The Disabled Motorists Federation

AUTOADAPT AQUIRES FINNISH TURVAX

STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION AS EUROPE’S LARGEST COMPANY

Autoadapt already occupies a leading position in the rapidly growing market for adaptation of automobiles for the elderly and people with physical disabilities from their head office in West Sweden. Now, Autoadapt is reinforcing its product base, its distribution network and technical knowledge base through the acquisition of operations in Finish Turvax Oy.

In so doing, Autoadapt will strengthen its position as Europe’s largest producer for “adaptation of vehicles for the needs of the elderly and people with physical disabilities”.

The auto adaptation branch has undergone some drastic changes during the past few years.
Autoadapt vice President Peter Wahlsten explains:
“Technological advances have occurred very quickly and, during that process, the market has expanded. Autoadapt has grown to Europe’s largest company in the industry during the past 19 years. About 90% of our production goes to export today.

“Turvax’ culture and history are very compatible with our own. Their market position and size harmonize well with our strategy. We are now expanding our geographical area of operations as planned through the acquisition of Turvax’ operations, including their established retail network in large portions of the world,” says Peter Wahlsten.

This acquisition creates a strong platform from which to face increasing competition in an expanding global market which is dominated today by large American producers.

The acquisition of operations at Turvax Oy marks growth ambitions and development for Autoadapt as a group and provides the basis for further expansion in the future. Production will continue to take place in Stenkullen, where it is concentrated at this time; this can generate more job opportunities in the future.

”We work persistently to strengthen our market position,” says Peter Wahlsten vice President at Autoadapt. “This acquisition is in line with our growth strategy; it further expands our technology base and product program.”

Founded in 1996, Turvax Oy is known for producing Menox accelerator and brake hand controls. Years of product development and customer collaboration have placed Menox in a confident, pace-setting position on the market for hand controlled accelerator and brake regulators as well as their other adaptation products.

”Turvax’ other driver adaptations, such as Menox Steering Knobs, left-foot accelerator and Pedal Extension will be an interesting compliment to Autoadapt’s product assortment,” according to Peter Wahlsten.

Turvax Oy took the initiative for this agreement after a number of years’ collaboration with Autoadapt.
In the words of Juha Paananen, Managing Director of Turvax Oy:
“This deal validates some of the value that has been created in Turvax during the years and I believe that Autoadapt is an excellent partner to manage that in the future. This opens up new business opportunities and reinforces Europe’s position in the increasingly competitive international market.

Turvax Oy, with Juha Paananen continuing in ownership, will emerge strengthened from this deal with Autoadapt and will concentrate on development of technologically advanced driver adaptation products.

”Autoadapt and Turvax will collaborate on several development projects. This is a very exciting time, and both companies are looking forward to creating new solutions that can help people with physical disabilities to drive cars,” concludes Autoadapt vice President Peter Wahlsten

During the past decade, Autoadapt has grown to be Europe’s largest supplier for “Adaptation of vehicles to the needs of the elderly and disabled”.
Today, approximately 90% of production is exported to more than a hundred dealers in Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and the South Pacific.

Turvax products will be sold via:
• Autoadapt dealer network

A complete and up-dated list of all Autoadapt dealers are available at Autoadapt's international homepage WWW.AUTOADAPT.COM

Read more about the Menox Product Line at www.menox.org

Suppliers of an extensive range of Stepless™ excellent quality, portable aluminium Wheelchair  Ramps to Councils, Trusts, Charities, Hotels       and Individual Disabled People.

All ramps have non-slip surfaces, weather resistant finishes, carrying handles, curved top surfaces for smooth transition from the ramp to the higher surface and may be used to access a vehicle.

            Now with a usual UK Mainland delivery of three working days.                 

Tel/Fax:  01704 506509          

Website:

Email:    accessrampsuk@aol.com

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  Free Light Bulbs, Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation 

Now it is even easier to get in and out of the car with the car seat that can swivel and recline Lerum 07 January Getting in and out of a car can be difficult for elderly people or those with disabilities and restricted movement. The solution is here: A car seat that swivels and can be tilted back.

