Getting help with motor vehicle transport
If you or someone you support has a disability or medical condition that affects how they travel in a motor vehicle, there are professionals who can help.
Different professionals have different roles. Safe motor vehicle transport relies on everyone understanding their role and working together to help ensure the person’s transport is safe, suitable and meets their needs.
The person with disability’s needs, preferences and experiences inform decisions about their transport. Families, carers and support networks can also play an important role.
Who can help
A MACA Certified Professional is an occupational therapist or physiotherapist with specialist training in vehicle transport. They can:
- assess transport needs
- recommend alternative restraints or methods of travel
- recommend strategies and other supports for safe transport
- where needed, help you to get a medical certificate for a seatbelt or child restraint exemption
- arrange for transport needs to be reviewed.
MACA-trained allied health professionals apply a four-step process when working with people to support their motor vehicle transport needs: assess, plan, implement and review.
Learn more about this process by downloading the Information Sheet below.
Lookup list
To find an allied health professional with specialist training in motor vehicle transport assessment, search our list of MACA Certified Professionals.
Product suppliers
Product suppliers provide and support the vehicle restraint products recommended by the occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
They may help with:
- product information
- product trials
- quotations, supply or hire
- installation
- education about correct use and installation
- ongoing product support.
Other professionals who may help
Depending on the person’s needs, other professionals may also be involved.
Behaviour support practitioners can help with behaviours that affect safe travel and develop strategies to support safe participation. They may also be involved where restrictive practices need to be considered.
Medical practitioners can provide medical information, certificates or other documentation that may be needed for transport arrangements or under road laws.
Vehicle modifiers and automotive engineers can help when a vehicle needs to be modified to meet the person’s transport needs.
Roles and Responsibilities
To learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the key people and professionals involved in supporting the transport needs of people with disability, download MACA's roles and responsibilities framework.
