Herts Ability, the accredited Driving Mobility centre based in Welwyn Garden City, recently hosted its latest Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter (PWMS) Retailer Training Course. The event was well-attended by a diverse group of local mobility equipment dealers, who showed strong support for this important training initiative.
The training course, supported by the Department for Transport, is part of a broader effort by the charity Driving Mobility to enhance road safety across the UK. The scheme helps mobility scooter retailers provide thorough assessments and offer tailored safety advice to individuals looking to purchase or hire mobility vehicles. By ensuring that customers receive the right product for their unique needs and proper training in safe driving techniques, these courses contribute to a safer, more informed community.
The recent event at Herts Ability was divided into two sessions, accommodating different groups of participants. Attendees ranged from newcomers to the mobility industry to seasoned assessors and manufacturers of specialist equipment. The course began with an indoor presentation and discussion, followed by a practical session where participants tested various scooters and powered wheelchairs. This hands-on experience gave trainees valuable insight into what a full customer assessment involves.
One particularly enlightening activity involved the use of specialist glasses to simulate visual impairments, such as visual field deficits. This gave participants a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with vision issues and the importance of selecting the right mobility aid for those needs. Both groups reconvened for lunch, allowing for valuable networking and collaboration.
James Hinkins, Herts Ability’s Lead Driving Asessor, who led the course, reflected on the day’s success:
“It was a pleasure to support these independent companies in completing the PWMS retailer training. I believe we all formed new professional relationships that will benefit not just us, but individuals in the local area with restricted mobility. By working together, we can ensure better, more appropriate mobility product provision for greater independence and road safety in the community.”
Herts Ability is proud to be part of this vital initiative and looks forward to continuing its work with local mobility dealers to improve safety and accessibility for all.
For more information or to sign up for a free training course near you, contact Driving Mobility at info@drivingmobility.org.uk
