ABSTRACT
The ability to mobilise whether by foot, wheelchair, car, or public transport system is fundamental to the fulfilment of many functional activities and thus to participation in society. To limit a person’s mobility is to confine them to a life within their home environment with a high level of dependency. The main focus of many patients’ attention following trauma or the main concern of patients whose condition is progressing is the restoration or maintenance of mobility, as the consequences of immobility are all too apparent. The value placed upon mobility is high. The integration of people with disabilities into society is dependent upon many factors one of which is the ability to move freely within that society using whatever method of mobility is appropriate and to have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. This subject area envelopes many far reaching issues and relates to environmental and attitudinal barriers, corporate and governmental policy, and the availability and allocation of resources as well as the actual aids to mobility available to people. The first aim of this chapter is to consider ways in which the ability to mobilise can be enhanced for patients whose mobility has been impaired by a neurological condition. The assessment for and prescription of wheelchairs-powered and non-powered-is reviewed in outline. Thereafter the assistance available to disabled individuals who wish to continue driving their own cars is also discussed.
