The first training course of its kind in Australia to support the safe transportation of children with disabilities and medical conditions has been launched.
Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia (MACA) chief executive Helen Lindner said the self-paced online course Transporting Children with Disabilities and Medical Conditions was in response to feedback from allied health professionals.
“We know that lack of training is the most significant challenge health professionals face when it comes to supporting the transport needs of children with disabilities and medical conditions,” she said. “In our national survey, allied health professionals told us they wanted to learn about how to support children’s transport needs from online training and we have taken that onboard.”
The training is intended to equip participants with the best practice knowledge and skills to help build their confidence in assessing and supporting children’s vehicle transport needs.
It has been designed for allied health professionals, as well as those responsible for the safe transportation of children with disabilities or medical conditions. It is also relevant for government organisations, disability agencies and industry.
NSW occupational therapist, Claire Pilkington, said the training was recommended for all OTs working with children with disabilities and medical conditions.
“The MACA online training is excellent and addresses the large gaps in information and support in the area of disability transport for children,” she said. “As a result of the training, I feel more confident to raise and explore the issues around vehicle transport with families. The MACA training and resources available after the training ensure that I have information and guidelines to help me work in this area.”
The course features contributions from experts in child restraints, research, road safety and health and covers a range of topics including:
• Children’s vulnerability as road users
• Road safety principles and approaches
• Vehicle standards and road rules
• The leading role of allied health professionals
• Products and standards
• Best practice prescribing
• Common transport challenges
• Scope of practice
• Importance of good documentation
• Restrictive practice.
The course also introduces the MACA Guide, a best practice prescribing tool, that explains how it can help with embedding safe transport into day-to-day practice. Participants receive a copy of the MACA Guide when they have completed the course.
Delivered through innovative online platform FutureLearn, participants can complete the 9-hour course at their own pace. It includes videos, interactive tasks, tests and opportunities to share ideas and join in discussions with other participants.
There is a cost to enrol, with an early bird rate for Australian health professionals and students until October 31. For course costs and other details go to: https://www.macahub.org/training