Motability freedom and independence
Motability is the UK’s leading car scheme for disabled people. It currently provides over 470,000 people and their families with affordable, convenient, trouble-free motoring through the provision of a new car. Powered wheelchairs and scooters are also available.
Who can apply?
The Motability Scheme is available to anyone who is receiving one of the following benefits, and has at least 12 months award length remaining when they apply:
A parent or carer can apply on behalf of a child aged three or older, and non-drivers can apply for a car as a passenger.
How does it work?
Customers simply transfer their mobility allowance to lease or purchase a suitable vehicle. The most popular option is the Contract Hire Scheme, which includes insurance, tyre and windscreen replacement, servicing, breakdown cover and road tax. A similar all-inclusive hire plan is available for powered wheelchair and scooters.
Cars are supplied through a national network of some 4,500 Motability Dealer Partners. There is also a network of accredited suppliers of powered wheelchairs and scooters.
Adaptations to cars
For most Motability customers, a standard production car is suitable for their needs, but special adaptations are needed for around 10% of customers, to enable them to drive safely or to travel in comfort as a passenger. As part of the Contract Hire package, a range of popular adaptations are available at no additional cost, such as push-pull hand controls and left-foot accelerators.
Providing additional financial help
Motability may be able to assist those customers who need additional financial help to obtain the mobility solution they need. As well as administering government-funded grants, Motability raises funds and provides financial assistance to customers that require complex adaptations. Motability may also be able to provide financial help for young people aged 16 to 24 to have driving lessons, providing that they receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance.
Further information
An information pack about the Motability scheme is available, which includes a DVD about the scheme and a printed price guide. To request this, or for further information, please contact Motability as follows:
For enquiries about Motability Car Schemes, please telephone
0845 4564566 (Monday to Friday - 8:30 to 17:30)
For enquiries about the Motability Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme, please telephone
0845 6076260 (Monday to Thursday - 8:30 to 18:00; Friday - 8:30 to 17:00)
Alternatively, for information about either scheme, please visit
|
|
The Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Service
Interested in learning to drive? Need advice?
Do you need help as a passenger or carer?
The Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Service is situated at Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff, and provides a free information service to disabled people, their families and professionals. The service can advise upon a range of issues, including adaptations and equipment, suitable vehicles, driver tuition, DVLA legislation, the Motability scheme, and the safe loading of wheelchairs. Cars are available at the centre to demonstrate a range of adaptations.
Furthermore, the service offers both driver and passenger/carer assessments, and a full report is produced following either assessment.
Driving Assessment
A driving assessment can help a disabled person to resolve any doubts that they may have about driving. It is not a driving test; rather it evaluates a person’s physical and cognitive ability in order to determine whether they can drive safely and comfortably. At a driving assessment, a vehicle will be available for you to drive wherever possible, so that you can try out any adaptations that may help you. During the assessment your eyesight will also be tested.
You can refer yourself to this service, or can be referred via your GP or Consultant. If referred by your GP or Consultant, the assessment is free through the NHS (8-9 month waiting list). If you refer yourself, the cost is £60 (assessed within 6 weeks).
Passenger / Carer Assessment
The Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Service also offer assessments for passengers or carers. These cover safe transfers, vehicle suitability, and adaptations that disabled passengers using a vehicle and/or carers assisting a disabled person may require, for example, swivel seats (as pictured). A passenger assessment costs £45 and is not available via the NHS.
* * *
Before making an appointment, it is advisable to telephone the centre to discuss your requirements. For further information, please contact the Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Service as follows:
Rookwood Hospital, Fairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2YN
Tel: 02920 555130
(Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm)
Or visit the website at:
which includes frequently asked questions and useful factsheets
|
|
Concessionary Fare Initiative
Accessible Caring Transport is a charitable organisation that provides free concessionary transport for disabled people living in Cynon who, because of a severe disability, are unable to access mainstream public transport.
