Disability exhibitions in 2007

Is there a Mobility Roadshow in the north in 2007?

If you mean Scotland, then the answer is no. The Mobility Roadshow for Scotland is due back on the calendar in 2008. However, the Independent Living Scotland 2007 returns to the SECC in Glasgow on March 28th and 29th with over 100 exhibitors. Free tickets are obtainable by calling 0870 429 4372.
The Disability North Exhibition will be held at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on November

Exhibitions are a good place to meet up with friends and review new products and services.

7th and 8th in 2007. Mobility Today visited the 2006 exhibition, where there were over 150 stands, and found it worthwhile. Access was good and the only negative comment

we would make is that the quality of food on offer for visitors was poor.
England's long-standing Mobility Roadshow returns to Kemble Airfield, near Swindon, Wiltshire, on July 19th, 20th and

21st.
There will be no more Independent Living Shows at London's Alexandra Palace venue. Organisers EMAP have pulled the plug after a decline in exhibitors and visitors. However, EMAP are to continue organising the Naidex show for disabled people at the NEC, Birmingham. This will be held April 24th, 25th and 26th.
A new exhibition for 2007 is What Disability? at the Westpoint Centre, Exeter, a mile from the M5. It is being held June 5th and 6th.

Insurance for scooters

Can you confirm that it is not compulsory to take out insurance on powered wheelchairs or scooters?

It is not compulsory - as we mentioned in a previous issue of Mobility Today.
   However, research commissioned by the Department for Transport to review the safety and legislation involving Class 2 and Class 3 powered wheelchairs and scooters has recommended that third party insurance cover should be mandatory for all users.
   The study came to this conclusion following investigation of incidents that have been caused by these vehicles and discussion with focus groups comprising users and non-users.
   The report also recommended a simple fitness-to-drive assessment, which should include an eyesight test, ability to control the vehicle and a measure of mental and judgement abilities. At the moment they are only recommendations.

London's Dial-a-Ride

How do I join London's Dial-a-Ride scheme?

The scheme operates for Londoners who are largely registered with Taxicard. This provides subsidised doorto- door transport for people who have mobility impairment. The service operates over 1.2million trips a year. To be eligible for Dial-a-Ride membership you must have a permanent or long-term disability which makes you unable or virtually unable to use public transport services such as buses or Tube. You are automatically eligible for Dial-a-Ride if you are:

A current member of Taxicard.

Help is at hand

In receipt of Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance.

Registered blind.

In receipt of Higher Rate Attendance Allowance.

In receipt of War Pension Mobility Supplement.
If you do not fulfil any of the criteria above you may

still be eligible for Dial-a-Ride but you may have to provide further evidence of your mobility problems. Call the management control centre on 0845 999 1 999 for further details.
To register with Taxicard call 020 7484 2929.

More Tube accessibility

When is London Underground going to make the Tube more accessible?

London Underground (LU) managing director Tim O'Toole tells us that they are committed to ensuring that, by 2010, 25 per cent of Tube stations will have step-free access and this will increase to one third of stations by 2013.

Where necessary, works will be prioritised to ensure that as many stations as possible serving Olympic venues have step-free access for the 2012 games.
LU recently introduced free books of tactile maps, made up of raised lines which are read by touch instead of sight, to help blind and partially sighted people find their way around Old Street,

Westminster and Earl's Court underground stations.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said: 'The launch of large-print station maps and Tube maps that can be read through touch is another positive step towards making London a truly accessible and inclusive city.'