STEERING WheelJudge by ability, not disability Autumn 2013

InsIde thIs Issue...

• Lake district Walk 2014 • driving Assessments • holiday at home in 2014

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Editorial Team

Editor: Richard Ryder

Editorial Team: Kenneth Fox

Guest Writer: Trish O’Donovan

Addresses Disabled Drivers Association, Ballindine, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Tel: 094 9364054 Fax: 094 9364336

Email: richard.ryder@ddai.ie Web: www.ddai.ie

Steering Wheel magazine is a publication of the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, which incorporates Ability

Enterprises Ltd and Shopmobility (Ireland) Ltd

Chairman: Mr. Pat Carty Vice Chairman: Mr. Paddy Crowley

CEO: Mr. Kenneth Fox Treasurer: Mr. Allen O’Connor

Directors: Mr. Derek Farrell, Ms. Sheila O’Donoghue, Ms. Bridget O’Sullivan, Mr. Brian Crummy,

Ms. Carmel Jennings

Contents Page

AGM and CEO Report 2013 4

Budget 2014 - Highs & Lows 7

Your Health & Driving 8/9

Lake District Walk 2014 11

News 12/13

Driving Assessments 15

Shopmobility Mahonpoint 10 yrs old! / Annual Super Draw Details 17

Get a Leg up With Legless! 18/19

Holiday at Home in 2014 21/22

Like us on Facebook to keep up with what’s happening

Facebook/DisabledDrivers

Judge by ability, not disability

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AGM and CEO Report 2013

At our AGM this year we held workshops on member benefits, financial aspects of car purchase and fitness to drive rule changes. Members have had to adjust to the changes in the Tax Relief Scheme and thus far there has been no change to the fuel rebate element. Equally though, there has been no resolution to the Mobility Allowance/Motorised Transport Grant, which despite much consultation and several committees, remain suspended for new applicants. Our trip to Cork for the AGM saw an increase in the numbers attending and there was brisk business at the table top consultations and the open discussion was lively. We have included some information around medical fitness to drive a topic from the AGM in this issue. We plan to return to Cork again next year either to the same venue or possibly the “real” capital itself for our 2014 AGM on May 11th next.

At the AGM, we outlined the two year project we have undertaken to modernise the Association particularly in terms of new media and information systems. Internally, we hope that more efficient systems will release our people to be able to talk directly to our members more frequently. This has involved some investment in buildings, equipment and software as well as the expertise to put it all together. Externally, we have been building and we hope improving our presence on the internet through our website and Facebook. A particular innovation is our members’ forum where members or our staff can post information of use to other members or answer questions posed on the forum by members. We have also tried to improve the benefits available to members through our partners. The new arrangement with Trident Holiday Homes, for instance is featured on pages 21 & 22. We would ask our members to be loyal in supporting those partners who support them. We have also maintained our commitment to Steering Wheel with this our third full size issue in 12 months. We would like to see direct contributions from members, be it an experience recounted, a short story, amusing tale or a poem, any of which we would be happy to include.

The development project is almost half way through its progress and one of the benefits the organisation is beginning to see is more accurate data on who our service users are and what their needs are. The organisation (DDAI, Ability Enterprises and Shopmobility) now employs over thirty people (full time and part time). Recently, on a couple of different days, across parking permits, driving tuition and assessment, and Shopmobility loans, only, we had a contact point with over 100 people in all 26 counties-by lunchtime. In a full week, we had a contact point across the same three services with around a thousand different people. Each of the people would have had a disability or mobility impairment. Not included in the figures are the dozen or more students attending courses at Ability Enterprises at any one time or the many general callers we receive on any amount of different issues.

Ability Enterprises will be seeking an increase in its training numbers from FAS, as it is now wait listing potential trainees having reached capacity. This is as a result of a successful campaign to promote the services available at Ability Enterprises in the local media. One of our students, Mark Diamond, recently talked on Newstalk radio about his training experience at Ability Enterprises.

Our trial period for Shopmobility at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre has been extended to a year and after eight months of operation it is our second most used service.

These developments are not without some cost but thankfully we have been able to finance our progress without recourse to debt. The contributions of our members and volunteers (who tirelessly help with church gate and other fundraising) make this possible.

I was delighted to hear from Nicky and Eileen Maher (who were rewarded for their support with a win in last year’s Super Draw) that they enjoyed their New York trip and they paid particular compliments to Fitzpatrick’s Grand Central Hotel including the value in the dining and to Seán Fitzpatrick, (the hotelier not the banker) who gave them a very personal welcome.

Best of luck to you all again this year.

Kenneth Fox, CEO

Patrick & Margaret Gilsenan (AGM 2013)

Paddy Crowley, Tim Lynch, Gerry Buckley (AGM 2013)

Mary & Marianne Cronin (AGM 2013)

Kevin Doyle and George O’Shea (AGM 2013)

Members at the AGM 2013

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Made for You!

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TEL: 870 3500 • WWW.AIRSIDEOPEL.IE

Motability means affordable, convenient motoring for disabled people and their families. It means the freedom to come and go, to shop, to work.

It means staying in touch, making a difference - and getting more out of life.

At Airside Opel, you’ll find friendly experts who can advise you on choosing the right car. We’ll look after the registration, paperwork and answer any questions that you may have.

Order your 2014 Opel Corsa, Astra, Meriva, Insignia or Mokka for 2014 and get

• A choice of manual and automatic cars. 2014 automatic Mokkas have already been ordered.• New and used cars that qualify for the VRT exemption.• Information on the latest legislation and concessions.

