Parenting with Assistive Technology

Parenting with Assistive
Technology
Assistive technology and equipment can enable parents with
disabilities to complete the tasks involved in parenting more
independently. This sheet provides some ideas for parents with
disabilities to assist them in this parenting role.
Techniques to conserve energy
 Plan and include rest breaks in your day.
For example rests can be incorporated
during your child’s nap time or when they
are at play group/school.
 Schedule larger tasks for when you have
the most energy.
 Plan and organise your work space to
reduce fatigue. For example bathe your
child at waist height to reduce bending and
have clothes/equipment needed in arms
reach.
Assistive equipment for
positioning/supporting your child
 A portable security belt that can be used on
chairs to help keep the baby in a seated
position.
 A stroller designed for wheelchair users by
clipping to the wheelchair frame, allowing
the parent to push and still propel the
stroller. There are also strollers designed so
that the baby carrier is mounted higher for
parents who have difficulty bending.

A crib that has swing-out sides rather than
drop down rails to enable wheelchair
access.
Assistive equipment for holding, carrying
and transferring
 A baby seat attached to a power
wheelchair or a customised wheelchair lap
tray that holds the baby in arms reach of
parent. These options should be
considered under guidance of a therapist
as the attachment may affect the
wheelchairs centre of gravity and ability to
be transported.
 A baby sling/harness that can be worn on
the parent to enable the baby to be
supported and carried while allowing the
parent to have full use of their arms.
 A car seat with customized car seat release
mechanism for people with limited dexterity
or swivel base to assist a wheelchair user
to remove the baby independently (Please
also refer to “Guide to Selecting Child Car
Restraints for Children with a Disability or
Medical Condition”).
 Safety harnesses attached to the child to
allow them to walk in arms reach of the
parent.
Parenting with Assistive Technology
The Independent Living Centre provides a free and impartial
information and advisory service to help you choose the right
product for you
Assistive equipment for feeding/ nursing
 Bibs with Velcro fasteners or pull over style
may assist parents with fine motor
difficulties.
 A rubberized plastic bib with front pocket to
catch spills and reduce need for cleaning.
 Baby bottles with Velcro wrap so the bottle
does not need to be grasped by the parent.
 A breast feeding support pillow that can be
secured on the lap while sitting.
 High chairs with features such as a tray
that swings open to one side and/or
adjustable seat height.
Assistive equipment to aid with hygiene
and dressing
 A safety chair to maintain the baby in an
upright position in the bath may reduce the
physical effort of the parent.
 Baby baths with built in supports to help
hold them in place. A bath on a raised
surface or on a height adjustable frame
facilitates access.
 A height adjustable changing table allows
the parent to position themselves at a good
working height to dress their child.
 Changing pads that have foam cushion
with higher sides to help keep the baby in
place.
 Disposable diapers with Velcro closures
may be easier to fasten for parents with
fine motor difficulties. Also, cloth diapers
can have key rings attached to make
grasping easier.
 Choose baby clothing with manageable
fastenings or pull over tops with v/scoop
necks
Customised assistive equipment
Some of this equipment detailed are ideas and
may not be available in stores. Some
organisations are able to modify existing
equipment or custom make products for
parents with disabilities.
Resources
Disabled Parents Network
This UK based website provides information,
case studies and resources.
http://disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/
Parents with Disabilities Online
This website provides ideas for adaptive
parenting aids and resources.
http://www.disabledparents.net/
Parenting with Physical Disability
This article details challenges for parents with
disabilities and personal stories.
http://raisingchildren.net.au/parents_with_physi
cal_disability.html
TADWA
This organisation provides custom-engineered
products and modifies equipment for people
with disabilities.
Tel: 9379 7400
Address: 371 Collier Road, Bassendean 6934
http://www.tadwa.org.au/