When talking with any of the staff of MBO none seem to have any empathy or input into the type of vehicle needed to give us independence. For example amongst the many injuries I have my knee caps need replacing and as a consequence my hip bones need fixing plus we have a scooter and an assistance dog. Getting a vehicle that you can get into and out of easily can be a challenge plus getting a scooter in and out and somewhere safe for the dog.
Whilst disability covers a wide spectrum of issues and corresponding coping mechanisms and it could be beneficial for people whom have their own difficulties to be as they say “on the same page” as their customers. In the 11 years of being on the scheme I haven’t come across one person whom has eluded to any personal experience or even suggestions with the vehicles. Getting to dealers is quite often difficult and even then finding a car with a similar specification to practice getting in and out is even harder as quite often there is a huge difference between the seats in the basic models to the high end and also sporty models.
MBO have in May this year began an equality and diversity training for their staff, which for an organisation supporting disabled customers and their carers seems somewhat overdue. Typically firms only introduce such a wide ranging program only after an issue has occurred or a review highlights gaps in peoples understandings