• A range of finance options.• A trade in on your existing car.

• The necessary adaptations to your vehicle, as we liaise with your motability company.

Contact George Heather on 086 8570210 or email gheather@airsideopel.ie

MOKKA

Opel Corsa Opel Astra Opel Meriva Opel Insignia

Airside Opel 'Motability' A4_Layout 1 14/10/2013 17:55 Page 1

• We stock new and pre-owned wheelchair vehicles

With over 20 years experience in the motor-trade, our team are experts in the purchase ofnew and pre-owned wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Abbey Street,Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo

Tel: 094 - 9542652also at Oranmore BusinessPark, Oranmore, Co. Galway

Tel: 094 - 483809

NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR

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SELECTION OF QUALITY NEW & PRE-OWNED WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES IN STOCK

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Spokeout_summer_13-p22.indd 1 06/06/2013 11:23

Spokeout_summer_13-p22.indd 1 06/06/2013 11:23

2010 Volkswagen Caddy Maxi2.0tdi, DSG automatic, 5 seats plus low floor for wheelchair access, Red, 31000 miles, Price €19.950.00.

2010 Volkswagen Caddy 2.0tdi, DSG automatic, drive from wheelchair, hand controls, remote access, Grey, 7000 miles, Price €19.950.00.

2009 Renault Master 2.5td, minibus, 6 speed manual, Ricon electric wheelchair lift, 3 seats plus up to 3 wheelchairs, air conditioning, Grey, 14.500 miles, Price €17.450.00.

2008 Renault Kangoo1.2, 3 seats plus low floor for wheelchair access, silver, 4000 miles, Price €9450.00.

2007 Kia Sedona2.9tdi, automatic, 4 seats plus low floor for wheelchair access, leather, airconditioning, Red, 33000 miles, Price €10.450.00.

2006 Fiat Doblo1.3td, 5 seats or 3 plus wheelchair, low floor, Blue, 35.000 miles, Price €7950.00.

2005 Toyota Previa2.0 Diesel, Low Floor, Conversion - Wheelchair, Accessible, 54,000 milesPrice €10.995.00

2010 Peugeot Partner 1.6 Diesel, Low Floor, Conversion - Whelchair, Accessible, 7,000 milesPrice €13,995.00

NEW CAB MOTORS 1-2.indd 1 15/10/2013 21:02

As you can see from the list below there are more Lows than highs. Budget number seven since 2008 and yet again people with disabilities and older people have taken the hit. Budget 2014 will be remembered for a lack of commitment from Government to support people with disabilities and their families. Hopefully this will be the last austerity budget and the Government can make good promises made to people with disabilities in their programme for government in 2010.

Budget 2014 - Highs and lows

hIGhs No increase in excise duty on petrol or diesel

No increase in motor tax

€20m for community mental health services

Additional funds for the housing adaptation grants

Free GP care for 5yrs and under

Child Benefit remains unchanged at €130 per month

LOWs The €9.50 per month telephone allowance will be discontinued

The invalidity pension weekly rate of €230.30 will be discontinued for those age 65 and aligned to the €193.50 currently paid to those under 65

The income thresholds for medical cards for those aged over 70 years old have been reduced to €900 for a couple and €500 for a single person

Per-item prescription charges are to increase to €2.50 per item – this charge began as a 50 cent levy in 2010. The monthly cap is €25 per family

The number of waiting days for entitlement to Illness Benefit is being increased from 3 days to 6 days

The €850 once-off payment to bereaved families will be abolished

The €100 reduced rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance to existing recipients who reach 22, and for new entrants aged up to 24 on or after 1 January 2014, has been extended.

Another reduced rate of €144 for jobseekers will apply to those reaching 25 from January next year.

Maternity benefit will be standarised to €230 per week for new claimants from January.

Judge by ability, not disability

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Your Health and Driving

For most people, being able to drive a motor vehicle is a very important part of their daily life for maintaining social contact, for getting to and from work, and for accessing their everyday practical needs.

But with the benefits of being able to drive also comes driver’s responsibility. This means that as a driver you must make sure that you are well enough to drive safely. Certain health conditions can affect your ability to drive safely, either in the short term or more permanently. This article explains the types of illnesses that might affect your ability to drive safely, your responsibilities and how your doctor can help you, where you can go for further information and assistance.

Categories of VehiclesVehicles are divided into two groups, however, for the purpose of assessing medical fitness of drivers the groups are based on the mental and physical demands placed on the driver of the vehicle and on the potential danger in the event of loss of control by the driver.

The grouping of vehicle categories for driver fitness purpose is:

• Group 1 categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, or W i.e. motorcycles, cars and tractors (with or without trailer)

• Group 2 categories C1, C, C1E, CE, D1, D, D1E, DE i.e. trucks and buses (without trailer)

The vehicles in Group 2 are regarded as higher risk vehicles which require a higher standard of physical and mental fitness on the part of the driver. The medical standards outlined in “Sláinte agus Tiomáint, Medical Fitness to Driver Guidelines” refer to Group 1 licence holders only. Standards for Group 2 drivers are currently being developed and will be available later this year.

Medical conditions requiring declaration at application for, and renewal of, driving licence:

A range of medical conditions, as well as treatments, may therefore impair your Driving ability

• Diabetes treated by insulin and or sulphonylurea tablets (your doctor can advise whether you are on these or not) no need to tell us if managed by other tablets and or diet

• Epilepsy

• Stroke or TIAs with any associated symptoms lasting longer than one month

• Fits or blackouts

• Any type of brain surgery, brain abscess or severe head Injury involving in

• Patient treatment or brain tumour or spinal injury or spinal tumour

• An implanted cardiac pacemaker

• An implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD)

• Repeated attacks of sudden disabling dizziness

• Any other chronic neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson

disease and Huntington’s disease.

