There is nothing more fun for a child than an adventure, but it helps to be prepared – especially when taking children with disabilities on an outing.
All children love going on school outings and we, as teachers, need to make sure that children with physical disabilities are fully accommodated. Here are a few things to consider:
Transport
• Is there a school bus or taxi that allows all children to safely and independently get on and off it?
• Is the bus able to park in the school grounds or will it park in the road? If on the road, is there a pavement wide enough so that children do not have to stand in the road?
• If required, is a wheelchair lift/hoist/ramp available? Is the person responsible to assist the children trained to use it and familiar with the safety and operational requirements?
• Do some children require assistance to get in, such as having to be carried, lifted or supported up steps? Who will be responsible for this and are they trained and experienced? You must prevent any chance that children will slip, get dropped or be injured, and that those assisting do not injure themselves either.
• Are there seatbelts and restraints for children who cannot transfer from wheelchairs to stop their chairs from moving?
• Are there enough adults to assist with looking after the children when travelling?
• Does the driver have a Public Drivers Permit (PDP) and is the vehicle roadworthy?
At the destination
It is important that all children can fully access the facilities and participate during the outing. Teachers should visit the venue beforehand to make sure that it is fully accessible. They need to communicate how to accommodate the needs of the children to those responsible for running the outing to ensure that all children are fully involved and can, for example, see the displays. Find where is the best place to stand when talking, and so on.
Children must have enough snacks and fluids, and you need to ensure that there is a comfortable space where children can lie down if needed. Don’t forget to take pillows, blankets and towels.
General
• Don’t forget to make sure that children have used the bathroom/been catheterised/had the diaper changed, before setting out.
• Ensure that the parents/caregivers have given written permission to allow their children to go on the outing.
• Prepare the children in advance so that they
feel secure. Explain to them, for example, what they might see and do, and how they will get there.
• There needs to be a fully equipped first aid kit and someone trained in First Aid.
• Any medicine that children may require needs to be managed by a responsible adult to ensure that it is given at the correct time, kept at the appropriate temperature, if needed, and stored safely.
• Children should be kept well hydrated and protected from the heat and sun.
• Most importantly, the children need to be involved and have an enjoyable time!
Dr Emma McKinney is a “children with disabilities” specialist, a post doctoral fellow at Stellenbosch University and owns a company called Disability Included. email: emma@disabilityincluded.co.za