Two specially adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles provide a door-to-door service. To those who meet the criteria, journeys within Rhondda Cynon Taf are free and journeys and outings outside Rhondda Cynon Taf can also be arranged free of charge. A £2 annual membership fee applies.
For further information, please contact Accessible Caring Transport on 01443 478013
@@ Please click on the above logo to link to the ACT website @@
***
Contact
Accessible Caring Transport
76 Commercial Street
Mountain Ash
Rhondda Cynon Taf
CF45 3PW
Tel: 01443 478013
|
|
Concessionary Fare Initiative
Travol is a charitable organisation sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government. Travol’s Community Transport Concessionary Fare Initiative provides free concessionary transport for disabled people living in Rhondda or Taff Ely who, because of their disability, are unable to use local public transport.
Three specially adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles provide a door-to-door service. Journeys within Rhondda Cynon Taf are free and those outside Rhondda Cynon Taf are subsidised.
***
Travol also organise excursions at a subsidised cost, for example, to Western super Mare, Bristol Zoo, the Heritage Coast, Cardiff bay and Tenby. Please contact Travol for a full brochure of excursions.
For further information about the service and/or excursions, please contact Travol on 01443 486872
Please click the above logo to link to Travol's website
|
|
Concessionary Bus Pass for disabled people
ˆ ˆ ˆ
Please click the picture above to view the content of the booklet, which provides details about the bus pass for disabled people and how to apply for one.
One 4 All Centres
There are three One 4 All Centres located across Rhondda Cynon Taf
The opening times for all three centres are 8.30am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Aberdare
Rock Grounds
High Street
Aberdare
CF44 7AE
Pontypridd
Sardis House
Sardis Rd
Pontypridd
CF37 2DA
Treorchy
Treorchy Library
Station Road
Treorchy
CF42 6NN
For details about all local bus and rail services in Rhondda Cynon Taf, please contact Traveline Cymru Public Transport Information on 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.traveline-cymru.org.uk
|
|
The Disabled Persons Railcard is a scheme that allows disabled people to buy discounted rail tickets for train journeys throughout Britain. The Railcard currently costs £18 and is valid for 12 months. A three year card, costing £48, is also available. It enables the holder to get up to a third off the price of many rail tickets.
Children aged from 5 years may apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard, if they meet the qualifying criteria. An adult travelling with them can then travel at a discounted rate.
You might qualify if you: have a visual impairment or a hearing impairment or have epilepsy or are in receipt of a disability related benefit.
To apply for your Railcard, simply visit the website and follow the online instructions on how to complete the application form:
Alternatively, you can contact the Disabled Persons Railcard application helpline on:
0845 605 0525 (telephone)
0845 601 0132 (textphone)
disability@atoc.org (email)
|
|
Blue Badge Scheme
For information about what a Blue Badge Scheme is, the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge and how to apply for one, please click on the links below:
* * *
The Blue Badge Map
The Directgov website features a blue badge map. This covers over 100 towns across the UK and highlights the accessibility of places such as railway stations and beaches, and shows the locations of blue badge parking bays, accessible toilets and more.
Please click here to view the blue badge map on Directgov
* * *
|
|
Vehicle Tax for disabled people
Please see the following links for information about vehicle tax concessions for disabled people:
* * *
|
|
[...Transport & Mobility Links...]
Provider of vehicle adaptations. A wide range of vehicle adaptations can be viewed on their website.
Information about the Blue Badge Scheme on the Department for Transport website.
A national disabled access guide.
The Disabled Living Foundation is a national charity that provides free, impartial advice about all types of disability equipment and mobility products for older and disabled people, their carers and families.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website, featuring information about the medical rules for drivers.
Details of mobility centres throughout the UK. The website also features a range of useful factsheets for disabled motorists and an FAQ section.
Mobilise is a national charity specialising in the mobility needs of all disabled people. The website includes mobility news items from the 'Mobilise' magazine.
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to use their mobility allowance to obtain a new car, powered wheelchair or scooter.
@ @ @
|
|
|
|
|
|