Disability-specific equipment and information
Technical Aid to the Disabled [TADNSW]
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Organisation, Equipment
An Australian-wide organisation of volunteers with expertise to provide custom-designed or engineered aids and equipment for people with disabilities. TADNSW includes 12 regional centres across NSW, and has an information service and library resources available.
Website www.tadnsw.org.au
Telephone 02 9808 2022 or 1300 663 243 [outside Sydney]
Email tad@tadnsw.org.au Custom Designed Aid Service
Email cda@tadnsw.org.au
Address Coorabel entrance Royal Rehabilitation Centre 227 Morrison Road
Ryde NSW 2112
Independent Living Centre NSW [ILC]
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Organisation, Information Equipment
ILC has a comprehensive database of products and equipment to assist with daily living activities. ILC have an information line staffed by qualified personnel. It also has an Outreach Services Coordinator for people with disabilities in rural NSW. Available in other states too.
Website www.ilcnsw.asn.au
Telephone 1300 885 886 [info line] or 02 9890 0940 [reception]
Email help@ilcnsw.asn.au
Address 1 Fennell Street North Parramatta NSW 2151
Choosing a Cot or Child's Bed – Points to Consider.
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Equipment
The Independent Living Centre [NSW] has an online database, which includes this helpful report on choosing an appropriate cot/bed for those parents mobility needs. At online database go to "Beds" and click on "Infants' Sleeping Equipment".
Website www.ilcnsw.asn.au
Equipment List
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment
A comprehensive list of equipment specifically designed for parents with disability - and includes mainstream equipment for baby care and other parental activities. Although a UK-based resource, it provides helpful ideas regarding similar products, which may be available locally. Go to “equipment for disabled parents” under resources section of website.
Website www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/resources
Ricability Reports – Childcare Products for Disabled Parents
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment
A useful series of detailed reports specifying issues to consider when deciding on equipment. Report includes highchairs, baby carriers, push chairs, bottle warmers, and safety gates. Each report provides findings on ease of use on specific product models, and sources of further help. They include product features to look for if you have poor sight, limited dexterity, difficulty walking, or use a wheelchair. Go to “Reports” and then “Childcare Products”.
Website http://www.ricability.org.uk
Telephone +44 (0) 20 7427 2460 or
Telephone +44 (0) 20 7427 2469 text phone
Email mail@ricability.org.uk
Address 30 Angel Gate, City Road London EC1V 2PT UK
Adaptive Baby Care Equipment: Guidelines, Prototypes and Resources by K. Vensand, J. Rogers, C. Tuleja and A. Demoss
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment, Book
A handy 86 paged resource book published by Through the Looking Glass in 2000. Further details are available online at the website.
Website www.lookingglass.org/publications
Parents with Disabilities – Equipment for Disabled People by G. Cochrane and E.Wilshire (Eds.) [1989]
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment
A comprehensive report on both mainstream and specifically designed parenting products/aids available in the UK. Many of the products, ideas and information are also relevant to Australian parents with disability. It includes detailed reports on "points to consider" for all childcare tasks.
Available at the State Library of NSW - (NQ617.307/4)
Website www.sl.nsw.gov.au
Telephone 02 9273 1414
Address Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000
Baby Lifter I
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Equipment
This aid enables a parent with disability to care for one's baby at home. Description, photos and plan are available online at Technical Aid to the Disabled [Victoria] - Design Project Reference 98/020. Go to “Projects Online”. See under “Lifting/standing”.
Website www.tadvic.asn.au
Baby Lifter II
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Organisation, Equipment, Spinal Injury, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The purpose of this item created by TADNSW was to enable a client, with chronic fatigue syndrome and back problems, to raise her baby from ground level to bench height. This aid is documented in the TAD AID BOOK available for free download on the TADNSW website. Details of the project are on page 29. At the website go to “services” then “communications” and download an electronic copy of the book there.
