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FEATURED ARTICLE:
The UK Motability Scheme
The UK based Motability scheme, founded in 1977, has provided of 2 million cars, scooter and powered wheelchairs to help disabled people with their mobility needs. Through the scheme people can use their government funded mobility allowances to purchase the vehicle that they need.
In the UK disabled people receive a disability living allowance that is intended to cover additional living costs. This special allowance is divided into two parts to cover the cost of care and mobility. The mobility element of the allowance is paid at two rates, lower and higher. The Motability scheme is available to anyone receiving either the Higher rate mobility allowance or the War Pensioners mobility supplement.
The scheme enables people to exchange their higher rate mobility allowance for the vehicle of their choice. This excellent scheme has enabled many disabled people to now do things and achieve goals that would have otherwise been impossible such as shopping, visiting and enjoying their independence. Improving mobility has brought many opportunities to peoples lives that would have previously been impossible such as voluntary work, study and employment.
There is an enormous range of disabled vehicles ideal for a multitude of applications, people and their families. A popular model is the Renault Kangoo which is ideal for rear wheelchair access modification. This popular car can be readily adapted to meet a variety of needs and will comfortably carry up to 3 passengers, a driver and a wheelchair user.
The Peugeot Partner Tepee is another popular vehicle. This adaptable vehicle has received significant praise for its handling and comfort. These easily adapted cars can readily accommodate a rear wheelchair access ramp.
Vehicles can also be adapted to allow a driver’s wheelchair to take the place of the driving seat thus providing total freedom for the wheelchair user to go where they want, when they want, without having to rely on assistance.
Without doubt, the UK motability scheme has been an outstanding success described by its founder, the late Lord Goodman, as “the most successful achievement of my career and the most fortunate thought that ever came into my head”.