving lessons soon after in a manual car left her struggling, and she changed to an automatic after a few lessons. It was at this point that Stephanie’s instructor introduced the idea of hand controls which she subsequently found much easier than using her feet. Having passed her driving test in July 2012, Stephanie found visiting The Mobility Roadshow invaluable in helping her decide on a suitable accessible vehicle purchase with adaptations and controls to meet her requirements. As an Ambassador, she is keen to champion the event to other people living with restricted mobility so that they too may benefit from the diverse showcase of independent mobility products exhibited and the ample hands-on opportunities.
She explains: “I have been to the Roadshow for many years now and I am always amazed by the new innovations that I discover and the wide range of accessible vehicles either displayed or available for test drives. Many exhibitors showcase products that can be tried out for comparisons purposes or that can be demonstrated to you. So whether you are looking for a car or wheelchair, for example, or want to investigate different types of vehicle controls, it’s such an easy way to research the many options available to you - on the same day and in the same location.”
Now living independently in a bungalow, Stephanie says the event has also been an ideal way to research the best adaptations for her home as well as providing information on the charities available to help with financing.
She comments: “I am thrilled to have been asked to be a 2016 Ambassador for The Mobility Roadshow and Get Going Live! There are lots of independent experts offering impartial advice on everything from gadgets for the home to car adaptations, mobility funding and accessible holidays. The events are also a great way for visitors of all ages to meet people with similar experiences and to share information. I am proud that I can help spread the word to those, who like me, need advice and assistance with mobility.”
