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Adoption

Wheelchair user Dad

5 replies

AdoptionDad · 05/05/2016 11:48

We have started the adoption process and my social worker has asked me how i am going to get out and about with a pram, as i am a full time wheelchair user.
Does anyone have a practical tips and advice on doing this.

I have told her how I think I will do it but as i have never done it yet, i would love some advice on how its done.

OP posts:
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Etihad · 05/05/2016 19:09

Do you have an occupational therapist who might be able to give advice?

There are modified prams available, e.g. www.dppi.org.uk/journal/67/resources.php

I am not disabled but the child I adopted is and while they were fantastic, the sw's didn't really understand the practical issues and were amazed when they realized there is often a really straightforward way round things they see as problems!

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Hels20 · 05/05/2016 20:36

I know there is a way round because a good friend has been in a wheel chair since birth (spinal issues) and has had 3 children. They definitely learnt early on that they couldn't run away and she used "reins" on them but I can't recall how she got by with a pram/buggy. I will ask her

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Goingthroughnamechanges · 05/05/2016 20:41

Plenty of wheelchair users use slings for young children. Nice and secure and a great extra bonding opportunity. You can use them until age 3 easily, and just keep them nice and secure on your lap. Best of luck :)

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GodMother78 · 07/05/2016 21:31

There are lots of adaptions for wheelchair users with little ones

www.yankodesign.com/2012/06/29/wheelchair-adaptive-stroller/

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Mama1980 · 08/05/2016 20:21

I use a wheelchair sporadically now but used to use it much more (partial paralysis following trauma during the birth of ds2) I kept him and my youngest (adopted dd2 a year later she was placed in my care the day she was born) in a sling for a long while, when they started walking I used reins but tbh they didn't work terribly well as I found it hard to coordinate them.
There are pushchairs that adapt so they fit to the chair but I didn't use one personally.
I also just drummed it into them that they stayed close, they hold on, they listen, even my firebrand (read occasional nightmare Wink) ds2 knows and gets the importance of this when we are out and about.
One of the hardest things for me was actually getting them all in and out of the car I hadn't thought of that before hand. I drive a specially adapted car, not sure if you do but that maybe something to consider.
Dd2 is still more often than not in a sling, great for building attachment.
Any questions I'm happy to help if I can.

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