• A serious problem with memory or periods of confusion.

• Persistent alcohol misuse or dependency persistent drug misuse or dependency

• Serious psychiatric illness or mental health problems

• Parkinson’s disease

• Sleep apnoea syndrome

• Narcolepsy

• Any condition affecting the driver’s peripheral vision

• Total loss of sight in one eye

• Any condition affecting both eyes, or the remaining eye if driver only has one eye (Not including colour blindness or short or long sight)

• A serious hearing deficiency

• Any persisting problem with arm(s) or leg(s) which needs driving to be restricted to certain types of vehicle or those with adapted controls

• Is the driver’s vehicle adapted because of a physical disability to enable you to drive

• Severe learning disability

*The above list is not exhaustive

Just because you have a disease or condition that might affect your driving doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to drive at all. It might mean that you have to see your doctor more often to check that your condition is well managed and it might mean that there are some restrictions placed on your driving.

Who makes the rules about whether you are well enough to drive?The rules about health and driving are developed by experts and include the standards required under EU Directive/regulations. Such standards form the overriding legal basis for driver medical fitness in Ireland. Your doctor

Source: Road Safety Authority (RSA)

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does not make the rules but provides advice about how your particular health condition might affect your ability to drive safely and how it might be managed when they complete the D501 Medical Report that you forward to the Driver Licensing Authority. The Driver Licensing Authority always makes the final decision about your licence status. They will consider the advice of your doctor as well as other factors such as your accident history and the type of vehicle you drive. (for example a car, truck or public passenger vehicle)

What are your legal responsibilities as the driver? To report to the Driver Licensing Authority and their insurance provider any long term or permanent injury or illness that may affect their ability to drive safely: if holding a licence from an EU country other than Ireland, or a recognised country for licence exchange, and developing a condition which could affect safe driving, the driver must contact the licensing authority to arrange for an exchange of their licence.

• To respond truthfully to questions from the health professional regarding their health status and the likely impact on their driving ability.

• To adhere to prescribed medical treatment and monitor and manage their

• Condition and any adaptations with on-going consideration of their fitness to drive.

• To comply with requirements of their licence as appropriate, including periodic medical reviews.

What if your condition is only temporary? Many temporary conditions will prevent you from driving. For example, following an anaesthetic your doctor will advise you not to drive for 24 hours or more. An injury, such as a broken leg may also prevent you from driving. In these types of circumstances your doctor will advise you about the need to restrict your driving in the short term. In most cases your licence status will not be

affected and you will not need to report the temporary medical condition to the driver licensing authority.

how will your doctor assess whether or not you should be driving?When assessing your ability to drive safely, your doctor will consider your physical and psychological health and will complete a D501 Medical Report form for you to send to the Driving Licence Authority. He or she will refer to guidelines of medical standards “Sláinte agus Tiomáint” which is used by all doctors throughout Ireland and which describes specific requirements for various diseases and conditions. You can view these standards at: www.ddai.ie

Sometimes it can be difficult to make an assessment and your doctor may refer you to a specialist and where appropriate and available for a practical driver assessment.

What is a conditional licence?In most cases, having a medical condition will not stop you from driving as the Driver Licensing Authority is able to issue a conditional licence. This means that you may continue to drive as long as certain conditions or restrictions are met.

Conditions may include the wearing of corrective lenses when driving, or attending your doctor for a periodic review and providing a medical report to the driver licensing authority. In the future it is planned to also include a conditional licence which will allow for driving during daylight hours only. Your doctor may make recommendations to the Driver Licensing Authority about a conditional licence but the authority will make the final decision. If you are issued with a conditional licence it is your responsibility to comply with any driving restrictions or other conditions and to be reviewed by your doctor as required.

Will your doctor notify the Driver Licensing Authority if you are not well enough to drive?

As the relationship between you and

your doctor is confidential, your doctor will not normally communicate directly with the Driver Licensing Authority. He or she will provide you with advice about your ability to drive safely as well as a D501 Medical Report form to take to the Driver Licensing Authority.

Doctors also have an obligation to public safety so your doctor may notify the driver licensing authority directly if he or she feels your condition poses a significant threat to public safety.

What happens if you don’t follow your doctor’s advice?If you continue to drive despite your doctor’s advice and you do not report your condition to the Driver Licensing Authority, you are not fulfilling your legal responsibility. If you are involved in a crash under these circumstances and it is found that your health condition was a contributing factor, you may be prosecuted and your insurance may not be valid. If your doctor is aware that you are continuing to drive and feels that your driving is a serious risk to you and other road users, he or she may feel obliged to notify the driver licensing authority directly.

What if you have a licence to drive a commercial vehicle?Professional drivers such as drivers of trucks, public passenger vehicles and vehicles carrying dangerous goods must meet higher medical standards because of the demands of their work, the extensive hours spent on the road and the serious consequences likely to result from a crash. If you have an illness that is likely to impact on your ability to drive safely, it is important to tell your doctor what sort of vehicle you drive. It may be that with treatment and regular review you will be able to continue to drive on a conditional licence.

A person who does not meet the health requirements to drive a commercial vehicle may still be eligible to drive a private vehicle.

