Benefits of Membership of the Disabled Drivers Association

• Information Service
• Holiday Accommodation
• Discount on Purchase of New Cars
• AA Breakdown Service
• VHI Group Scheme Discount
• Discount on Ferry Travel
• Motor Insurance
• Educational Bursaries
• Publications

Information Service
DDAI operates a general information service on all disability issues and entitlements.  It also offers specialist information and advice on all issues connected with disabled driving:  on how to obtain appropriate driving and parking documentation; on motor insurance; on the purchase and adaptation of motor vehicles; on the Disabled Drivers / Passengers Tax Concessions Scheme.

Wexford Holiday Home
A significant benefit is the fully accessible holiday house the association maintains in Wexford. The house has 4 bedrooms and can accommodate 8 people sharing. Members can book the house throughout the summer season on a weekly basis for a modest rent. Because the season is no more than 16 weeks long bookings can fill up quickly when they open on February 1st each year. While the holiday house is not required by all members, it is a limited opportunity given the capacity and the number of members, so members who have not availed of the opportunity previously or recently are given priority for the month of February.  Each year the Association tries to make small improvements for each coming season. The Association welcomes suggestions in this regard from members.

Special Discount on purchase of new cars to Members
DDAI have negotiated an agreement on behalf of members, whereby a discount is available to them on purchase of most makes of cars.  The amount may vary depending on the make and model of car purchased.  Some companies pay the discount directly to the customer while others allow the discount at the time of purchase.

AA Breakdown Service
Members may avail of a limited free AA Breakdown Service: applicable where the disabled person is a driver; this can include mending a puncture at the side of the road.  The service does not extend to Home Start or other specialist services.

V.H.I. Group Scheme Discount:

Represents 10% saving on annual premium.

Ferry Concessions
Members may available of discounts when travelling with all the main lines operating between Ireland and Britain and on travel to the Continent.

Motor Insurance

DDAI has an arrangement with a major insurance broker who operates a special insurance scheme which discriminates positively in favour of the disabled driver.

Educational Bursaries
An educational bursary, established as a memorial to Martin Donoghue, a founder of the Association, is available to members who wish to pursue a course in higher education. Members who wish to avail of the bursary should apply in writing to the CEO Kenneth Fox, detailing the course they wish to pursue, including duration and cost, and their aims and aspirations on completion. All applicants are given due consideration and the final decision is made by the Board of Directors.

Publications
The Association promotes its work through its annual magazine “Steering Wheel”.  This magazine is a valuable source of information for somebody challenged by disability; with articles across a diverse range of topics, including grants and bursaries; accessible holiday accommodation (at home and abroad); air travel and airport parking; forthcoming events and exhibitions and disability legislation, to name but a few.  It always has a comprehensive motoring section, offering advice and information on all aspects of disabled driving, including information on cars and adaptations, insurance, driving tuition, even a list of service stations with attended forecourts. The magazine is posted free to each paid up member.

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