We all know about
the Hart Walker, the first mobility aid
which Lions became aware of, which was the
trigger for the formation of ALCMF. Because
each child is different, they all have different
needs. The Hart Walker is designed to give
hands-free mobility to the more severe end of
the scale, within the guidelines. (These
include height and measurements, age, and
ability and motivation to bear weight and step.)
The range of
walkers available covers every level of
disability from the need for balance and
occasional support, to full support of weight,
whilst still being able to step forward.
Some of these
include the Mulholland and Meywalk
– these walkers are available for any age and
size, and are suitable for children who are not
able to bear weight, or are only able to do so
for very short periods. Many require the
ability to take weight through their arms /
hands.
There are several
types of Pacer Gait Trainer which provide
for the higher support and control requirements
of some children.
The Pony Walker
has more trunk control, and requires less
hand grasp.
There are various
other walkers which are prescribed which allow
greater freedom than any of the above in terms
of access and independent use, and are suitable
for children who are at least able to be
ambulant in the house. These include the U
walker, Kaye walker, Spider walker,
gutter walker, Grajen walker, Arrow Walker,
Rollator, and innumerable (and un-nameable)
other devices, often named after their
designers/inventors.
The most recent
addition which is available in Australia is the
Chandi Walker designed in Western
Australia (by physiotherapists Michael Chan
and Dina Frost), which is now in
production and being supplied around the
country. This walker allows hands-free mobility
and is adjustable for a wide range of young
children. This walker is suitable for children
with mild to moderate disability who are able to
bear weight and step independently when
supported at the pelvis.
We as Lions are not
able to assess which device is the best for each
individual child, and therefore, we rely on the
professionals who are working with the children
to advise which is the ideal for that particular
child.
The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility
Foundation can assist your club to achieve the
goal of giving mobility to a child, no matter
what device they require. According to the
criteria, they “must have their feet on the
ground, and be enabled to walk to the best of
their ability”. The range is HUGE
