On the Road to Freedom: Kate Stanforth’s Allied Mobility Journey

An amazing dancer, model, and disability activist from Northumberland, Kate knows firsthand the importance of accessibility and independence. That’s why she started her dance school, Kate Stanforth Academy of Dance, which provides a safe and inclusive space for dancers of all abilities. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and self-discovery, and her journey to freedom has been supported by Allied Mobility, the leading supplier of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) in the UK.

Deciding to Buy A WAV

Kate has been an ambulatory wheelchair user since she was 14 and she is now 28. Despite the challenges she has faced with her health, she’s managed to pursue her passions for dance and modelling.  two years ago. However, getting to work was difficult for Kate, which is why having a reliable wheelchair accessible vehicle was crucial for her.

Kate’s first vehicle was a small Ford Fiesta, which helped her gain some independence. However, as her health needs evolved and she started needing more equipment, Flo wasn’t practical enough for her. Kate struggled with folding and lifting her manual wheelchair into her car which was not only difficult but also time-consuming and she often required assistance. That’s when she realised that she needed a WAV that could accommodate her wheelchair, carers, and equipment comfortably.

Watch Here: Teaching Inclusive Dance In Lockdown | My True Story

Free Home Demo

The demo process was a game-changer for Kate. She was able to see first-hand how easy it was to use the WAV and how it could improve her daily life. She was particularly impressed with the Vista™, which offered her plenty of space for her and her wheelchair. She found it easy to drive and loved the reliability and freedom it gave her.

Tips for People Looking to Buy

Kate knows that it can be a daunting process when deciding to get a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Here are her 5 top tips to help:

1. Consider what size of vehicle you need, taking into account the other people who will travel with you, the size of your wheelchair and if there are any furry friends that will join you!
2. Write down all equipment you may need with you and could need in the future.
3. Ask for a driving assessment to see what adaptations and vehicles are recommended.
4. Look into grants/funding available to you, such as the Motability Car Scheme.
5. Get your supplier to bring the vehicle options to you if they can.

Kate eventually found the perfect WAV with Allied Mobility, which she fondly refers to as the ‘Beast’. Over the years, her Volkswagen Vista™ has given her the freedom and ability to work and travel comfortably.

Read: ‘Make Your Mobility Aid Your Own’ Writes Kate Stanforth

Why Allied?

So why choose Allied Mobility? As Kate says, “They always check up on you, make sure you are having a good experience with your vehicle – and they are just generally lush people!”

We understand that every person with a disability has unique needs, and we work closely with each customer to find the perfect solution. We’re not just a supplier of WAVs, we are a partner that supports our customers’ freedom and independence throughout their journey.

With her Vista™, Kate has found the freedom and independence she needs to pursue her passions and live life on her own terms. Her story is a reminder of the importance of accessible transport solutions and the impact they can have on people’s lives.

You can find out more about Kate by following her her on Instagram or Facebook. If you are in the Northumberland area, you can even book a dance class with her! Remember, with the right support and resources, anything is possible on the road to freedom.