Frequently Asked Mobility Questions

I think that I am going to need special adaptations on my car but do not know who is my nearest supplier or exactly what I need. Can you help?

MIS publish an extremely popular and informative booklet called Adaptations for the Disabled Driver, it is fully illustrated and gives details of what adaptations are available and major stockists from around the country.

I am still unsure as to what adaptations I require.

It sounds as if you may need to have a driving assessment. You may wish to contact your nearest accredited assessment center. They will send you details of how to apply.

There is no way I can afford to purchase a vehicle or adaptations. Is there anywhere I can obtain funding?

There are many organizations who can be approached for funding for adaptations. A few of these are listed below.

Your local community council may provide a ‘fund finding’ service. This is a database which is updated every 6 months and gives details of all current funding available and how to apply.

The appropriate disability group such as Scope, The British Polio Fellowship, The Multiple Sclerosis Society etc may be able to help or tell you where second hand equipment is available. To find charities which may grant financial aid Tel: Charity Search 0117 982 4060. Advice and help is free of charge.

Insurance Companies may pay if the disability is subject to a compensation claim.

The Sainsbury’s Family Charitable Fund, 9 Red Lion Court, London, EC4A 3EV Tel 020 7410 0330 – offer small grants usually up to the sum of £500

The Mobility Trust, 50 High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 ONE Tel: 01488 686 335

Whizz-Kidz, 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SWN 13N Tel: 0207 233 6600 – the objective of this charity is to provide wheelchairs for children and young adults up to the age of 18 on the advice and assessment of their Local Authority, Specialist Group etc.

The Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association – "For elderly Professionals on limited income", 6 Avonmore Road, London W14 8RL (Via a Social Worker).

Universal Beneficent Society – "anyone without race or creed", 6 Avonmore Road, London W14 8RL (Via a Social Worker)

Joseph Patrick Memorial Trust, 7/11 Prescott Place, London SW4 6BS Tel: 0207 720 8055 – this trust provides practical assistance to people with muscular dystrophy and allied neuro-muscular conditions. They may help towards the purchase of wheelchairs and car adaptations.

The Joseph Rowntree Family Fund, PO Box 50, York 1YU Tel 01904 621115 - for families with disabled children under the age of 16 only.

Access to Work - If you have a disability and you are unemployed, self-employed or in a job and you need to get a job, keep a job or make progress in your career. It applies to any job, part or full time, permanent or temporary. Your first point of contact should be your local Job Centre.

The local Round Table, Rotary or Lions Club, Church groups, Police, Fire Service, Scouts and Rangers.

Can I apply for Disabled Living Allowance (Mobility Component)?

In order to apply, you must be over 3 years of age and under 65. The Mobility component comes at two rates, higher and lower. If the benefit is awarded it, will usually be for a shorter period to begin with.

Motability
(BACK TO TOP)

Who can apply for the Motability Scheme?

Anyone who is in receipt of the higher rate of DLA mobility component or who receives the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement with a minimum of 12 months’ award length remaining when they apply.

How do I contact Motability for more information?

You can write to them at :

Motability Operations
City Gate House
22 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HB

General Enquiries Tel : 0845 456 4566

Are there any restrictions?

On 31 October 2007, Motability increased the mileage allowances for all Contract Hire customers – to 60,000 miles for three-year agreements and 100,000 for five-year WAV agreements.

Can I still have a car on the Motability scheme even though I do not drive?

Yes you are allowed 2 other named drivers.

Will Motability help me toward the lease of a car through them?

Help is available in some circumstances but will be subject to a decision by the Executive Committee who will need to make a decision on that.

Do I have to use my mobility allowance to purchase a vehicle from Motability or can I buy it from someone else?

Your allowance can be spent on anything that will improve your mobility, whether that be the cost of a taxi, scooter, private finance of a vehicle, or the purchase of a second hand car. You can buy a vehicle from any dealer. The decision is yours. If you need suggestions contact us.

Parking Badges
(BACK TO TOP)

Where do I get a Parking Badge from?

You need to contact your local Social Services. By the way, Orange Badges are now Blue to comply with the rest of the EU!

Tax
(BACK TO TOP)

How do I know if I am exempt from paying road tax?

You must be in receipt of the higher rate of DLA. Forms are available from Blackpool on 0845 7123456

---