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The Disabled Drivers' Motor Club (DDMC) is a specialist voluntary organisation in the UK run by and for disabled people who have an interest in motoring and independent mobility. Founded in 1922, it was one of the world's first organisation's of disabled people. It is not just for drivers - we encourage all disabled drivers and passenger to become members - whatever their age. We make membership extremely affordable - only £12 per year for individuals or £18 a year for a joint application.
Over the years the DDMC has established itself as a powerful and effective lobbying organisation for disabled motorists' rights. Its UK activities and priorities are determined by the membership as a whole, whilst our network of area representatives ensures that local concerns are also addressed and that every member has a named, local Club representative to whom they can turn for advice and information.
We are very proud of our glossy monthly magazine "Disabled Motorist" which is packed with useful information, features and offers and is free each month to members. From our headquarters in Northamptonshire we also run a nationwide information and advice service, produce a range of information sheets and a members' handbook. In addition, we arrange a number of concessions and special deals for members, such as major discounts on ferry travel (at up to 35% off you could save your annual membership fee ten times over), special insurance schemes, discounts on car spares and accessories, car phone offers and a number of other privileges.
The Club has an impressive track record:
" in the 1930s it won the right for disabled people to hold a driving licence;
" in the 1950s it started the campaign for what is now the Blue Badge, recognised throughout Europe, and a DDMC member became the first disabled driver to pass the advanced driving test and to become a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists;
" in the 1970s the Club was instrumental in the introduction of the Mobility Allowance (now the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance) and the establishment of Motability;
" in the 1980s its campaign for hand controls, and other conversions specifically for disabled drivers or passengers, to be free of VAT was successful, as was its campaign for the right of disabled 16 year olds to hold a provisional driving licence;
" in the 1990s the Club initiated an on-going campaign to preserve the parking concessions conferred by the Orange Badge.
Our activities today are many and varied:
" we are leading members of the Baywatch Campaign on off street parking, working in partnership with the British Polio Fellowship, Disability Now, Disabled Drivers Association and the "Big Four" supermarkets, Asda, Sainsbury's, Safeway and Tesco.
" We fought successfully for exemption from Congestion Charging for all Blue Badge Holders in London and continue to fight for this exemption to apply to all proposed schemes in the UK,
" We were key players in demanding significant changes in the operation of the Motability scheme
" We are launching a campaign on the Cost of Motoring, arguing that benefit increases to disabled people should reflect the rising cost of motoring - not simply inflation.
By popular demand the Club formed a special section for members interested in camping and caravanning. The "Caravan and Campers Section" holds a number of very popular rallies a year at fully accessible sites across the UK
The DDMC is proud both of its history and its modernity. It was ahead of its time when it was formed and it remains at the forefront of organisation's addressing issues of concern to disabled motorists today. Join us today! |
