Equipment, Mobility and Transport

Disabled Living Foundation

380 - 384 Harrow Road
London
W9 2HU

The DLF offers advice, information and problem solving in connection with all enquiries about equipment for disabled adults and children.

EPC - Equipment for the Physically Challenged

43 Alexandra Road
North Camp
Farnborough
Hants
GU14 6BS

This company is run for the disabled by the disabled, offering the full range of equipment for the physically challenged, from lightweight wheelchairs to home accessories, including hand bikes and high performance sports wheelchairs.  They have an accessible show room, large car park and offer a mail order service.  A free catalogue is available by telephone.

Independent Living Catalogue

This is a mail order catalogue dealing with equipment for all ages and disabilities and is available from any Lloyds Pharmacy.  For details of your nearest Lloyds, check the local telephone directory or the website.

TFH Special Needs

5-7 Severnside Business Park
Stourport on Severn
Worcestershire
DY13 9HT

TfH Special Needs is a mail order catalogue and online shopping service specialising in play equipment for disabled children.  The catalogue can be obtained by telephone.  Items can also be ordered through the website.

Keep Mobile

Unit 8 Evendons Lane
Wokingham
RG41 4EH

This scheme provides transport for people with disabilities residing in Wokingham and Bracknell Forest.  Please telephone for further details.

Wheelchair Loan - British Red Cross

Martins Lane
Bracknell
RG12 9EN

The office is manned during the hours listed.  At other times there is an answerphone, and arrangements will be made to access the depot to obtain a wheelchair.

Motability

Goodman House
Station Approach
Harlow
Essex
CM20 2ET

Motability is the UK’s leading car scheme for disabled people, helping millions of families to lead fuller lives with the provision of a new car, powered wheelchair or scooter.  The scheme is directed and overseen by Motability, a national charity that also raises funds and provides additional financial help to customers who otherwise could not afford the mobility solution they need.  Anyone who is receiving one of the following benefits is eligible, and who has at least 12 months’ award length remaining when they apply:

• Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

MERU - Medical Engineering Resource Unit

8 Damson Way
Orchard Hill
Carshalton
Surrey
SM5 4NR

MERU is a charitable organisation that exists to improve life for children and young people with severe disabilities.  They do this by using their design and engineering skills to make individual pieces of specialist equipment they can use at home, at school or college, in hospital or at play.  They do not take on projects where a solution is commercially available, though they can often advice or refer people to other sources.  Visit the website for case studies.

Association of Wheelchair Children

6 Woodman Parade
North Woolwich
London
E16 2LL

The Association of Wheelchair Children was founded in 1990 to train children in wheelchairs to be mobile in the home and out of doors, and provide equipment to help them move about independently and with confidence.  Many of the children they work with have needs other than wheelchair mobility.  They will try to make available any aid that they believe will make life easier and more comfortable for the mobility impaired child.  AWC makes no charge for its service.  Resources include a road safety training booklet.

Kidz South

Disabled Living Manchester
Redbank House
4 Chad’s Street
Cheetham
Manchester
M8 8QA

Kidz South is an exhibition held annually at the Rivermead Leisure Complex in Reading dedicated to disabled children, their families and the professionals who work with them.  Information is available on mobility, seating, beds, communication, access, education, toys, transport, style, sensory, sensory, sports, leisure and more.  A programme of free seminars and discussions for parents and professionals takes place alongside the exhibition.

Mobility Roadshow

This road-show is an annual event, organised by a charity called Mobility Choice and usually held in the summer at various venues.  It has a range of cars, vehicles and associated equipment on display for those with mobility problems, with the opportunity to test drive cars and try out products.  Telephone or check the website for future dates.

Publications

Disability Product News
21 - 23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY

Able Magazine
15 – 39 Durham Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow G41 1BS

Ability Needs
62 Castle Park Drive, Fairlie, Ayrshire, KA29 0DG

D&SC (Disabled and Supportive Carer)
150 Burnley Road, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 6DW

Contents of the guide:

Introduction
1. Access
2. Advocacy
3. Counselling
4. Early Years
5. Education
6. Equipment, Mobility and Transport
7. Financial Matters
8. Health
9. Holidays
10. Information Technology
11. Leisure
12. Local Support
13. National Organisations
14. Publications
15. Short Breaks
16. Social Services and Housing
17. Transition
18. Working Parents/Carers

Index