People with disability can face increased risks when travelling in motor vehicles, yet occupational therapists often make complex transport and car seating decisions in an area where evidence and guidance have historically been limited.

This session will showcase Australia’s world-leading work to change this. Drawing on new research, clinical education, product safety and policy reform, this presentation will demonstrate how MACA is translating evidence into practical approaches that strengthen occupational therapy assessment, decision-making and safer transport outcomes for people with disability.

People with disability can face increased risks when travelling in motor vehicles, yet clinical assessment and decision-making in this specialist area is complex and has historically been under-researched.

Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults Ltd (MACA), an Australian not-for-profit organisation, has taken a whole-of-system approach to improving the safety and accessibility of motor vehicle transport for people with disability and medical conditions.

In this session, MACA’s Chief Executive, Helen Lindner, will share how research, clinical education, product safety, and policy development are working together to advance practice in this specialist field.

Helen will present findings from a recent evaluation which demonstrated significant improvements in confidence and knowledge of Australian allied health professionals in assessing motor vehicle transport and car seating needs. She will then explore how MACA translates research into practical approaches for occupational therapists, including frameworks for clinical assessment and decision-making.