Home Safety for Families With a Disabled Child

Hearing Impaired

• A hearing impaired child cannot hear a smoke alarm, nor can she hear her mother telling her not to go out the door. A smoke alarm that shakes her bed, known as a "bed shaker" is imperative to alerting your child of a fire in the middle of the night, according to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. A smoke detector that emits strobe lights is necessary should a fire occur during the daytime when your child isn't in bed. Install alarms on the doors to alert you every time your child opens a door or window.

Cognitively Impaired

• Children who are cognitively impaired aren't always able to exercise the same judgment as other children of similar age. Alarms to alert you any time she opens a door or window to the outside are essential -- even for older children. Anti-scald devices on the faucets or setting the water heater temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit can prevent burns from hot water. Cabinet and cupboard locks are essential for all young children, but those with cognitive disabilities may require such safety measures well into their late childhood or beyond, according to Safe Kids.

Physical Impaired

• For a child in a wheelchair, keep the floor clear of anything that could catch on the wheels, such as long drape pulls, tassels or fabric from curtains or bedspreads that pools on the floor. Install extra sturdy safety gates at the top of each set of stairs and any doors leading to steps. Arrange furniture so your child can easily navigate around the furniture and exit the room in the event of an emergency.

Vision Impaired

• A child who is visually impaired will require all the safety devices mentioned above plus a few more. A counter extender, available at hardware stores, prevents a child from reaching up and grabbing a hot cup of coffee, a boiling pot or a pair of scissors on the counter. Edge guards are small padded strips that fit on sharp edges or corners to keep your child safe if she stumbles into them. Locks on the cupboards and doors are also important should she attempt to open them.