How to Protect Disabled Children

Children with disabilities need more protection than those without such challenges.

Raising children can be difficult enough, but add in a disabled child and you can count on a 24/7 marathon. Fear, frustration and tears are just part of the process. In order to have any peace of mind, you will have to implement some common-sense safety tips and acquire a few necessary items depending on the extent of the disability your child suffers from. While there are several things that classify children as disabled, there are also many levels from moderate to severe, and they should be tackled accordingly.

Instructions

1. 

   Sign language is extremely beneficial for deaf children.

   If you have a child with a relatively mild disability such as deafness, there are not many physical changes to the home that will be required. A closed captioned television, flashing phone and vibrating alarm are some of the changes you would need to add to the environment to make life easier for the child. Hearing aids are a must along with an auditory trainer for school.

   Since this disability only affects what your child hears, it is not necessary to rearrange the home to accommodate him or her. However, you will have to face the child when communicating and possibly teach him or her sign language depending on the percentage of hearing the child has. You will also want to pay close attention to the child outdoors to make certain he understands the danger of passing cars and other items that can harm him. At first you will be very overprotective, but by learning to manage this challenge effectively you will realize that his life can be as full as any other life.

2. A child with a moderate disability such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or a mild form of retardation can be a little more challenging. You will need to focus more of your attention on her, as she can be either very hyperactive or slow to learn. With ADD a child can cause harm to herself simply by not understanding her limitations. She can be impatient and may often react without much thought. You will also want to pay close attention to her both inside the home and when outside, as with her short attention span she can cause a hazardous situation at a moment's notice.

   A child with mild mental retardation is slow to learn and may not pick up on things you have taught him the first time. Electrical outlets should be covered, hazardous products stored away in a locked cabinet and all other common-sense precautions taken. Never leave the child alone, as it only takes a minute for a tragedy to occur.

3. 

   Wheelchairs are a great help for those with mobility problems.

   When dealing with a severely handicapped child such as one confined to a wheelchair or with a clear physical disability, you will need to rearrange the home to accommodate the child. All loose items should be secured and wider areas created to allow the child full access to the rooms he or she will need to enter. A secure bed with rails, a wheelchair and other such items will make life manageable for the child as well as for you. If you work full time, you will also require the services of a trained professional to look after the child in your absence.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat your disabled child as you would a normal child and insist that others do as well.

• Consider having a specialist come to the house to offer suggestions for improving safety.

• Be diligent in setting up your house for your disabled child; it will pay great dividends.

References

• U.S. Department of Education: Protecting Students with Disabilities
• UNICEF: Children's Protection and Civil Rights

Resources

• Support for Families of Children with Disabilities