Restraining children with disabilities or medical conditions safely

In 2009, 288,300 children (7%) of those aged 0-14 years, were estimated to have a physical disability. Children with such conditions often cannot support their torso or head in an upright seated posture. They often have diverse conditions including seizures and intellectual disability. _x000D_
The Australian Standard (AS/NZS 4370:2013) Restraint of children with disabilities, or medical conditions in motor vehicles recommends that these children be restrained in (AS/NZS 1754:2013) compliant car restraints. Even modified compliant car restraints should be considered before special purpose seats from overseas, expensive and not compliant. Coupled with the recent release of Type G child restraints, and restraints with supportive side-impact protection that meet AS/NZS 1754:2013, Kidsafe Queensland has been extremely successful in seating increasing numbers of children with disabilities in Australian Standard child car restraints with the minimal modifications._x000D_
Lessons learnt in Queensland provide a platform for strengthening the safe restraint of these children in motor vehicles in car restraints that meet one of the highest standards in the World. They also improve awareness and understanding of the ability to seat children with disabilities into compliant child car restraints. _x000D_
We are collaborating with manufactures on the development of car restraints that meet the requirements of children with disabilities and Australian Standards. We are also collaborating with occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other key stakeholders on the safest method of transporting children with medical conditions and their special needs