Winter can be an exciting time of year for the whole family. Seasonal holidays and changing nature can bring a lot of joy to kids with and without disabilities. However, this time of year also comes with its own challenges. Kids with disabilities often face heightened health risks in the winter. As a parent or guardian, understanding these risks can help you stay vigilant. In addition to practicing safety tips at home, you can also boost your child’s safety and overall well-being by staying consistent with treatment. Ensuring that your child continues engaging in adolescent or pediatric rehabilitation can be essential. Continuity of care can help your child overcome challenges that may put them at a higher risk for injury or illness.
4 winter safety tips for kids with disabilities
- Make a plan — When it comes to safety, planning ahead is important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends building a safety plan for children with disabilities. While a year-round plan is beneficial, it also helps to build a plan specifically for the winter. When making your plan, ask yourself questions like, “Can my child move around independently and safely?” and “Do I have the right safety equipment?” The answers to these questions will inform your safety plan. If your child has limited mobility, for example, you may need to work on mobility solutions for situations where you need to move quickly. Depending on where you live, winter storms may require taking shelter or rapid evacuation. Your child’s treatment team can help you develop a winter safety plan that matches your child’s needs.
- Dress in layers — Some disabilities can affect the way a person’s body regulates temperature. While this can cause challenges throughout the year, these challenges may become especially significant with temperature drops during the winter. If your child is sensitive to cold temperatures, make sure to dress them properly. Wearing layers is often ideal. Multiple layers can provide significant warmth while providing flexibility. If your child feels like they are overheating, they can always take layers off. If they feel too cold, they can put another layer on. Making sure your child has layered clothing items like scarves, gloves, hats and jackets can help ensure constant comfort and safety. Another important clothing-related consideration is adaptive gear needs. Your child’s condition may make them sensitive to certain materials and textures. This may require you to select clothes made from specific sensory-friendly materials. If your child has a physical disability, they may have trouble using clothing items that have strings, buttons and laces. Choosing clothing items with easy-to-use zippers or hook-and-loop fasteners can help your child dress themselves more easily.
- Practice safety with heating devices — When your home gets cold in the winter, you might use space heaters or a fireplace to stay warm. While these heat sources can keep your home comfortable, they can also introduce new hazards. When using a space heater or fireplace, it’s important to prioritize safety. Depending on your child’s age and maturity, you may want to make sure they understand the potential dangers associated with the heat source. You may also want to keep any heating devices out of reach. Position space heaters in places where they can’t be accidentally touched or pushed over. If you have a fireplace, a locked metal screen can provide a safety barrier.
- Ensure consistent care — For children with disabilities, year-round support can be essential to making continual progress. Though winter activities like holiday travel can make your family’s schedule more busy, consistent treatment should be a top priority. To help ensure your child’s continued success, make sure they continue to engage in outpatient therapy sessions and other services. Continue taking your child to preschool to ensure they stay on pace. When managing disability, early intervention and continuity of care are essential.
Get year-round safety and progress-oriented support for your child at Ability KC
At Ability KC, we offer comprehensive support throughout the year. Our services are designed to help manage symptoms, improve abilities and maintain safety. With our support, you can help your child avoid complications or injuries as you navigate the winter season.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.