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These tips have been contributed by other parents, carers and professionals. We hope they will give you some ideas to try, but if you need further help why not post a question on our forums or talk to our site experts.
White boards for long journeys
Magnetic white boards are great for long car journeys. You can pick up small ones from supermarkets and stationers, and magnetic numbers and letters, animals etc and play without the mess of felt tips and crayons.
Rail travel made easy
Rail Travel Made Easy is a useful website provided by National Rail Enquiries, which allows you to explore the layout of stations to find out whether there are any obstacles that could cause problems.
Handy toys
When travelling in the car attach favourite toys or fidgits to long springy keyrings or ribbons. I clip these onto a loop of elastic around the headrest. This way everything stays within their reach!
Reserve a parking spot
Lots of places have reserved disabled parking in their staff car parks. Phone ahead and try and book yourself a spot.
Don't assume they know
If your child travels on school transport, make sure the transport dept is aware of any special needs they may have, eg epilepsy, sensory issues, so they can pass these on to the carers who travel with them. Don’t assume they know.
Draw a line
We've just bought a new rear access WAV. I've found it helpful to put some gaffa tape on the floor marking where the back wheels of the chair should be positioned. This makes it much quicker and easier doing all the clips and seatbelts. Plus I know the boot will shut!
Limit Distractions
Driver distraction can create very dangerous situations. Think of ways to reduce persistent distracting behaviours, such as throwing items from the back seat to the front of the car. I typically sit in the back seat with the kids so that my husband can focus on driving safely.
In the car
Understanding the source of our son's car stress has helped. He dislikes the smell of the car, the noises, being restrained etc. So we use his comfort items, blankets around him, ear defenders, blinds on windows and go for neutralising rather than strong air fresheners. Over time our son has got much better with car journeys.
Buckle boss
To keep a child or adult from undoing a standard seatbelt, purchase a Buckle Boss. It's a device which fits over the part containing the red button. Easily opened with a car key or lolly stick (or similar) but impossible with just fingers.
Crelling harness
Individually hand made belts and harnesses for vehicles, wheelchairs, walking - practically any situation you can think of. See www.crelling.com for more information.
Car safety
Here are some useful car safety items when you are out and about with people who have learning disabilities. Car safety (245.0 KB) (245.0 KB)
Houdini proof buckle up
Toby was always unbuckling his seatbelt. We just turn around the buckles on the car seat which stops him. In the event of an accident, firemen just cut the belt, they never undo the buckle, so there is no problem with getting out in an emergency.
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