Website focuses on safe transport of kids with disabilities
A new website will provide resources for the safe transportation of children with disabilities and medical conditions
A new website will provide resources for the safe transportation of children with disabilities and medical conditions.
Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia, a charity advocating for safe and accessible transport for children living with a disability, has created macahub.org as a ‘one stop shop’ for allied health professionals, organisations and parents.
The website addresses the lack of access to information regarding the transport of children with disabilities and medical conditions in motor vehicles.
“No family should have to worry about their family’s safety and well-being on any mode of transport.” – Helen Lindner, MACA Chief Executive
Research conducted by MACA in collaboration with Curtin University revealed challenges surrounding this form of transportation.
According to the findings, more than half of caregivers reported that their child had gotten out of their child restraint or seatbelt while they were driving.
And more than two-thirds of caregivers reported never receiving information on safely transporting their child.
Helen Lindner, MACA Chief Executive, said this lack of knowledge also extends to the health industry.
“Allied health professionals reported low self-perceived confidence and knowledge in addressing the transport needs of children with disabilities and medical conditions in our recent survey, so we’re focused on supporting them in their important prescribing role,” she said in a statement.
“No family should have to worry about their family’s safety and well-being on any mode of transport.
“But a lack of accessible information until now has left many vulnerable children and their families travelling unsafely on our roads.”
“Allied health professionals reported low self-perceived confidence and knowledge in addressing the transport needs of children with disabilities.” – Helen Lindner, MACA Chief Executive
The new website is the result of almost two years of research, advocacy and policy development, taking into account the lived experiences of families and clinical perspectives of allied health professionals.
“It provides trustworthy, independent and evidence-based information to ensure families, health professionals and organisations have the right information at the right time for good decision making,” Ms Lindner said.
MACA will also be launching online training for allied health professionals in the near future.
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