Website www.tadnsw.org.au
Telephone 02 9808 2022 or 1300 663 243 [outside Sydney]
Email tad@tadnsw.org.au
Address Coorabel entrance Royal Rehabilitation Centre 227 Morrison Road
Ryde NSW 2112
Newborn Baby Carrier [for wheelchair users]
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment
Brisbane partners Trisha and her late husband Russell had a new-born baby carrier designed to be attachable to wheelchairs. See website section on “adaptive parenting products”.
Website www.disabledparents.net
Email trish@mods.com.au
Baby Lifter III
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment
Brisbane partners, Trisha and her late husband Russell, had a baby lifter aid. The device is operated with a foot switch and is powered by a rechargeable power drill. See website for details. Go to section on “adaptive parenting products”. Website www.disabledparents.net
Email trish@mods.com.au
Be-Spoke Bean Bag Cushion [breastfeeding]
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment, Limb Loss
Designed and made for assisting a mother who is unable to cradle her baby whilst breastfeeding. Go to “equipment for disabled parents” at the resources section of website.
Website www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/resources
Wheelchair Lay Tray [for nursing, play and breastfeeding]
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment
This is a lay tray that can be used for parents who are wheelchair users in order to breastfeed, or help with playing. Go to section on “adaptive parenting products – meals on wheels”.
Website www.disabledparents.net
Change Table [Fixed/adjustable height]
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Equipment, Spinal Injury, Short Stature
This table is accessible for tall people and parents with back injury/pain. It can be modified to be height adjustable. It includes storage space, safety rails, and wheels. Project no. 2000/01-276
Website www.technicalaidact.org.au
Telephone 1300 663 243 or 02 6287 4290
Email tadacttpo@tadaust.org.au
Maternity Cots [with adjusting height]
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment, Back, Short Stature
Information sheet by Simone Baker on baby cots with adjustable height, not offered in mainstream baby products. Go to “equipment for disabled parents” at the resources section of website.
Website www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/resources
Baby Bathtub
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment, Cerebral Palsy
A baby bathtub that requires no lifting by carer. It was designed for Trish who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. This baby bathtub was built using an off-the shelf baby tub, a computer table, a dishwasher hose, and some hardware. Go to section on “adaptive parenting products” on the website.
Website www.disabledparents.net
Cot Modification for Wheelchair Access
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Equipment
This modification converts the drop-sides of a cot into two hinged gates, and a child-proof latch. It enables easy access for parents who use wheelchairs. Project no. 1999-122
Website www.technicalaidact.org.au
Telephone 1300 663 243 or 02 6287 4290
Email tadacttpo@tadaust.org.au
Toddler Seat [attachable to wheelchair]
Area Covered: Global
Resource Type: Equipment
A Brisbane couple have designed a toddler seat/carrier that could be attached to a motorised wheelchair. It can rotate and be fitted with a seat belt. See website section on “adaptive parenting products – Erin’s ride”.
Website www.disabledparents.net
Email trish@mods.com.au
Prams/Stroller Handle Aid
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Equipment, Short Stature
PVC piping and fittings designed and fixed to produce a second lower handle on a pram or stroller. Being bolted means it can be removed as/when required. Useful for parents of short stature or who use a wheelchair for mobility. Project no. 1998-181
Website www.technicalaidact.org.au
Telephone 1300 663 243 or 02 6287 4290
Email tadacttpo@tadaust.org.au
Hands Free Buggy
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Equipment, Vision
This device was made for a person with vision impairment and who walks a child to school. Both hands are needed to hold the child's hand and a cane. Project details are available online. Project no. 1998-161
Website www.technicalaidact.org.au
Telephone 1300 663 243 or 02 6287 4290
Email tadacttpo@tadaust.org.au
Laundry Trolley [modified]
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Equipment, Spinal Injury, Cerebral Palsy
A second push handle is fixed to the existing trolley frame at the correct height to be used safely. It is beneficial for persons with cerebral palsy (re. balance) and back injury. Project no. 1999-393
Website www.technicalaidact.org.au
Telephone 1300 663 243 or 02 6287 4290