The Autoadapt Turnout concept makes getting in and out of the car much easier using an electric swivel-plate which enables you to turn the seat out over the door-opening with an easy-to-use hand control. In order to optimize movement in today’s autos, which often have angled frames or low door openings, Autoadapt has added a footrest and tilt function to its swiveling car seat so that the seat can be more easily maneuvered into the car. The Tilda tilt function was named after the young girl who was our first customer to use it. The combination of the swiveling seat and tilt function provides maximum head room for the person in the seat when it is turned in or out. With the feet placed on the footrest, there is no need to lift the legs over the door opening as the seat is swiveled into place. “When the feet are placed on the foot rest, there is no risk that the legs are pressed against the dashboard when the seat is swiveled into place”, explains Don Beattie, Marketing and Sales at Autoadapt UK Ltd. one of the largest mobility industry distributors in Great Britain and NI, as well as in Rep. of Ireland, and a part of the Autoadapt Group, an internationally leading product provider in the field of car adaptation for the elderly and disabled. The swiveling seat with the Tilda-tilt function has been specially designed for use in both two- and four-door cars. In addition, the swivel seat can be installed in the driver’s or passenger’s side of the car. Simply pull the handle to tilt the seat back 7, 11, or 15 degrees. The swivel seat has a variety of adjustment capabilities and accessories that provide the user with ergonomic, variable seating. For example, floor runner extensions allow the swivel seat to be adjusted along the length of the interior of the car or choose Autoadapt’s lower-built seat to ensure a proper seating height while allowing more room for getting in and out of the car. For people with back problems, the lower-built Autoadapt seat can even be fit with gel-filled seat cushions that are positioned to provide maximum comfort and support. The swivel seat is approved by both CE and E standards; it has been crash tested and is approved for up to 150 kg of stress. The tilt function has been through particularly rigorous testing for use upright and at a 7 degree tilt. “With the seat tilted, the ride is more comfortable since the sitting position provides more support for the body. During development of the seat, it was tested by a person with a disability that causes his head to be bent against the chest all the time. When the seat was tilted back, he could see out through the windshield of the car for the first time in his life,” explains Don Beattie. The swivel-seat and tilt functions can be installed in the car’s original anchorage points mounted in the floorboard of the car; there is minimal impact on the car so the standard equipment can be reinstalled in the car when it is time to sell it. Mounting consoles for individual car makes and models are available for most of the cars on the market.

Getting into a car can be difficult for the elderly or people with disabilities. This tilting swivel-seat is the solution to all those problems. (Photo, Autoadapt) A simple pull of a handle tilts the seat back in three stages: 7°, 11° and 15°. (Illustration, Autoadapt)

For further information about the tilting swivel seat
or Autoadapt’s complete line of mobility and accessibility products, please contact:
Don Beattie
Marketing and Sales
Autoadapt UK Ltd.
Unit 4, Windsor Industrial Estate
Rupert Street, Aston
B7 4PR Birmingham
U.K.
Phone: 0121 333 5170
Fax: 0121 359 6194
Cell phone: 0797 067 3387
E-Mail: don.beattie@autoadapt.se
www.autoadapt.co.uk

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Autochair Ltd

Since 1983 Autochair have been designing, manufacturing and fitting a wide range of vehicle adaptations for every level of disability.

Our products allow people with limited mobility to use their vehicles, often independently, which can make a massive difference.

Autochair provide a unique free home demonstration service across the UK. 

Website

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Having Visited this site, I found that it was very informative & useful.  Have a look & see what you think.

Website

Webmon

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If you contact Southern Finance about any of their offers.  Please inform them that you read the article on The Disabled Motorist Federation Website.
Webmaster

We have had a number of enquiries recently from people seeking alternative finance sources that understand the mobility market. Southern Finance have a specialist Mobility Finance Division, created specifically to deal within this sector. Perhaps a call will provide you with an alternative quotation to consider.

Southern Finance are a new name in the mobility finance market.

Who are they ?

They are an old established, traditional finance company, who have traded from their Southampton headquarters for 50 years, offering hire purchase, leasing and personal loan facilities, to help private and business customers buy new and used cars, vans, motor cycles, caravans or boats.

Are they owned by a bank ?

Southern are part of the Lenlyn Group, a major global financial services organisation, including Raphaels Bank and International Currency Exchange

Are we safe dealing with them ?

Southern are long standing members of The Finance and Leasing Association and operate within their Lending Code 2004 which can be inspected at www.fla.org.uk

They are also members of the Consumer Trade Association, a consumer credit industry association, originally formed in 1891.

Would I pass their credit scoring ?

Southern do not credit score - each application is considered on an individual basis.

What if I am not in full time employment or retired ?

You do not need to be in full time employment to apply.  Your ability to meet the monthly payment from income such as allowances or pension is the most important factor for Southern - they take their role as responsible lenders very seriously and endeavour to structure a financial repayment and term to suit your circumstances.

What products do the Mobility Division finance ?

