SAFETY TIPS: TRANSPORTING CHILDREN WITH A DISABILITY

Courtesy of NMEDA.com

Posted in Living With a Disability

Automotive conversions are often completed to meet your exact accessibility needs; there are additional factors to weigh out if you plan on using the handicap van or car to transport children with disabilities. Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your child safe while traveling:

 

·         Children under the age of 12 should always ride in the backseats of a vehicle.

 

·         Ensure ancillary pieces of medical equipment are secured on the vehicle floor or underneath the seat/wheelchair, as these may become dangerous projectiles in the event of an accident or rough terrain.

 

·         If your child requires any electric equipment for travel, make sure you have a source of power to last twice as long as you need for the duration of the trip, in case of changing circumstances.

 

·         Bring extra supplies like medicines, prescriptions and sustenance along for the trip to account for any changes in schedule or lost items.

 

·         Allow your child to sit with or close to family members or caregivers by transferring them from their wheelchair to a seat in the car (if possible) or positioning their wheelchair close to others. This not only adds protection and lets you keep an eye on them, but also adds a feeling of comfort, security and warmth for your child.

 

·         Tinted windows will prevent your child from getting too hot from streaming sunlight.

 

These are just a few of our suggestions for staying safe on the road while traveling with your children.