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TRC Chaperone Training
Course Overview
Program Administration
Rideshare Etiquette
Preparing Mentally
Putting People First
Assistive Devices
Service Animals
Meeting the Client
Visible and Hidden Disabilities
In Case of Medical Concerns
Difficult Situations
Well-being of Your Client
COVID-19 Protocol
Medical Training
Online Certification Quiz
Assistive Devices
As mentioned earlier, an assistive device may be considered as an extension of the person – especially a wheelchair or the red-tipped cane of a person without sight.
Cane
Canes come in many shapes and sizes. Some are a permanent “fixture” of your client’s life and some are temporary aides. Before entering the vehicle, if the person can use the car door or back of the car seat for assistance in entering, offer to hold the cane while they get themselves situated. Don’t assume they want to hand it to you. Look for clues that would indicate an offer of assistance would be appropriate.
Walker
As with canes, walkers come in different forms – with seat and without; with wheels and without. All typically fold for stowing. The use of a walker – whether as a permanent aide for your client, or temporary – indicates a likely greater need of assistance in entering the vehicle. Be sure to ask before aid is given, though. If assistance is permitted, it may be helpful to have the client turn with their back to the door of the vehicle and gradually lower them down onto the seat. They may need assistance swinging the legs into a seated position, but ask before providing this help. It’s likely that the walker, even if folded, won’t fit in the back seat of the vehicle with you both. The safest place would be in the trunk. Putting it in the front seat would make it a projectile in the case of a crash. Advise the client of your actions before putting the walker away.
Wheelchair
If the client regularly uses a wheelchair, assistance into the vehicle may require more assistance. As always, ask before providing that assistance. The client may or may not have use of their legs.
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