ROAM AUTOMABLE Merih Kunur Enabling Mobility – An Immediate NeedMobility for the physically impaired is a rapidly growing n eed – especially for older people. More people are living longer, wanting and deserving an active life, yet facing reduced physical, mental and social mobility leading to social exclusio n and mobility poverty. Existing facilities and equipment are improving but currently inadequate and a new approach is needed. Government is concerned and all those who seek to help acknowledge the need for new thinking, new means, new typologies and new systems. Delegates at the first workshop on Research of Ageing Mobility at the Royal College of Art, arranged by the College, the Helen Hamlyn Centre and the University of Surrey, discussed these issues, presented and generated ideas for research and application, and agreed to act on them. Robert Gifford, Executive Director, Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, one of two guest ‘provocateurs’ at the workshop, outlined demographics, reinforcing the requirement, the ageing population and the consumer need. David Sinclair, as Policy Director for Help the Aged, supplied statistical evidence, underpinning the needs and suggested a requirement for inclusive solutions – ‘product s for all ages’, while underlining the street scene context, and infrastructural access.
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ROAM Research on Ageing Mobility Brief Report 2009
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7/29/2019 ROAM Research on Ageing Mobility Brief Report 2009
Looking at ways and means, Professor Dale Harrow, head of vehicle design at the
RCA, showed how current research on a related topic (that of transport for
emergency care) might help as a role model for Mobility Futures for older people.
Professor Peter Stevens of the RCA, who chaired the event, advised and
emphasised the opportunity to make a difference, to ameliorate the new poverty
of immobility in a mobile society, and the need to respect the dignity of the lessable, particularly the older population.
Remove preconceptions – ideal timing
In considering research requirements, Professor Peter Buckle, head of public
health at the University of Surrey, pointed to the market and transport needs anduncertainties, inclusive design, the indicators towards an extensive research
platform, and an active lobbying voice. He felt the timing of this initiative was
ideal as Government, Transport for London, charities and the health community
were all currently focusing on this, at a time when the automotive industry was
seeking sustainability and new markets. There was a need to change outmoded
thinking and this was a significant research agenda. Professor Harrow spoke too
about timing – there was an immediate will for a better, more qualitative service
as well as a commercial imperative.
The key question
The key question facing delegates was ‘How can we bestdesign mobility to include older and disabled people?’ and the
Workshop considered future personal mobility needs of the
growing number of older and disabled people in both urban
and rural environments, and how best to meet their needs
through a system approach, recognising safety and quality of
life core values.
The Workshop focused on primary mobility aids, with particular reference to the
mobility scooter, evaluating need, provision, improvements, coupled where
possible with all-ability solutions, within social policy and sustainable concerns.
7/29/2019 ROAM Research on Ageing Mobility Brief Report 2009
The Royal College of Art, Helen Hamlyn Centre and University of Surrey
have formed an executive partnership to run an initial research programme(with
two senior Research Associates commencing in October 2009) and to mount a
major funding bid for a long-term, extensive research and design development
schedule for a range of prototype services and products.
This initiative will be reinforced by a delegate body meeting in forum to reviewprogress, of organisations representing a wide spectrum of interest in the