Learn How Western Motors Can Help Drivers And Passengers With Disabilities

Western Motors ŠKODA, M1 Retail Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Exit 10 off the M1 Motorway.T. 041 9898100. W. www.westernmotors.ie

Western Motors’ Approach to Mobility.At Western Motors we want to demonstrate the possibilites that ŠKODA modified vehicles offer. We have partnered with Motability Ireland to demonstrate how we can cater for drivers and passengers with disabilities. We have a modified Octavia in our showroom which we will use to highlight the many options we have to optimise your ŠKODA. So please come down to Western Motors and we will endeavour to do everything to make your ŠKODA the perfect vehicle.

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Lake District Walk June 2014We will be holding our first charity

walk to the beautiful Lake District

in Cumbria from Friday 6th June

to Wednesday 11th June. The Lake

District, also commonly known

as The Lakes, is a mountainous

region in North West England.

A popular holiday destination, it

is famous not only for its lakes,

forests and mountains, but also

for its associations with the early

19th century poetry and writings of

William Wordsworth and the other

Lake Poets. www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

Historically shared by the counties

of Cumberland, Westmorland and

Lancashire, the Lake District now

lies entirely within the modern

county of Cumbria. All the land in

England higher than three thousand

feet above sea level lies within the

National Park, including Scafell Pike,

the highest mountain in England.

It also contains the deepest and

longest lakes in England, Wastwater

and Windermere, respectively.

We are looking for 12 - 15 motivated

walkers to take part in this challenge

and raise €2,000. You don’t need to

be super fit or a mountain climber

to complete this challenge. A love

of walking and beautiful scenery is

good enough!

If you are interested in getting

involved with this challenge please

contact Richard Ryder on 087

7983709 or email richard.ryder@

ddai.ie for further information.

Visit www.ddai.ie for a booking form

and advance itinerary.

Package includes:

• 5 nights, 6 days with 3 walking days and 1 free day

• Return ferry

• Accommodation in double/twin room. Limited single room available on request and with supplement. Single room supplement (Limited availability)

• Breakfast and a packed lunch each day

• Transport to and from lakes including all drops to and from walks

• Experienced guide

• Travel insurance

• Fundraising target - €2,000

We can assist with fundraising ideas, visit www.ddai.ie to find out more.

Judge by ability, not disability

12

neWs...neWs...neWs...neWs..neWs...

Christine O’Connor welcomes her colleague, Denise Duggan, to the 25 year service club

Denise Duggan recently received the traditional presentation of a gold watch on the occasion of her completing 25 years continuous service with Ability Enterprises.

new Membership CardThe new DDAI membership card is now available. The membership card entitles you to various benefits only available to

DDAI members, this includes discounts on Irish Ferries, VHI, hotel bookings etc. for a full list of benefits visit www.ddai.ie. It also allows us to identify you more easily as a member when you contact the office.

As you can see from the sample picture the card will have your name and membership number on the front and DDAI details on the back.

Included on the card will be a direct telephone number, manned by a live person, for members use only. The special phone line will operate from 9.30am-12.30pm each weekday.

We hope to grow the number of benefits available to members over the coming months and having the membership card will allow us to approach a wider range of potential companies. In some future cases it may require the retailer to scan the barcode on the card to apply discounts.

There is a small €2 administration charge for the card but this is waived for those returning Annual Super Draw tickets.

Please fill out the application form on page 16 (If you do not have a membership card already) and return using the pre-paid envelope enclosed or contact the office by phone (094-9364054) or email (info@ddai.ie).

We have setup Facebook pages for both DDAI and Shopmobility. Social media is a fantastic way for members to keep up to speed with what’s happening within the DDAI. We regularly post interesting articles and photographs we come across and upload the latest news. facebook is all about LIKES so if you are on facebook please LIKE us and help spread the word! Find us - Facebook/disableddrivers and facebook/shopmobilityireland

SPRING DRAW 2013 - Winners

1st Prize - €750 Cash P Roche, Templeglantin, Co. Limerick

2nd Prize - 2 Nights B & B and 2 evening meals in Mount Juliet J Cullinan, Tramore, Co Waterford

3 Prizes of €50 each C. Sears, Tralee, Co. Kerry P.A. Lynch, Macroom, Co Cork C Wiggins, Clones, Co. Monaghan

Member only Publications We have a new section on our website called ‘Member Only Publications’. Many of the publications contain very useful information and may help answer some unanswered questions. You must be a DDAI member and have your login username and password to be able to access it. If you have these details just go to the home page on www.ddai.ie and login. If you are having trouble doing this or require assistance please contact 094 9364054 and one of our members of staff will be happy to assist you.

Below are some of the publications available for download in PDF format:

Financial Guide 2013 - Revenue Tax Relief Scheme Explained

New Fitness to Drive Guidelines 2013 - RSA Publication

Your Health & Driving - FAQ’s

VRT7 booklet explains in detail the drivers & passengers with disabilities tax relief scheme

DD1 form - Tax relief in relation to vehicles purchased for use by people with disabilities

Claim form for repayment of excise duty on fuel used in motor vehicles for the transport of drivers & passengers with disabilities

how we help…Over 16,000 unique visitors to the DDAI website (www.ddai.ie) since January 1st 2013.

The Disabled Drivers Association provided a service to over 2,100 people last month, this included Shopmobility, Parking Cards, Ability Enterprises and Information.

