Carseats for your child with a disability in Queensland
Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable road users, as they face an increased risk of injuries and fatalities in a crash compared to other children.
Disturbingly, a literature review published in 2019 reflected little change in how children with disabilities are being transported from a previous review conducted in 2001. Both reviews found that they continue to be inappropriately restrained in vehicles.
As a parent, this is an alarming reality, however I’m proud to be able to make a difference towards improving road safety for children with disability at Kids + Co.Lab, through review and prescription of appropriate car restraints for our clients.
You might have the safest rated car seat on the market, the Nike Airs of seats, but if it it’s meeting the needs of your child you may as well be dressing them in ill fitting Dunlop Volleys and asking them to play in the NBL.
Why might my car seat or travel options need review?
Does your child have some low or high muscle tone that impacts the way they sit and can hold their head up? Do they require more postural supports to sit successfully or manage fatigue?
Do they pose a risk to themselves and others in the car by distracting the driver, when escaping from their standard car seat harness?
Are they outgrowing their toddler seat, but you’re aware that they still need a supportive harness?
Are they a wheelchair user, and you’re not sure whether they need a carseat at all now that you’re about to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle?
If you’ve said ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then it’s best practice to have an Occupational Therapist to review and assess the best option for your child. Ready to take that first step? Book now!
What might my Occupational Therapist (OT) suggest?
Your OT will review your child’s abilities, strengths and needs, the vehicles they are transported in and discuss any current concerns you have and what your goals are. After this assessment, we will discuss individualised solutions which may include:
Modifications to an off the self carseat product, including use of low-cost Assistive Technology solutions such as Houdini straps, foam foot blocks and pen-release clasps.
Specialised disability car seats or harnesses such as the popular Medifab Carrot Carseat or magnetic posture vests.
Teaching your child how to remain safely in their carseat, and working with your multi-disciplinary (e.g. Speechie, Behaviour Practitioner) team to support safe travel through use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and teaching and learning strategies.
If a modified vehicle is on the cards, looking at what will be required in the Vehicle Modifications process, including weighing up the risks of travelling in the vehicle seat or wheelchair (that’s a whole other blog!).
What’s the process for using a specialised restraint or car seat in Queensland?
After assessment, we will arrange trials of suitable products. This might involve a referral to KidSafe Queensland or getting out suppliers of specialised carseats or starting the vehicle modification process.
Once the solution is finalised there are a few paperwork boxes to tick:
Documentation to NDIS to show why the chosen solution is a ‘reasonable and necessary’ support.
Completion of the Qld Department of Transport “Prescriber Certificate” to allow exemption for your child using a restraint under Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754, if using a custom solution.
Purchase of any prescribed restraints or products and installation through a registered restraint installer.
Review and fitting of restraint with your child and the OT.
Your OT will discuss a review timeframe, to make sure that any solutions continue to be the safest and most suitable option for your child into the future.
This is one area where you don’t want to wait until it’s too late! The cost of inaction could be priceless.