A Fantastic Day at Rise 4 Disability Bedford: Empowering OTs and Driving Independence
We were incredibly proud to represent Herts Ability and Driving Mobility at this year’s Rise 4 Disability exhibition and conference in Bedford - an essential event for the Occupational Therapy community and a true celebration of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.
The event provided a valuable platform to connect with fellow occupational therapists and leading equipment providers, all united by a shared passion: enabling independence and supporting functional needs across every aspect of daily life.
Empowering OTs Through Education
One of the day’s standout moments was a continuing professional development (CPD) session delivered by our Lead Driving Assessor, James, titled:
“Empowering Occupational Therapists to Guide Clients Towards Safe, Cost-Effective Vehicle Solutions.”
The session was extremely well-received, offering practical insights and sparking engaging discussion. James covered a range of vital topics, including:
- ✔️ The driving assessment journey from referral to outcome
- ✔️ The clinician's role in accordance with DVLA medical standards
- ✔️ Identifying when and how to refer clients for assessment
- ✔️ Budget-conscious vehicle adaptations to enhance client independence
The session also tackled some of the big, often complex questions OTs face in practice:
- ❓ What if a client ignores professional advice?
- ❓ How much do assessments actually cost?
- ❓ What is the clinician’s legal responsibility when referring for a driving assessment?
These are the conversations that matter - helping clinicians feel more confident, informed, and supported in their roles.
Showcasing Real-World Solutions
We were delighted to be joined by two of our trusted partners:
- 🔧 Mobility in Motion, demonstrating cutting-edge adaptive technology that empowers individuals to drive and travel independently.
- 🚌 GM Coachwork, showcasing a fantastic selection of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) and mobility solutions grounded in real-world needs.
With hands-on demos, practical advice, and a collaborative spirit, the day was a brilliant opportunity to learn from each other and explore how technology, policy, and clinical practice come together to improve lives.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To every occupational therapist who stopped by to learn, connect, and share - thank you. We loved speaking with so many of you and hearing about the important work you do.
And a special thank you to Rise 4 Disability for inviting us to be part of this vibrant and meaningful event. It’s an honour to contribute to such a vital platform for disability innovation and professional development.
Together, we’re driving forward a future where everyone has the opportunity to live more independently - with dignity, confidence, and choice!
