Everyone needs to have access to save and accessible transport. However, this becomes rather more challenging when you have a child living with a disability or medical condition. Standard car seats don’t always support or fit a child properly – they may need additional postural support, be especially good at escaping or need to accommodate a brace or plaster.
There is a wonderful not-for-profit charity called MACA – Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia, that is “dedicated to advancing the rights of children with disabilities and medical conditions to safe and accessible transport.”
MACA is undertaking important research into how to best keep children with medical conditions and disabilities safe- including reviewing and assessing restraint systems and buckles. MACA has information on a wide variety of challenges and strategies to help you transport your child safely. They also keep a register of special purpose car seats that might be a better fit for your child.
MACA also offers training to allied health professional on the assessing and prescribing for a children’s transport needs.
Check out this fabulous resource and let your health team know about it if they don’t already!