MAKE YOUR KITCHEN 100% SAFE FOR A DISABLED CHILD
A new parent will know just how much time goes into making a home child-proof. You have to get on to your hands and knees and see things from a child’s angle. Cover open plugs, safety-proof stairs, remove or cover sharp corners and more. It gets easier as the child gets older as they can listen to and understand instructions, although you always have to be careful.
If you have a disabled child, the challenges are that much harder. Worldwide, roughly one in twenty children have some kind of disability. Children with physical disabilities often have accidents in the home, because of impaired sight, hearing, mobility and even smell and feel.
We’re going to start off with how to child-proof your kitchen area as this is where most accidents happen.
Look at the disabilities that your child has
You will know the problems that your child faces, but let’s go over them.
Hearing: Children who cannot hear need to get warnings through any means other than audio. These will be visual.
Sight: You will need to have warnings for your child that are not visual. These will be tactile.
Mobility: You need to think ahead of how your child will be able to escape a dangerous situation. It could be an alarm or special access.
Communicate with your children about safety
You need to talk to your child. Explain from early on that there are dangers in the world, the house, and in the kitchen and how important it is that they are aware of the possible dangers. Reinforce the possibility of danger, role play if that is helpful, reassure them about the dangers but make quite sure they know what to do.
Cultivate good habits
Don’t do anything that you don’t expect your child to do. Do not play with matches. Do not leave taps running or the stove on. Put away cleaning products, close the fridge and do not leave anything lying around.
Also, if you have taught your child not to touch the oven plate when it is on, don’t do it yourself. Be a good role model.
What are some of the potential dangers?
Fire. Explain to the child why they cannot play with an oven or matches. Never leave matches lying around.
Water. Explain what a flood is. Or what happens if you drown. Remove the plugs from sinks or baths.
Knives: Never leave them lying around. Show kids what happens if they cut themselves.
Poison: Talk to your child about the potential dangers of chemicals and why they must never drink detergents or kitchen cleaning products.
What action can you take to ensure safety?
First of all ensure that all cupboards have childproof locks and that all sharp corners are covered on tables or counters. Any open plugs should be blocked or covered. Knives must always be put away, as must all domestic products or detergents. The oven buttons should be out of reach, dustbins should be closed and difficult to open, dirty sponges must be out of reach and the fridge needs a lock too.
Hearing
Remember that child with a hearing disability will not hear a smoke alarm or the water boil. You need to find an alternate method, possibly something with bright or flashing lights. If your child is hard of hearing but can see, use visual signs to alert them to what is going on.
Mobility
A child in a wheelchair will find it hard to exit the kitchen in case of fire. You need to ensure there are emergency and easy exits that are disabled friendly. All passageways should be wheelchair accessible.
Sight
Remove obstacles that could get in their way. A vase as decor is not a good idea if a child is going to knock it off the counter. Tables and chairs should always be in the same position.Remove the clutter.
If your child cannot hear a smoke alarm, have something visual that will notify them of a problem. Flashing lights are a good idea, or vibration pads. Remove obstacles that could get in the way.
Keep dangerous items away, at all times, including knives, any sharp objects, food processors and chemicals. Keep pan or pot handles turned inwards at all times.
Things to teach your children, a rulebook!
· Stay away from the oven.
· Never touch the stove, kettle or toaster.
· Do not use cleaning products.
· Keep your fingers away from plug points.
· Do not play with electrical chords.
· Do not play with knives, cutlery or crockery.
· Only help cook when someone is with you / watching you.
· Only help clean when someone is with you / watching you.
· Walk slowly in the kitchen.
· Do not play with matches.
· Never panic and always ask for help.
Useful Resources
Kitchen Safety for Disabled Children
Adapting the Childcare Environment for Children with Special Needs
Housing options for people with disabilities
Home Modifications - Funding Sources
Financial Assistance for Accessibility Home Repairs and Modifications