THE Oxford branch of the Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) is holding an open day on Friday, June 20, giving healthcare professionals, adaptation company representatives, motor industry experts and the public an opportunity to find out more about its work.

The RDAC offers specialised driver and passenger assessments to people who have medical conditions, or disabilities, which make it difficult or impossible to get into a vehicle or drive it in the conventional way.

It is the second such event of its kind to be held at the Oxford Centre in Anvil Court, Stanton Harcourt Road, Eynsham, and Colin Barnett, RDAC manager is hoping to build on the success of last year's event.

He said: "Open days like these really are important because when someone has a disabling condition and can't get into a vehicle independently or drive from it, car dealers - and sometimes the customers themselves - aren't always sure which vehicles or adaptations are most suitable for them.

"What we try to do through an assessment, is make sure people can maintain their independent mobility safely and comfortably, possibly saving them thousands of pounds on an unsuitable vehicle or adaptations. Car dealers too can then be confident that when a customer chooses a vehicle, it will be the right one, contributing to years of trouble free motoring and many satisfied customers.

"There has also been a steady increase in the number of assessments we do for people with age related disabling conditions. This trend is likely to continue, but there are still many GPs and healthcare professionals who don't know what we do, or how we can help", he added."

The RDAC is a staffed by a team of dedicated, experienced professionals - including specialist driving instructors and occupational therapists - and has a range of adapted vehicles permanently available, which can cater for a wide variety of mobility needs including complex drive from wheelchair solutions. On the day a range of specially adapted vehicles will be available and a number of well known specialist adaptation companies will be attending.

RDAC staff will be on hand to give advice and answer your questions and literature will also be available to take away. The open day is from 10am until 4pm.

The centre is fully accessible to people with disabilities and refreshments will be available on the day.