MACA has released a new training course to support the transport needs of children with disabilities and medical conditions

The first training course of its kind in Australia to support the transportation of children with disabilities and medical conditions has recently launched.

This comprehensive course has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Chief Executive of MACA, Helen Linder, said that Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia Ltd (MACA) created the self-paced online course Transporting Children with Disabilities and Medical Conditions 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,” Ms Lindner 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’ve taken that onboard.

“This training will equip participants with the best practice knowledge and skills to help build their confidence in assessing and supporting children’s vehicle transport needs.

”Transporting Children with Disabilities and Medical Conditions is 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.

The course features contributions from esteemed 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, and 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.

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,” Claire 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.”

Delivered through innovative online platform FutureLearn, participants can complete the 9 hour course at their own pace and start at any time.

It includes videos, interactive tasks, tests, and opportunities to share ideas and join in discussions with other participants.

This course is suitable for both novice and experienced allied health professionals and is also relevant to government agencies, product suppliers, road safety practitioners and other interested professionals.

To find out more or to enrol, visit https://www.macahub.org/training

 

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