We are a small group of volunteers supporting the disabled and primarily covering the North Dorset areas

Information about the Disability Action Group:

The group which is reliant on charitable donations and local fund raising is run by volunteers only and was formed from a social gathering of disabled persons in North Dorset in 1992 and became constituted in 1994 its role was to help disabled persons overcome issues which were mainly connected to discrimination and access.

The group acted as a link between the local authorities, housing providers and the disabled community.

In 2001 it became obvious that there was a need for an electric wheelchair and scooter loan service for persons with mobility problems within the area. It was recognized that the disabled communities were least able to afford to make major purchases of EPV (Electric Powered Vehicles) , it been especially difficult if the mobility problem was one of a temporary nature where the Disability Living Allowance is not granted, for example if the need for a EPV was only for short time while awaiting for knee or hip replacement.

Experience has shown that the use of mobility equipment can give a disabled person a state of independence and can allow the disabled person to better integrate into the community.

The loan scheme has now been operating since 2001, the mobility scooters are loaned out on contract for a period of 6 months, delivered directly to the client at their homes, where volunteers give instruction on operation and safety.