(L to R) Denise Duggan & Christine O’Connor

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Member has used shopmobility over 700 times Moira Hutchinson of Abbey Manor, Newbridge has used the service in Shopmobility W h i t e w a t e r Shopping Centre over 700 times in 7 years, that’s twice per week! This makes Moira the person who has used the service the most. Shopmobility presented Moira with a voucher for Whitewater and a bouquet of flowers. Moira was accompanied by her daughter Glynis. Moira said “I wouldn’t be able to get out to do my weekly shopping only for the wonderful service Shopmobility provides.” She also said a big thank you to PJ Houlihan and PJ Treacy who manage the service. Shopmobility is a free service that lends wheelchairs and mobility scooters to members of the public. For further information please visit www.shopmobility.ie

neWs...neWs...neWs...neWs..neWs...

Earlier this year An Taoiseach Enda Kenny opened the “MDI House & National Resource Centre for Muscular Dystrophy & Allied Neuromuscular Conditions” in Chapelizod, Dublin. (www.mdi.ie) Among others, The Taoiseach was joined by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Ms Frances Fitzgerald. Pictured above are (From L to R) An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Alan Gimes (DDAI), Jack Piskorski & Ray Butler TD.

Member Forum LaunchedThe DDAI Members Forum is now up and running for over two months. Below is a list of the recent topics that have been posted. If you are interested in any of the topics or want an answer to a question or you may have a question why not visit the forum on the DDAI website which can be found by visiting www.ddai.ie and logging into the members area. To log into the members area you will need your user name and password which you would have received if you applied for your DDAI membership card. If you have any difficulty please contact the office on 094 9364054. Once you are logged in, you will be able to post questions, ideas, information and views on various topics.

The members forum can become a very useful resource if members get involved.

Recent posts on our Forum

• Member discount on Irish Ferries

• Accessible venues in Dublin

• Irish Rail access guidelines for trains

• Dublin Bus and mobility scooters

• Further cuts to disability service organisations

• Citizens information website

• Tax relief scheme

• What training courses are provided by DDAI

• Travelling to Ireland from the UK

• Discounts on the purchase of a new vehicle

We are delighted to announce that Shopmobility Dundrum are now selling daily living aids including: Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters (big & small) Rollators, Walkers, Walking Sticks, Handy Grabbers, Scooter Bags and much more...Why not pop in and see what they have. You’ll find them on Level 2M, Dundrum Shopping Centre, Dundrum 01-2987982 email: blanchardstown@shopmobility.ie www.shopmobility.ie

(L to R) P.J. Treacy, Glynis Hutchinson, Moira Hutchinson & P.J. Houlihan

Judge by ability, not disability

14

Cogans Carrigaline

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM to learn about our mobility service, our adapted Verso S and it’s features which include: A Swivel Seat, Steering Wheel Ball, Push & Pull Hand Controls and a Boot Hoist.

Visit our website www.cogans.ie or call Jean on 021 4852500

Our adapted

VERSO S is available for

FREE

informational calls

to home & organisations.

Mobility Service

Cogans - Toyota.indd 1 17/08/2013 17:26

Located in Galway, “Ken Carroll Adaptations” adapts most makes of cars and vans for drivers or passen-gers with physical disabilities.Our service list includes;Swivel seats, push andpull hand controls,Infra red steeringwheel spinners, Leftfoot accelerators,Wheelchair accessi-ble vehicle adaptations, boot hoists, childseats and safety harnesses .

ADAPTATIONSKEN CARROLL

car adaptations for the disabledBased in the West of Ireland

Ken Carroll AdaptationsCloonacauneen, Claregalway, Co. Galway

T: 091 798 098 • M: 087 250 2923E: kencarrolladaptations@gmail.com

www.kencarrolladaptations.ie

For a consultation or adviceCALL

NSAI Approved

26285 - Ken Carroll.qxd:Layout 1 24/10/2012 15:08 Page 1

COME ALONG AND SEE THE VERY LATEST INNOVATIONSIN WHEELCHAIRS AND ACCESSORIES

TUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 2013FOR 1 DAY ONLY!

As part of the European Seating Symposium the exhibition will be open to the public on

EUROPEAN SEATING SYMPOSIUM Incorporating Assistive Technologywww.seating.ie, info@seating.ie

4THEUROPEAN SEATING SYMPOSIUM Incorporating Assistive Technologywww.seating.ie, info@seating.ie

4TH

TIME:

VENUE:

• Over 80 wheelchair and seating suppliers

• Seperate transport section

• Local, European and International companies

TUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 2013FOR 1 DAY ONLY!

As part of the European Seating Symposium the exhibition will be open to the public on

EUROPEAN SEATING SYMPOSIUM Incorporating Assistive Technologywww.seating.ie, info@seating.ie

4THEUROPEAN SEATING SYMPOSIUM Incorporating Assistive Technologywww.seating.ie, info@seating.ie

4TH

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

161013print.pdf 1 10/16/2013 10:38:35 AM

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For anyone with a disability, medical condition or age related condition beginning, continuing or returning to driving, a driving assessment may be recommended by a medial health professional to establish whether they are fit to drive.

If now or in the future you are required to under-go an assessment it should not be seen as something negative or as having a pass or fail outcome. Maintaining the driver’s lifestyle and employment-related mobility independence is paramount both for your medical professional and organisations like the Disabled Drivers Association.

In most cases, having a medical condition will not stop you from driving as the Driver Licensing Authority is able to issue a conditional licence. This means that you may continue to drive as long as certain conditions or restrictions are met. The assessment may be a key component in developing strategies for you to begin, to continue or to return to driving. However in some cases it is just no longer safe for a person to drive. This article explains the various types of assessment and what services and support the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland can offer you.

