Assistive Technologies Tips

What is Assistive Technology?

Any item, piece of equipment, or produce system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Getting Crafty

As there is limited assistive technology on the market, parents with physical disabilities have had to take matters into their own hands. For equipment to be more accessible, parents have developed creative ways to modify standard equipment. A lot of parents and family members have personalised equipment by either hiring a qualified tradesman, family or friend who can individualise standard equipment for the parent with a physical disability.

Everyday Items

Parents with physical disabilities have also showed their creativity by using everyday items as useful equipment when completing various baby tasks. For example, one mother stated that for feedings she would “roll up a blanket or a towel next to [the baby] and just prop the bottle up..." A blanket was also used by another mother for supporting the baby’s head and therefore she would “just put a blanket” under the infant’s head. Sometimes disability specific equipment may not be required, therefore, it is important to work with what you already have before looking at other options.

Multipurpose

As equipment can be expensive, parents appreciate that equipment can be used for multiple purposes when caring for their child. For example, parents have found equipment that can be used to assist with feeding, changing, and playing therefore reducing the cost for parents to purchase multiple “bulky” pieces of equipment.

Portability

Parents with physical disability have also reported that portability is an important factor when deciding on which assistive equipment they would purchase. Bulky, heavy items that are not manoeuvrable and are usually unfavourable for parents with physical disabilities as it reduces their independence. Therefore, parents usually search for equipment, such as a bassinet, that has a portable function. For example, a bassinet that is light weight with wheels. By having equipment that is portable, one mother has stated that it “allowed her to be independent wherever she went”.

What’s Out Already?

Important Disclaimer

Before purchasing or making adaptations to existing equipment, it is recommended that you consult a qualified occupational therapist and midwife to ensure the equipment meets the safety standards and keeps you and your baby safe. An occupational therapist will be able to guide you in the decision-making process and provide evidence-based approaches, whereas a midwife will give you practical support in how to approach different scenarios with your baby safely. Everyone has individual requirements and needs; therefore, an occupational therapist and midwife will be able to support you in the best way possible.

Dressing

Dressing and undressing a baby can often include small zippers and buttons that are difficult to grasp. Many parents who experience reduced upper limb function or fatigue suggest:

·      Using baby clothes that have 1 large zip, are stretchy material, clothes that have snaps on the side, or carefully using an adaptive tool known as a button hook.

·      Changing the baby on the bed if in a wheelchair as the bed is likely already of an appropriate height.

Bathing

Bathing is one of the more difficult tasks that parents with physical disabilities have reported when caring for their child. Some assistive equipment that has been recommended includes:

·      A portable bathtub can be used. Some portable bathtubs may be high enough for a wheelchair to fit underneath.

·      It may also be appropriate to sit the portable bathtub on a shower chair and secure it safely. An additional person may be required for safety reasons.

Feeding

There are several options for feeding depending on whether you are breast or bottle feeding, or if the child is eating solids.

·      If breastfeeding or bottle feeding, a nursing pillow can be useful in promoting independence while sitting in their wheelchair or outside of the wheelchair.

·      When feeding a child with solid foods, height adjustable highchairs have been suggested as they can be made to be an appropriate height for the wheelchair user.

·      A further suggestion for an adjustable highchair was one that had the tray open to the side, allowing easier access for placing the baby into the highchair from a wheelchair.

Sleeping

When considering sleeping options, there are a few items available for purchasing, however, many parents have made adaptations themselves. Some of the adaptations made include:

·      Customising a typical crib so one side of the crib opens, allowing the parent to place their baby in the crib from their wheelchair.

·      Co sleeping. Please see 'Other Resources' slide for further information regarding safety regulations surrounding co-sleeping. Other options include having a crib attachment to the parent's bed, allowing the baby to still be within reaching distance during the night.

·      AT for purchase include: A Gertie crib or Pedialift crib that has been specifically designed for parents with a physical disability.

Changing

To aid with nappy changing there are different options that parents have currently been using:

·      A height adjustable change table that allows a wheelchair underneath, providing easier access. It is ideal if the change table also has a set of draws within reaching distance to store the required baby products.

·      A wall mounted change table which again allows the wheelchair to roll underneath.

·      Many parents have also been using a standard desk of appropriate height for the wheelchair and placing a changing pad cushion on top of the desk. When using this technique you always have to make sure that your baby is safe at all times and not rolling off the table!

Transfers and Transportation

Other equipment can include what parents use to transport their babies around the house in the wheelchair, and what they use to aid in accessing the community with their child. Different options have been suggested.

·      The most common being a baby carrier wheelchair attachment.

·      the LapBaby to hold the baby in place once the baby has enough trunk control to hold themselves up.

·      When transferring the baby into a car seat, a swivel car seat has been suggested.