Mobility Info - UK
Mobilise Organisation
Mobilise is a U.K. charity representing the interests of disabled drivers, passengers and scooter and wheelchair users. With headquarters in Norwich, the charity was formed in 2005 on the merger of the Disabled Drivers’ Association (founded 1922) and the Disabled Drivers’ Motor Club (founded as the Invalid Tricycle Association in 1948). Visit www.dda.org.uk or www.mobilise.info for more information on the charity’s origins.
Mobilise is run by and for disabled people and its remit is wide-ranging. One of its principal roles is to campaign on a number of mobility-related issues, such as disabled parking bay misuse, barrier access car parks, accessible petrol stations and parking problems at healthcare facilities (including lack of facilities and high charges).
The charity also exists to give information and guidance on disabled transportation. Information officers are on hand to answer queries by telephone, email or letter. In addition, an eponymous monthly magazine, Mobilise, deals with mobility news, product reviews and other features of interest. As well as the magazine, the organisation publishes several different information sheets on topics of importance to the mobility-impaired driver. These include registration of vehicles, parking information and travellers’ rights.
Mobilise works closely with Motability to find solutions to mobility problems. It also sends representatives to countrywide mobility events in order to showcase its work. For example, the charity and its antecedents the D.D.A. and D.D.M.C. spearheaded campaigns that resulted in the Blue Badge parking scheme, the introduction of the Mobility Allowance and the V.A.T. exemption for hand controls in adapted vehicles.
Full membership of Mobilise is open to all disabled people with mobility impairment whereas anyone, disabled or otherwise, who is interested in furthering the charity’s aims is welcome to become an associate member. Membership gives access to the services of the charity’s information officers and entitlement to the monthly members’ magazine. Furthermore, membership offers a range of concessions and benefits from various organisations, such as A.A. and R.A.C. breakdown cover, Hertz car rentals, Eurotunnel and Holiday Inn.
Full or associate membership costs £16 per annum; joint membership, for two people at the same address, costs £21 a year. £320 will confer life membership.
