What devices are a restrictive practice in transportation of NDIS participants

A guide for providers, parents and carers

In some circumstances restrictive practices used in a vehicle may fall under mechanical restraint, or environmental restraint depending on the manner and context the device is applied. If the devices outlined on page 9 are used in any other circumstances to manage behaviours of concern then this would constitute a regulated restrictive practice.

For example:

• Using a seatbelt guard while the vehicle is not in transit to keep a person with disability in their seat because they are agitated is a mechanical restraint.
• Using a harness on a person to manage a behaviour of concern in a vehicle who does not require it for postural/ therapeutic support is a mechanical restraint.

More examples of when devices are, and are not, a regulated restrictive practice are provided below.

What devices are considered restrictive practice in transportation  

Harness

• The use a harness to stop a person from hitting others in a vehicle who does not require it for postural/ therapeutic support is a mechanical restraint.
• The use of a harness that is part of an appropriate child restraint or seat (depending on the child’s size and age) that is in line with state or territory road safety rules is not a mechanical restraint, for example, a 3 point booster seat.
• A harness prescribed by an occupational therapist for postural support for a person with a disability when travelling in a vehicle.

Lap belt

• The use of a lap belt when not in transit to stop a person from getting out of their wheelchair and wandering in a vehicle is a mechanical restraint.
• The use of a lap belt on a wheelchair for postural/therapeutic support is not a mechanical restraint.

Child lock

• Using a child lock when not in transit to prevent a person from exiting the vehicle when agitated is an environmental restraint.
• The use of the child lock on a vehicle in transit is not a mechanical restraint.

Dividing screen

• A dividing screen between the driver and the back seat is not a mechanical restraint.

Seat belt guard

• Using a seat belt guard when not in transit to prevent a person from getting out of their seat in a vehicle when agitated is a mechanical restraint.
• Using a seat belt guard in a vehicle to ensure the seat belt remains fastened in transit is not a mechanical restraint.