Training
Improving confidence and capability in supporting children's vehicle seating needs
About the course
MACA's specialist online training course Transporting Children with Disabilities and Medical Conditions, is available now.
This evidence-based training course has been developed with funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services. It aims to build knowledge and confidence in assessing and prescribing for children’s motor vehicle transport needs (under 16 years).
The course is suitable for both novice and experienced allied health professionals, and is also relevant to government agencies, product suppliers, road safety practitioners and other interested professionals.
This specialised course provides nine CPD hours and is structured over three weeks; however, participants progress at their own pace (e.g., over a couple of months).
Upon completion, participants receive a free copy of the MACA Guide and a certificate. Participants also continue to have ongoing access to the course content.
Course overview
The course aims to build confidence when assessing and prescribing for a child’s transport needs by providing key knowledge, along with practical tools.
The course, delivered on an online learning platform, FutureLearn, covers:
- Children’s vulnerability as road users
- Road safety principles and approaches
- Vehicle standards and road rules
- The leading role of allied health professionals
- Vehicle restraint products and devices
- Standards
- Best practice prescribing approaches and tools
- Common transport challenges
- Scope of practice and restrictive practice
- Importance of good documentation.
Please note that the course does not cover wheelchairs or public transport.
Learn more about the course here.
Early bird criteria
MACA is offering an early bird rate for Australian health professionals and students until 31 October 2022.
Eligible groups
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Rehabilitation engineers
- Medical practitioners
- Students of allied health or another relevant course
Expert contributors
MACA’S online training course is supported by esteemed experts in child restraint research, health, road safety, as well as leading national suppliers of car seats for children.
Samantha Hunter
Samantha Hunter, the CEO of Occupational Therapy Australia, features in a video which explores scope of practice.
Professor Lynne Bilston
Professor Lynne Bilston is a highly respected Senior Principal Research Scientist at NeuRA and Faculty of Medicine UNSW, Co-Director of the Transurban Road Safety Centre, and Chair of the Australian Standards Committee for Child Restraints in Motor Vehicles.
David Dos Reis
David Dos Reis is an experienced Lead Product Engineer in child restraint safety at Britax Childcare. In the course, he discusses the range and features of Australian standard car seats.
Warwick Teague
Associate Professor Warwick Teague is an accomplished paediatric surgeon and researcher.
As Director of the Royal Children's Hospital Trauma Services in Melbourne, Warwick oversees the emergency treatment and care of Victoria's most severely injured children.
Graham Mascull
Graham is the General Manager of Medifab, one of the largest suppliers of special purpose car seats in Australia and New Zealand. Medifab produced a video for the training course to educate participants about the unique features of special purpose car seats.
Gabby O'Neill
Gabby O'Neill is the Head of the Office of Road Safety in Australia. In the course, Gabby explores the National Road Safety Strategy and its targets to reduce road trauma.
Early bird rates
Early bird rates
- Individual: $420 (excl. GST)
- Organisations: $320 (excl. GST) per person - available for groups of five or more health professionals from the one organisation
Early bird enrolment
- Complete this short survey to confirm eligibility.
- If eligible, you will be sent an email with an invoice.
- Once paid, you will be emailed a receipt and a unique link to the course.
Full course costs
If you are not eligible for the early bird rate you can still find out about the course and enrol here. The full course cost is $989 (excl. GST).
MACA is a registered charity and course fees help us to continue our work in advancing the rights of children with disabilities and medical conditions to safe and accessible transport.
FAQs
MACA's online training course
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services
For many OTs, it’s hard to find and keep up with car seating information. I’m reassured by the fact that I will be able to use the MACA website and training to assist families.
MACA’s training draws on the lived experiences of families across Australia and is deeply informed by their transport challenges and experiences.
Thank you to these generous families for sharing your stories with us.
