“A real eye-opener on a new world of possibilities,” volunteered Mrs Anna Laver who travelled with her husband from Southend-on-Sea to this year’s Mobility Roadshow that took place at the East of England Showground, Peterborough last week (1st 2nd and 3rd July).

British motor racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss, officially opened the show, meeting visitors and exhibitors on his exhibition tour. "I was amazed and pleased at the amount of options available to disabled people in finding their personal transport,” he said. “Investment in mobility innovation is vital to enable disabled and older people to maintain an independent lifestyle and by so doing is crucial to the general wellbeing of this nation. “That is why the Mobility Roadshow is vitally important, bringing together a wealth of products and information.”

Other guests over the three days included Alastair Hignell, former English Rugby Union international, county cricketer and broadcaster; Ade Adepitan, sports athlete and TV presenter and disabled actor David Proud of Desperados and EastEnders fame.

New Products

On the launch pad were 10 new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) - including new small vehicle options - reflecting a mobility motoring market that is buoyant and optimistic. There were new restraint systems, ramps, innovatory wheelchairs, scooters and bikes as well as accessories and products for independent living at home.

The Roadshow opened with the largest number of advanced test drive registrations to date and a choice of over 50 vehicles on the test drive track. Adaptation and conversion specialists reported keen interest from visitors exploring an ever widening range of options.

In the wheelchair and scooter sector lightness and portability led new developments in ‘classic’ models and advanced engineering techniques were evident in several new high performance sports chairs being shown for the first time.

Cyclefest

Cyclefest, new this year, was hugely popular, especially on Saturday ‘family day’ when school was ‘out’. The focus here was on special needs cycling options from tiny trikes to companion, passenger, tandem and wheelchair cycling, with specialist advice and assessment available to assist visitor choice. New products announced included a new mountain bike for wheelchair users. “We are absolutely amazed at the range and advice available,” said Joanne Connelly, who had travelled from Huddersfield with son James (11) who was elated to be trying out a handcycle, the first time he had been able to ride a bike.

Expert Advice

All the seminars were well attended with subjects that included choosing a WAV, finding the scooter or electric wheelchair that suits you, Blue Badge issues, what to expect from a driving assessment, the new wheelchair passport, air passengers’ rights and driving in older age.

Children and Young People

Among the new products for young people were wheelchairs that adapt to fit as a child grows. New this year was Sensory Corner, a therapeutic sensory room and soft play area that is fun, stimulating and safe for children with special needs. The daily wheelchair skills sessions with tips delivered in a fun way to give confidence to young users, especially those using a chair for the first time, were voted a great idea by parents and young alike.

14 year old’s bright idea

Saturday was National Young Disabled Persons’ Day, celebrated with the announcement of the winners of the Roadshow’s sixth national Ready Willing & Mobile Competition that calls for bright ideas from school children to help young disabled people. 14 year old Holly Moggridge, a student at Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School in Upminster was announced the outright winner, having won the 12 to 16 year age category.

Her winning entry was an IPod hearing aid device designed to eliminate the embarrassment felt by many deaf or partially deaf children who have to wear a traditional hearing aid.

The runner-up was 11 year old Morgan Coy, a pupil at Perry Hall Primary School in Bromley and winner of the 7 to 11 age category. Morgan inspired the judges with her creative ‘Crawling Caterpillars’ entry, a fun adventure trail designed to help young disabled wheelchair users to enjoy all the activities of a trail, together with their non-disabled friends.

Fun and Games

The wider selection of sports to try this year offered the opportunity to join in, gain fitness advice and contacts for getting involved when visitors returned home. The action included wheelchair rugby and rugby league, basketball, sledge hockey and wheelchair dancing and on Saturday the popular Red Wheelies scooter formation team members demonstrated why they are increasingly in demand nationwide. With go-karts, 4x4 experience, climbing wall, laser clays, archery and more - many agreed this year’s Mobility Roadshow was a great day out for all the family.

Scotland Next

In September the Mobility Roadshow moves to The Royal Highland Centre near Edinburgh Airport on 17th and 18th September. The date and venue for the Mobility Roadshow 2011 will follow in the next few weeks.