Points for the mobility component activities

The mobility component activities are listed in column 1 of the table in Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the ADP regulations (“the mobility activities table”).

Descriptors

Each of the mobility activities include a number of related descriptors (listed in column 2 of the table) which represent a range of abilities to undertake the activity and associated numerical points (shown in column 3 of the table) (ADP regs, Sch1, part 3).

You’ll decide for each activity which of the descriptors apply to the individual and, therefore, how many points they receive.

You should consider that an individual’s ability to carry out mobility activities may fluctuate. As a result, they may satisfy several different descriptors for an activity at different times within the required period.

Choose the correct descriptor

The correct descriptor is chosen based on the following principles:

• where one descriptor is satisfied on over 50% of the days of the required period, it is the correct descriptor
• where two or more descriptors are each satisfied on over 50% of the days of the required period, the descriptor with the higher or highest number of points is the correct descriptor
• where no descriptor is satisfied on over 50% of the days of the required period but two or more descriptors (other than a descriptor which scores 0 points) are satisfied for periods which, when added together, amount to over 50% of the days of the required period, the correct descriptor is either:
  • the descriptor which is satisfied for the greater or greatest proportion of days of the required period, or
  • where both or all descriptors as satisfied for the same proportion, the descriptor which scores the higher or highest number of points.
• A descriptor is to be treated as satisfied on a day in the required period if the descriptor has been satisfied for any part of the day which is not minimal or fleeting. (ADP regs, Reg 10(2))

Examples of where a descriptor has been satisfied for any part of the day not considered minimal or fleeting:

• A client who can carry out the mobility activities during some of the day however, due to a chronic joint problem, it takes them two hours in the morning to mobilise
• A client who has a non-predictable leg tremor that comes and goes during the day totalling eighty minutes
• A client with an anxiety disorder that is unable to leave the house in the evening specifically

The required period for determining the relevant descriptor is covered in more detail in separate guidance (link to required period conditions).

Determine ability to carry out mobility activity

A person’s ability to carry out a mobility activity is determined by either:

• the basis of their ability whilst wearing or using any aid or appliance that they normally wear or use or
• as if they were wearing or using any aid or appliance which they could reasonably be expected to wear or use. (ADP regs, Reg 7(1))

Reliability criteria

The individual’s ability to carry out an activity is determined on the basis of which descriptor applies for the individual to be able to carry out the activity:

• safely;
• to an acceptable standard;
• repeatedly; and
• within a reasonable time period. (ADP Regs, reg 7(2) and (3))

These are the ‘reliability’ criteria and are more fully detailed in the overview of decision making. (link to overview of decision making)

If an individual cannot complete an activity in the way described in a descriptor in accordance with the reliability criteria, then they should be considered unable to complete it at that level, and a higher descriptor should be considered appropriate.