New and used wheelchair adapted vehicles, cars, motor homes, motorcycles, caravans, powered wheelchairs and scooters, beds, stairlifts, vehicle adaptations and community transport vehicles are just some examples.

What facilities do Southern offer ?

Traditional Hire Purchase, Lease Purchase, Lease and Personal Loan.

Will I own the goods at the end of the finance agreement ?

Yes in all cases, except a Leasing Agreement

Do I have to pay a deposit ?

Not in all cases - Southern try to structure the transaction to suit individuals circumstances and a deposit is not always necessary.

What periods can I repay over ?

Between 12 and 60 months

What are the minimum and maximum amounts I can borrow ?

Minimum £1000 and no maximum amount - this will be linked to the profile of the private or corporate applicant.

What happens if I come off DLA during the agreement ?

Nothing, your finance agreement continues as normal.

Can my allowance be paid directly to Southern ?

No - Southern would collect the monthly payment from your bank by direct debit order.

Can I settle my finance agreement early ?

Yes - Southern would supply you with a settlement figure incorporating rebates of interest, calculated in line with legislation operated by the major UK lending institutions.

What happens if I have an Appointee, private or corporate, handling my financial affairs ?

Southern are happy to deal via Appointees - the finance agreement would still be in the individuals name and there would be no financial information recorded against the Appointee on their personal credit file.

Is there a limit to the number of people that Southern will include on a finance agreement ?

No. Speak to Southern about your circumstances.

How do I obtain a finance quotation ?

Contact Southern on 023 8022 6745 and ask to speak to Jacqui Beale or Eve Thibault or Phone the Divisional Manager Derek Hannah on 01427 875820 or 07899 066099, or email your request to derek.hannah@southernfinance.co.uk

A full written quotation will be provided upon request.

Will Southern provide finance to every applicant ?

No. They cannot meet every applicants needs and will maintain their obligation to be a responsible and ethical lender.

How long must I wait for a decision on my finance application ?

Southern will normally confirm their decision within a maximum 24 hours of receiving an application.

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Who Are We?

With a full wealth of experience, Kirwans Solicitors is a fast growing and expanding legal practice with a strong and broad knowledge base. We operate from offices in the North West of England, but work with clients across the UK and even further afield in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

As a commercially minded, modern firm, we keep abreast of the changing dimensions of the global markets in which we operate. Notwithstanding our efficient, good value, quality service, it is our friendly and unassuming approach that makes us such an approachable and trusted firm.

We care about each and every client and take the time to understand their business, so if any legal issues are concerning you, call us on 0151 229 5610 for an informal, friendly chat.

What Do We Do?

We are a full service law firm, and offer a complete range of services required by both individuals and businesses.

Our key areas of expertise include: 

Private Client Matters

• Family law and children and financial matters
• Wills, Powers of Attorney and estate administration
• Personal injury including cases where the claimant is left disabled
• Residential conveyancing and commercial property

Employment Matters

• Discrimination in all areas including disability, age, religion, sexual orientation etc
• Employment law for both employers and employees

Commercial Matters

• Intellectual property and Media – protection and representation in relation to infringement issues and licensing
• Defamation – protecting your reputation
• Commercial agreements – full range of agreements and contracts for businesses
• Contractual disputes – dealing with disagreements and disputes across a range of areas
• Insolvency – assisting clients through personal bankruptcy or business insolvency

Allegations by the Authorities

• Judicial review, challenging the lawfulness of decisions made by the authorities
• Fraud investigations and Crime, providing advice to those faced with allegations of criminal conduct

How Can We Help You?

If you require legal assistance of any kind, please call Marianne Tuck on 0151 229 5610 (or alternatively 0151 229 5600) and we will be happy to assist you.  In addition, you can get further information at kirwanssolicitors.co.uk.

Kirwans Solicitors, 6th Floor, Martins Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L2 3SX

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The site is called "Social Security Disability Secrets" and the information on it applies to adults and also to adults who need to file for disability benefits on behalf of their children.  . Hopefully, some of our visitors will find the information helpful.

www.disabilitysecrets.com/

This is a must site as it contains information that is useful to people in all walks of life. Having checked it out myself, I have found it to be very informative & helpful.

Webmaster

The Disability site is really worth a looking at.  There is a huge selection of information there that is very useful indeed.  Follow the link below for more information.
Website

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Who can use the Motability Scheme?

Anyone who receives either of the following benefits, and has at least 12 months' award length remaining when they apply:

• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

Around two-thirds of our customers drive, but non-drivers can get a car as a passenger.  Similarly, parents and carers can apply on behalf of a child aged three or older.

