Disability is not Inability

:: Motability provides transport solutions in the UK

Motability is a charity established in 1977- thanks to a Thatcher-led Tory initiative to help boost car sales to “help disabled people and their families become more mobile.”

Since the charity first supplied a car in 1978, they have gone on to provide 1.5 million cars in the UK to almost 400,000 customers-now representing around seven per cent of all new car sales in the UK.

What can you get?

Under the scheme, customers agree to pay over all (or most of) the higher-rate mobility allowance of their Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for the duration of the given a vehicle of your choice, with all maintenance and servicing costs and emergency breakdown cover included.
If you already receive the higher rate mobility component of DLA, then you can choose from one of the following schemes (assuming your benefit has been awarded for at least the duration of the agreement):

• A three year contact hire scheme for new vehicles
• A two or four-year hire purchase scheme for new vehicles
• A two or three-year hire purchase for used vehicles.

The overwhelming majority-some 96 per cent-of customers opt for the contact hire scheme, with just three per cent of customers taking out a hire purchase agreement, and another one per cent are provided with wheelchairs through Mobility.

Who qualifies?

As things stand, it is not easy to get the higher rate mobility component of DLA. According to official documents, you have to be described as being ‘unable or virtually unable to walk’ or be blind and deaf in order to receive it.

So – if you are going to apply- then you will need some professional help from a benefit advisor to help you fill out the form. Their knowledge of ‘keywords or ‘phrases’’ is helpful when your application is being considered.

Jacqueline Hosein, from London East Aids Network (LEAN), explains that you really must get help from a benefits advisor.
“When you fill out the forms by yourself you will undoubtedly understandimate the extent of your difficulties. Then, if your application is refused, you have to start all over again, “she says.
“To qualify for the higher rate mobility component you must fulfil a number of criteria: the first is walking outdoors, and how much effort is required to walk 50 meters. If you are in serve pain or discomfort, or breathless, or have serve cramps in your legs then you may well qualify,” she continues.

“For the lower rate, you will have to show that you need someone with you when you are outside- for example, you have any memory loss, other physical difficulties or panic attacks.” And the final category is about falls and stumbles or if you need help with stairs and uneven surface, she adds.

“But it is not necessary for the applicant to have had an Aids-retated illness to get the higher rate, although it helps! For instance, if you peripheral neuropathy is sever enough then you may be awarded it just because of that.”

“However,” she warns “the government recently tried to cut back on the amount of benefits it gives out-for example, five years ago it was much easier to be awarded everything.”
Nevertheless, it is not impossible to get the benefit if you are HIV positive and symptomatic. Figures publishes by the Department or Work and Pensions show that- of almost 40,000 diagnosed as positive in the UK- there are a total of 6,900 people with Aids or who are HIV-symptomatic claiming DLA.

Of these, the vast majority-5,900-get the higher rate for mobility and the government this week announced plans to change the law with regard to HIV positive people and benefits.
Unit now, you had to have an Aids-defining illness or be classified as HIV symptomatic’ to be even considered for higher rate DLA
But a new draft disability bill proposed by the month by Andrew Smith, Secretary for Work and Pensions, states that the definition of ‘disability’ is going to be widened to include everyone diagnosed as HIV positive, not just those with symptoms. It should, therefore, become easier for the general HIV population to apply for the benefit.
Lisa Power, head of policy at the Terrence Higgins Trust said: “We are delighted by the announcement that the disability act will be widened to include HIV from the point of diagnosis.”

Accidents and mishaps

Once you have your benefit in place, a group called Motability Finance Ltd-the the finance provider behind the scheme-step in to arrange the financial deal and oversee the day-to-day running of your car and look after it once it has been issued.
Confirmation of DLA in hand, you go to a regular car show-room. Big showrooms that deal in the popular brands like Volkswagen, Peugeot or Renault often have a staff member specifically appointed to arrange Motability deals who will do most of the liaison with the charity.

Lessons to Kenya.

* Disability transport should be seen as business opportunities. many people look at disability only as opportunity for philanthropy.

* The need to make transport in Kenya disability-friendly is not only urgent but an implementation of the law.

* Companies operating transpoirt business should be supported to provide special vehicles for persons with disabilities especially in the hectic world that Nairobi has become.

Category: Inclusion, education

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