The Mobility Roadshow - revolutionising the way you get around
By Jayne Warren - 04/07/2007
The Mobility Roadshow, the world’s largest free outdoor motor show for disabled people, is geared up for another fantastic event this July with guest star Vicki Butler-Henderson, presenter of Channel 5's Fifth Gear, handing out the prizes. The Mobility Roadshow aims to give anyone with a mobility problem - drivers or passengers - the chance to test drive a wide range of specially adapted vehicles, and see what is available to help solve that problem. Such a hands-on opportunity is invaluable to help assess personal motoring needs in a ‘no pressure’ environment, and is a far cry from being taken for a drive by your local dealer.
As well as vehicles, adaptations and conversions from around 200 exhibitors there will be scooters, 4 x 4s, quad bikes, all-terrain vehicles, wheelchairs and mobility aids for indoor and outdoor living and recreation, plus a large number of information and charity organisations offering information and impartial advice. The show expands this year with new additions that include an interactive Sport and Fitness Arena, providing a showcase of disability sport talent with demonstrations and participation for visitors, and a "flying zone" with adapted light aircraft, offering more visitors the opportunity to take to the skies.
As well as carers and families of disabled people, the Roadshow can help a surprising number of other people - for example, for those who are very tall or below average height, for whom mobility devices could make driving far more comfortable. The range of other products on display is breathtaking. You can see manual wheelchairs, hand controls, hoists, car seats, commercial vehicles, battery chargers, rotating car seats, specialist wheels and tyres, suspension systems, seat clamps, wheelchair restraints, floor tracking, independent living aids and numerous gizmos and gadgets to make life easier for anyone with a mobility problem.
Already confirmed in the motoring arena are manufacturers Chevrolet, Citroen, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Saab, smart, Toyota and Vauxhall, and a range of other makes on show from Aspect Conversions, Jubilee Automotive, Lewis Reed and Sirus Automotive. In the new Holiday Village and Lifestyle Zone visitors can explore numerous ideas for holidays and leisure pursuits and meet representatives from hotels, cruise lines, accessible transport and mobility equipment suppliers from around the world.
Vicki, whose energy and sense of fun have encouraged many women and men to get behind the wheel, will also announce and present prizes to the winners of the Roadshow's annual "Ready, Willing and Mobile" competition that seeks bright ideas from school children nationwide to help less-able young people to be more mobile - at home, at school and at play.
The Roadshow is for anyone who has a mobility problem, whether you have a vehicle through the Motability scheme or you own a vehicle privately. And with free parking and entry, crèche, wheelchair and scooter loans, and entertainment for young visitors, this is a great day out for everyone.
Please remember to bring your driving licence.
For the latest news keep in touch at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk or call 0845 241 0390.