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Disabled people
Equipment for disabled parents
There is a wide variety of equipment for disabled parents. Adapted equipment and new ways of doing things may be essential for you to be properly involved in caring for your baby or child. You may find standard childcare equipment does not always meet your needs.
Most equipment available is for people who have reduced mobility or dexterity issues although there is also equipment for blind and visually impaired parents.
How to choose and get equipment
There are many things to think about when choosing equipment:
- (for outdoor equipment) do you live in a town with decent pavements or are the local pavements and roads uneven - like a country track?
- can you use both hands to hold and unclip something or is your dexterity limited?
- will you need to attach equipment to other things like a wheelchair or bath - and how adjustable does the equipment need to be?
Other disabled parents are a good source of advice and opinions. There are several charities and organisations supporting disabled parents. Some have online forums where products are reviewed and tips and advice given.
Occupational therapists can help with issues arising from bathing, changing, feeding and carrying babies/children. Find out more about occupational therapy, health and social care assessments and direct payments and more in the 'health and support' area of the 'disabled people' section. This is one route to get the equipment you need.
Who makes equipment that can help disabled people in their parenting role?
There are several organisations that can give useful advice about all types of equipment for disabled people. Most equipment is easy to find but some manufacturers (and organisations and suppliers) make specially made items of equipment to exactly meet a parent's needs. Others sell new and second-hand equipment. Suppliers often include well known high-street shops.
Equipment if you have a baby or young child
Types of equipment - and things to look out for - that could help with everyday tasks include:
- flashing alarms and intercom systems - if you are a hearing impaired parent and need to know when your baby is crying
- harnesses - that have easy-to-use straps and clips and contrasting colours to highlight adjustable parts for visually impaired parents
- pushchairs and buggies - that are lightweight and easy to push, can be attached to a wheelchair, are easy to fold, have adjustable handle height, have a separate carrycot
- highchairs and eating trays - that have adjustable heights, are sturdy to avoid being knocked over, have easy-to-use straps, clips and removal/cleaning parts, can recline easily, are lightweight
- adapted cots that have adjustable heights, removable side bars/panels
There is separate information within the 'disabled people' section that deals with, for example, equipment around the house and larger home adaptations. For example, Disabled Facilities Grants allow people to live more independently in their own homes. This includes helping people carry out their parenting role.
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