Driving Assessment

Medical Professional AssessmentsPhysical tests of power, strength, flexibility, mental and motor reaction times and obviously visual acuity all have relevance in relation to a person’s ability to drive safely. Various cognitive, perceptual and behavioural tests provide valuable information and provide indicators as to how a person will cope with the driving task.

While these tests provide valuable information particularly in the area of behaviour, they are not always a reliable or comprehensive measure in determining decisions around continuation or cessation of driving. A combination of one or more of these tests with an on-road evaluation is to date the most comprehensive way of assessing a driver’s ability to drive.

static Assessment unitAt the Disabled Drivers Association in Ballindine advanced equipment is available for assessing ability to drive. A static assessment unit assesses the motor ability of upper and lower limbs in terms of strength, mobility and motor reaction time. Mental reactions and decision making ability are also tested. This assessment is an important component of evaluating what car adaptations, if any, are required for the prospective driver. The unit also assesses the client’s visual field. This information is particularly useful for those beginning to drive or returning following a traumatic injury.

In-Car / On-Road AssessmentIn most cases an in-car, on road assessment may be deemed the only assessment necessary. An in- car, on-road assessment may be requested to ascertain if any cognitive/perceptual deficits affect one’s ability to drive. At the Disabled Drivers Association cars are available, which offer a range of adaptations to meet the needs of the majority of clients.

suggested reading:‘Sláinte agus Tiomáint’ or Medical Fitness to Drive, this publication provides guidance on medical fitness for drivers and is available to download or view on our website www.ddai.ie ‘Your health and Driving’ This article explains the types of illnesses that might affect your ability to drive safely, your responsibilities and how your doctor can help you, where you can go for further information and assistance.

This can be found on pages 8 & 9 of this issue of Steering Wheel or www.ddai.ie

The on road assessment allows for an assessment in a more realistic driving situation. This form of assessment has proven to be a better environment for clients who are returning to driving but are now driving an adapted vehicle or drivers seeking to continue driving. When complete the assessment recommendations are discussed with the person being assessed and a report is formulated. The report is generally forwarded to the appropriate medical practitioner with whom the final decision on fitness to drive lies.

The National Programme Office for Traffic Medicine is currently engaged in a consultation to regularise the various agencies conducting assessments around driving to ensure the assessment process meets appropriate standards and is fair rigorous and consistent no matter which agency conducts the assessment. DDAI is actively involved in this process.

For general information on driving assessment or further information on our assessment service please contact: DDAI, Ballindine, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Tel: 094 9364054 or email info@ddai.ie or www.ddai.ie

Static Assessment Unit

In-Car/On-Road Assessment

Judge by ability, not disability

16

DDAI Membership CardAPPLICATION FORM

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TEL:

EMAIL:

TITLE: PLEASE PRINT YOUR DETAILS IN UPPER CASE

Please complete and return to the DDAI using the pre-paid envelope provided. Don’t forget to include payment. No payment required if returning Annual Super Draw tickets

Gardiners Lane North, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex CM11 2XE Mobile: 0044 7860 894331

Fax: 0044 1268 284951 Telephone: 0044 1268 521033

email:sales@hwpickrell.co.uk www.hwpickrell.co.uk

STEERING Wheel

17

It’s hard to believe Shopmobility Mahonpoint is open 10 years!

We had a birthday party to celebrate and had a great turnout. We would like to thank everybody who made the effort to call in and say hello. A special thanks to Aoife Linehan and her friends for calling to see us. A presentation of a bouquet of flowers and a voucher for Mahonpoint Shopping Centre was made to Aoife for being one of our most frequent users of the Shopmobility service. www.shopmobility.ie

Also a special thank you to Shelia Donoghue and the dedicated staff, pictured above, who have kept the service going for the past 10 years.

ShopmobilityIRELAND

Shopmobility Mahonpoint celebrates 10 years

Annual super drawit’s that time of year again! The Disabled Drivers

Association Annual Super Draw.

Following on from the success of last year’s 1st prize we

have decided to continue with it for another year.

1st Prize - A Super May trip to New York. This trip includes

flights during May, 5 nights for 2 people sharing in the Big

Apple plus $1000 spending money.

2nd Prize - €1,000 fuel voucher

3rd Prize - €500 Trident Holiday Home voucher

(www.tridentholidayhomes.ie)

4th Prize - €500 cash

Those who are returning tickets should also return the new

membership card request form enclosed in the magazine

(if you have not already done so previously). That way

you will receive your new membership card free of any

administration charge. The draw will take place at DDAI

centre on Tuesday 10th December 2013, so tickets should

be returned to the DDAI centre before Friday 6th December

2013

The Annual Super Draw has always been tremendously well

supported and we are very grateful for that as it makes a

substantial contribution to our fundraising target each

year. The Annual Super Draw has been running for over

30 years now and has yielded many prize winners. Results

will be published in The Irish Examiner on Wednesday 11th

December 2013

st PRIZEA Super May trip to New YorkThis trip includes fl ights during May, 5 nights for 2 people sharing in the Big Apple plus $1000 spending money.

2nd PRIZE€1,000 fuel voucher

3rd PRIZE€500 Trident Holiday Home voucher. (www.tridentholidayhomes.ie)

4th PRIZE€500 cash

1

Tear

her

e

€2

Tic

ket

No

.

perticket

Buyer’s Name

Address

Tel No.

Email

Ticket No.

Annual Super DrawPlease return Counterfoils and Remittances before Friday 6th December 2013 to:Disabled Drivers Association,Ballindine, Claremorris,Co. Mayo.

