This year is packed full of opportunities to engage with the mobility industry. Whether you want to learn more about the challenges faced by disabled people, how to care for ageing relatives, or simply get together for an arts festival with people who share similar life experiences, 2020 is your year. Below, we have picked five mobility-based experiences that we think have the widest appeal – but we encourage all of our readers to get googling for events themselves – there’s so much out there just waiting to be discovered! Here is some key dates to put in your calendar
Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions
When and where? Middle: Ericsson Exhibition Hall, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, CV6 6AQ, 4th March, 9.30am – 4.30 pm; South: Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Farnborough, GU14 6FD, 7th May, 9.30am – 4.30pm; Wales & West: International Conference Centre (ICC Wales) Coldra Woods, Newport, South Wales, NP18 1HQ – 2 July, 9.30am – 4.30pm; North: Burrows House, 10 Priestley Road, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2LY – 10 September, 9.30am – 4.30pm.
Kidz to Adultz events are free to attend, and feature more than 120 exhibitors sharing information on a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to) funding, communication, legal matters, sport activities, and accessible vehicles. The events support children and young adults with disabilities, and for those of you who may be a part of the mobility or carer industry (or just want to learn more) there are seminars running alongside. Visit here for more information: https://www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk/
Naidex
When and where? Gate 3, The NEC, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT – 17th and 18th March, 10am – 5pm.
When it comes to disability, healthcare and independent living, the Naidex event is Europe’s most established show. Free to attend, and usually attended by as many as 18,000 people, Naidex has been running for 46 years. This year will see 400 exhibitors, 300 seminars, live demonstrations, advice sessions, and more. For anyone who wants to see exactly what new innovations these sectors can offer us, Naidex is highly recommended. Visit here for more information: http://www.naidex.co.uk/
The Big Event
When and where? Hall 17, The NEC, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT – 3rd & 4th July, 9am – 4pm.
The Big Event is 100% mobility focussed, as it is mobility charity Motability’s biggest event of the year (the clue’s in the name). It’s the UK’s biggest display of “cars, scooters, and powered wheelchairs,” and it’s completely free to attend. Attendees can test drive the models on display (of which there are more than 100) and will be surrounded by experts who can answer any questions you may have. If you want to get clued up on the world of motorised mobility assistance, this event is the one attend. It’s quite literally the flagship event for the UK, and hosted by a trustworthy charity – meaning you can rely on the information provided.
Bounce Arts Festival
When and where? Various locations around Belfast – 5th – 8th September, 11am – 4pm.
Bounce is an annual event that celebrates disabled artists and their work. It’s aimed at everyone – meaning you don’t have to be disabled to attend, and the whole thing is made accessible for people with limited mobility. The festival is put on by the University of Atypical, and includes a number of events such as talks, screenings, readings and exhibitions. It’s a powerful reminder that our limitations don’t define us, and sure to inspire attendees. You can get more info here: https://universityofatypical.org/bounce/
Southbank’s Unlimited Festival
When and where? Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX, 5th – 8th September, Southbank Centre opening hours.
The Unlimited Festival is the UK’s biggest celebration of disability in the arts. It’s biennial, so if you don’t catch it this year, you’ll have to wait until 2022. For an indication of the kind of thing likely to be featured this year, you can look back to 2018, when the British Paraorchestra played, along with comedian Jackie Hagan and sitar master Baluji Shrivastav, OBE. To learn more about the event, visit: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/unlimited
2020 is set to be a great year – but you need to be able to get around if you’re going to attend these and other events. If you need professional assistance from a mobility expert, give Shire Mobility a call, or contact us via our contact form.
