342 chapter 38
6. Adapt toileting to the special needs of the child
Many handicapped children can be helped to become independent in their toileting
if special aids or adaptations are made. Different children will require different
adaptations. However, the following are often helpful:
• If the child has trouble
pulling down pants or
panties—use loose
fitting clothing with
elastic or ‘Velcro’
waist band.
• Use short ‘training
pants’ made
of towel-like
material that will
soak up urine.
Correct position of hands,
for lowering pants
Hook thumbs
inside
pants and
push down.
for raising pants
Put hand
inside
pants to
pull over
butt.
For
training,
pin shirt up
out of the
way— or
do not
wear one.
cp
• For a child with cerebral
palsy or spina bifida,
it may be easier lying
down—you might provide
a clean mat.
• If people by custom
squat to shit,
and the child has
trouble, a simple
hand support can
help.
• Latrines can also be adapted.
Some children, like this
girl with cerebral palsy,
need to sit. This potty
seat was adapted from a
child’s wood chair.
2-seater latrine with
child-sized hole and step
hand rail
that can
lift up
arm or
shoulder
supports
close to
the toilet
toilet
seat and
wheelchair
seat on
same level
high hand
rail to
make moving
from wheelchair
to toilet
easier
Make the outhouse (latrine) and its door big enough so that a wheelchair can fit
inside. Position the door so that the wheelchair can enter right beside the latrine
without having to turn around.
Be sure the path to the latrine is level and easy to get to from the house.
Disabled village Children