How the Scheme works

By far the most popular option, chosen by over 95% of customers is the contract hire of a new car, which offers worry-free motoring at affordable prices.  Customers choose a brand new car every three years, from over 3,000 models from all the major manufacturers.  Full insurance, road tax, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover are all included.  A wide range of adaptations, such as hand controls, are available at affordable prices and wheelchair accessible vehicles are also available on the Contract Hire Scheme. 

A similar contract hire scheme is available for people wishing to hire a scooter or powered wheelchair instead.  Alternatively, there are also competitive hire purchase schemes for both cars and powered wheelchairs or scooters, for customers whose needs are unlikely to change and who want to own the car, wheelchair or scooter at the end of the agreement.

Once their application has been accepted, the customer pays all, or part, of their allowance to Motability for the period of the contract hire or hire purchase agreement.  On larger or more expensive models, an additional payment (known as an advance payment) may also be required.

Financial help

Motability may also be able to offer financial help to towards the cost of the advance payment for a suitable car, adaptations, driving lessons or perhaps a wheelchair accessible vehicle. 

To find out more call 0845 456 4566 or visit our website:

 www.motability.co.uk

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Premia Mobility

By John Killick Hon. Sec. Disabled Motorists Federation, Editor ‘The Way Ahead’

             For many years there have only been three or four insurance companies in the disabled market. Now there is a new one, Premia Mobility. They come with some new ideas and a determination to make a success of their venture, plus, with the backing of a major financial institution to ensure that they do so. I am not saying that they are better than the old companies, but all disabled people are different with different needs, a new company can therefore only be a good thing as it gives you a better chance of getting the insurance policy that you, and your disability need. Perhaps we should have a look at what they are offering:-

Premia Motor:-

A)    Wheelchair cover of up to £2,500. Nice one. The £2,500 is flexible, if you are using one of the more expensive jobs you would need to talk to them about it.

B)     New for old. That is normal these days

C)    £30 per day, (up to £500) to cover taxi or alternative travel costs, if there is no suitable vehicle available while yours is being repaired. Check your breakdown cover, but that sounds good.

D)    Licence protection against being disqualified through speeding offences. A novel idea!

E)     Optional features available which includes ‘Any Driver Cover for carers’

   Premia Home:-

A)    Liability protection includes lifts, stair-lifts, and bath hoists. I wonder if your present policy does that.

B)     £2,500 cover for your wheelchair, whilst left unattended in a motor vehicle.

C)    If you require alternative accommodation following a major disaster, they provide increased cover for extra facilities. Someone has been thinking; that is an excellent idea.

D)    Home breakdown cover for assistance by approved tradesman for emergency household repairs. If you buy this policy check if you are now paying twice.

E)     Lorega Claims Assistance Cover? I have never heard of this before. This means that they will send in an independent expert to look after your claim on your behalf should the claim be for more than £5000. (I am afraid this does not cover subsidence)

Premia Travel:-

A)    Cover for pre-existing medical conditions. Yes, Yes, Yes. It is about time someone thought of that.

B)     Flexible agreements based on the exact number of days you are travelling. You are out of the country for 7 days, why pay for 28.

C)    Cancellation and curtailment charges. You are disabled, this just has to be important.

D)    Emergency medical and other expenses plus hospital benefit.

E)     Personal accident and personal liability. If you are thinking of using a power scooter or wheelchair then this is something you should be thinking about.

F)     Baggage, passport, personal money and documents.

G)    Delayed or missed departures or missed connections. For you and your disability this could be important.

H)    Legal expenses.

I)       Winter Sports option.

             Well there you go, that is what is on offer. Don’t dash out and change your insurer. Instead, take your old policy and check it against this one. Check the small print. Then ask yourself if your old policy does what you and your disability need it to do. If not, see what Premia Mobility and your present insurer will do about it. Make sure you can afford the additional insurance, then go for the one that best covers your needs.

 
John Killick, 145 Knoulberry Road, Blackfell, Washington, Tyne and Wear. NE37 1JN

Tel. 0191 4163172  
e-mail JKillick2214@yahoo.co.uk

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• You are a Home Owner or rent you home from a Private Landlord.
• A free Warm front survey identifies essential heating and/or insulation requirements for your home. 

The scheme improves the warmth & comfort of your home and grants of up to £2700 (£4000 for oil central heating) are now available for :

To find out more visit our website www.carersuk.org

Chester-le-Street & District CVS and Volunteer Bureau is an umbrella body for the benefit of voluntary and community organisations and volunteers within the local government district of Chester-le-Street.

Website: chesterlestreetcvs

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