The Mobility Roadshow 2011 will soon be welcoming thousands of visitors to the East of England Showground, Peterborough over three days: 30th June, 1st and 2nd July.
It is a much looked forward to event every year; an excellent opportunity to see, try out and compare a wealth of new ideas, products and services – as well as enduring classics – to help those of us who have a disability to be more independent.
One of the British soldiers who provided inspiration for the birth of the charity Help for Heroes will officially open the event and is looking forward to sharing his experiences with visitors. Four years ago Private Derek Derenalagi lost both his legs in an explosion while on patrol in Helmand province; today he walks on two ‘bionic’ legs and is hopeful of a place in the GB Paralympics squad.
So that we all make the most of our visit the organisers are introducing a new virtual ‘personal shopper’ service, offering the opportunity to e-mail in advance with details of what we shall be looking for and receive in response a personalised list of relevant exhibitors. We really like this idea, as there is always so much to see and do.
There is also a new visitor Mobility Information Service at the event, providing a central hub of information, plus informal ‘Meet the Expert’ sessions on topics that include Blue Badge and parking, assessment and adaptations and wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Each year this Roadshow is a showcase for new product launches. Already lined up for launch is Sirus Automotive’s up-front passenger version of its new Generation 2 Facelift Volkswagen Caddy.
To help you find your way, The Pie Guide is launching a disk format version of its TomTom and Garmin journey planner downloads customised for disabled drivers and their carers.
Cyclone Technologies is launching the world’s first upright functional electrical stimulation (FES) product for spinal injury rehabilitation. Also at Cyclone you will have the chance to see in action the revolutionary new ReWalk™ exoskeleton walking system for paraplegics, previewed on tv earlier this year.
A new exhibitor to the Roadshow is TerrainHopper, unveiling what the company describes as the first ‘truly off-road’ personal all terrain vehicle. Permobil launches a new wheelchair seating system and you can choose a bespoke colour scooter at Monarch Mobility. The new bike concept previewed last year by Mountain Trike Company will be released for sale.
In the expanded Sports Arena you can join Paralympian Colin Price and members of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team or try one of around a dozen different sports, dance and fitness activities.
Plus you can have your say on the design of mobility products, encourage children to join in the ‘Go Kids Go’ wheelchair skills, get in focus with the Disabled Photographers’ Society and find out about the new photography competition.
And above all, this is the best opportunity you will have this year to try out and compare hundreds of mobility products, scooters, trikes and cycles, discuss vehicle adaptations and conversions with experts and test drive a range of adapted vehicles from major motor manufacturers.
If you have a disability, this is your show – make the most of it and register now for free tickets at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk or call 0845 241 0390.