Results will be publishedin The Irish Examineron Wednesday 11th

December 2013.

Licence granted to Kenneth Fox, C.E.O., Disabled Drivers Association at Claremorris District Court on 17th January 2012 at Castlebar District Court No 3 Court for promotion of this draw throughout the 26 Counties.

Draw will take place on Tuesday 10th December 2013

€2 per ticket

€20 per book€20 perbook

Shelia O’Donoghue Back row (LtoR) Hugh Jordan, Rachel O’Keffe, Catriona Sheehan Noone, Front row (LtoR) Jossie Lynch and Shelia Donoghue

(LtoR) Deirdre Lovett & Aoife Linehan (LtoR) Geraldine & Joan Lucy

(LtoR)Trish McCarthy & Martina Byrne (LtoR)Pat Lynch Breda McPhilips Geraldine Lucy & Joan Lucy

(LtoR) Jossie & Pat Lynch (LtoR) Josephine Murphy & Doloris Murphy

Judge by ability, not disability

18

Get a Leg up with Legless!by trish O’donovan

When I travelled from Galway to meet

blogger Louise Bruton on Westmoreland

Street, Dublin, I was relieved to have her

mobile number in case I had problems

weaving my way through the cityscape.

It’s not so much that Dublin has

suddenly become an Arctic adventure.

But regardless of how well you know

it, Dublin, like pretty much anywhere,

suddenly takes on those proportions if

(as I did) you have to negotiate it for the

first time in a wheelchair.

Wittily termed ‘Legless in Dublin’

(check out http://leglessindublin.

blogspot.ie), Louise’s Blog (a personal

website or web page on which an

individual records opinions) focuses

mainly on the capital but does include

her wheeelchair experience of venues on

an ongoing basis, taking in Ballyvaughan

and Sicily (a holiday) with plans to go

nationwide in the future.

The great thing about the blog is

that, being a wheelchair user herself,

Louise ‘gets it’. And with a background

in journalism, she gets it across to

us. She too has experienced the well-

intentioned wheelchair toilet with all its

paraphernalia where inadequate space

does not allow the door to close behind

the wheelchair user. Her blog assesses

the level of wheelchair friendliness in

restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, shops,

cinemas, parks and public transport. It

also covers ramps, bathroom sizes, the

spaces between tables, the wideness of

doors, if there are steps or not and the

general helpfulness of staff. And having

also used crutches, she covers mobility

issues from every angle, including steps

and the level of slipperiness of floor

surfaces.

‘As a wheelchair user you have to get to

know where you live all over again when

you have a change like that which I think

is very daunting for a lot of people,’ she

says. Louise Bruton, now 26, was born

with a spinal condition as a result of

which she used crutches until about the

age of 23. Like many people facing the

transition from crutches to wheelchair,

she agonised about the move. In

retrospect her only regret is not making

it a year sooner. ‘In the last two years with

the wheelchair I’ve done so much more. I

can say yes to more things. I don’t have to

worry about me being tired, me getting

cranky, me getting sweaty, anything like

that because now the only things that

are in my way are buildings, bathrooms,

stairs. It’s not me that’s at fault anymore,

which is brilliant.’

Her blog is factually informative but also

insightful and anecdotal. She doesn’t

visit premises looking for problems. But

where she finds them they are described

along with the positives, including the

helpfulness of staff. She also drives

and covers issues like parking and road/

footpath surface en route to her venue.

She is conscious that responsibility

for improving facilities for people with

impaired mobility rests in some part with

us well as with premises owners. ‘It’s

very easy to say nothing if you noticed

something bad about a bathroom or a

floor surface or something. You could just

hold a grudge but as soon as you bring it

up to the manager or just any of the floor

staff they’re surprised that they didn’t

realise it themselves because people

aren’t going to locate for something they

don’t have to consider for themselves’.

STEERING Wheel

19

The blog is a humorous and engaging

read, with stories that illustrate

disability friendly features, life for

somebody with mobility constraints

and the efforts people will make to

compensate if structural inadequacies

are a problem. One incident mentions

where stairs stood between Louise

and a (liftless) music venue and some

bouncers ‘leant an arm and some

muscle’ when she wanted to go upstairs.

More than most, she realises that

bridging that gap verbally can be the

biggest challenge for the person with

mobility issues. ‘Sometimes asking for

help is a very hard thing to do,’ she says.

It’s frustrating. I think everyone feels

like that in the beginning and through

that hardship you realise there is an

easier route to take. That’s probably

the biggest obstacle to get over, just

learning to say when you need help.’ It’s

best to be as vocal as you can and as

polite.’

‘Legless in Dublin’ is a refreshing

and welcome addition to information

services for people with mobility

difficulties. It’s also a good read -

entertaining, well researched and

firmly rooted in common sense. Future

plans not only include a nationwide

perspective but also a broadening of

the site’s focus to include activities like

sailing for people with reduced mobility.

Definitely one to bookmark.

http://leglessindublin.blogspot.ie

Rob Cogan explains the reason to introduce an adapted vehicle to the mobility service at Cogans Carrigaline

The decision to extend our mobility service at Cogans Carrigaline, stems from a Mobility Awareness Event that we held at the beginning of this year. At this event, we had on display a Toyota Verso S and the DDAI’s Toyota Yaris, which both showcased a range of adaptations, which helps those with reduced mobility.

We found that those who attended the event expressed a high level of interest in learning about the adaptations and how they worked. As a result we added an adapted Toyota Verso S to our showroom fleet and we encourage our customers to come down and see the adaptations first hand. Our staff are available to answer questions about the adaptations and what Toyota models would suit their needs. For a full description of the adaptations on the Verso S, you can find them on our website: www.cogans.ie

As part of our mobility service at Cogans we are available to make free demonstration calls to both homes and organizations. To make an appointment for a demonstration you can call: 021 4852500 or email Jean: jmurphy@cogans.ie.

We have always made it our priority to raise awareness around the area of mobility for both passengers and drivers with reduced mobility whether caused from disability or age. We offer detailed vehicle demonstrations, guidance on the Disabled Drivers Scheme and now the added bonus of a vehicle displaying mobility adaptations.

If you have any questions about our mobility awareness, please feel free to contact us.

LEEGARAGESouth Terrace, CorkContact: Liam Leahy

Tel:021-4313344Mob:087-2380082

email:liam@leegarage.comWeb:www.leegarage.com

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27053 - Car Interior Design:1/2 Page accross 24/10/2012 15:06 Page 1

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STEERING Wheel

21

Lakeside holiday homes, Killaloe, Co. ClareThese 3 bedroom holiday homes have a double bedroom en suite, a twin and a family bathroom on the ground floor. On the first floor is an open plan kitchen / dining / living area, a shower room and a double bedroom. There is an onsite toddler’s play area.

This wheelchair accessible house is fitted with a chair lift on the stairs

TV Channels - RTE, TV3, BBC & Channel 4.

Lisdoonvarna Village holiday homes, Lisdoonvarna, Co. ClareThis wheelchair accessible house has widened doors, level access shower, support rails, lowered kitchen units, lowered switches and power points.

Trident Holiday Homes

We are delighted to announce that we have teamed up with Trident Holiday Homes to offer members of the Disabled Drivers Association a range of accessible holiday homes throughout Ireland.

Trident Holiday Homes is an Irish self-catering holiday home company which specialises in vacation rentals in Ireland. They offer a wide variety of accommodation ideally located throughout the country from Galway to Kerry and Waterford to Clare.

www.tridentholidayhomes.ie

how it works… 4 easy steps.1. Choose your holiday home destination

2. Contact DDAI to check availability

3. Complete booking form

4. Forward deposit and completed booking form to DDAI (before 31st March)

Below are photographs and descriptions of the accessible houses available.

Booking opens on the 1st February 2014 and closes on 31st March 2014. To be in with a chance to get your holiday FREE book and pay your deposit on or before February 28th 2014.

For bookings and information please Contact DDAI - 094 9364054 or email info@ddai.ie. Further information also available on www.ddai.ie

Judge by ability, not disability

22

dingle Courtyard Cottages (4 bed), dingle, Co. KerryThese holiday homes have an open plan kitchen / dining / living room with an open fire, separate utility room, a ground floor cloakroom and double bedroom (en suite). On the first floor is a double bedroom (en suite), two twins and a family bathroom.

This holiday home is wheelchair modified.

sea Cliff holiday homes, dunmore east, Co. WaterfordThese 3 bedroom holiday homes have an open plan living / dining / kitchen area on the ground floor with doors leading to the patio and a family bathroom. On the first floor, there is a double bedroom (en suite), a twin and a single. (En Suite may vary, some houses have double bedroom ensuite and some have twin bedroom ensuite) and also (bathrooms may vary some have bath’s and some have shower’s). There is a children’s play area and 18 hole golf course on site.

This wheelchair accessible house has ground floor bedroom, shower room facilities and doors with wider access.

Crystal Fountain holiday homes, tralee, Co. KerryThese holiday homes have an open plan kitchen / dining / living area with wood burning stove and French doors on to the patio. There is also a ground floor twin bedroom (en suite). On the first floor is a double bedroom (en suite) and a twin (en suite).

There is an onsite toddler’s play area.

This wheelchair accessible house has widened doors, ground floor bedroom with twin beds, ground floor roll in shower and support rails. Bed can be raised to accommodate a hoist.

spiddal holiday homes, spiddal, Co. GalwayThese 4 bedroom holiday homes have an open plan kitchen / dining / living area with open fire, on the ground floor there is 1 double, 1 twin bedroom and a shower room. On the first floor is a double bedroom, a twin and a family bathroom.

There is one on site tennis courts (equipment not provided) an area with basketball net and goal posts on tarmac; 2 playgrounds and a Games Room (with table tennis and pool table).

N.B These holiday homes have electric heating and electric cooker.

This wheelchair accessible house has widened doors, ground floor bedroom (double and twin rooms available), ground floor roll in shower and support rails.

STEERING Wheel

23

Boost 4 Small Mobility ScooterAccess Lightweight Transit Wheelchair

Colt Nine Medium Mobility Scooter Glide Pro Self Propelled Wheelchair

Ideal For

Travelling!

Call: 01 515 3644 www.Back2Mobility.comNaas Industrial Estate, Naas, Co. Kildare2 MobilityBack

Judge by ability, not disability

toyota.ie

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Corolla from €20,995. Model shown is Corolla Luna 1.33 Dual VVT-i. Price €23,890. Fuel Consumption Corolla 1.33 Dual VVT-i: L/100km Urban – 7.2., Extra Urban – 4.7, Combined – 5.6. CO2 emissions g/km - 129g.Prices exclude delivery and related charges. The Corolla comes with a 3 year or 100,000km comprehensive warranty and 3 year Toyota Eurocare roadside assistance. Toyota Ireland is a 100% Irish owned company.

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