Handicap bathroom showers are innovations that make it easy for individuals with physical limitations to take charge of their personal care routines. Rather than depending on a caregiver for assistance with showering and bathing, handicap bathroom showers enable self-reliance in those with disabilities. J. Rose Plaxen, the mother of a child with a physical disability, has published a book, "Adapt My World," that discusses how parents can adapt household objects in ways that encourage rather than inhibit independence on the part of their differently-abled children.
Those with physical impairments may experience frustration and difficulty trying to complete the most mundane tasks that others take for granted. Taking a shower becomes a challenge instead of just another part of the daily routine. Adaptations around the house can help children with even significant limitations to surmount these types of tasks, which can add to their confidence elsewhere at home, school or play.
"Adapt My World" offers common sense suggestions for parents and caregivers about how to keep the bathroom shower, dining room table, classroom and playground from becoming obstacle courses. An added benefit is that once a child becomes self-reliant at home, he or she is more likely to try new things at school and elsewhere. The best part of feeling empowered is that it spreads into other areas. Not having to depend on your parents for everything from brushing your teeth to playing cards with your friends can be a real self-esteem builder and confidence booster!
J. Rose Plaxen began writing "Adapt My World" when she first realized that some strategically placed non-skid bathtub strips enabled her young daughter to sit up in her highchair with little assistance for the very first time. As the parent of a child with disabilities, Plaxen had been disappointed by the lack of resources geared toward raising a child with special needs. So she decided to do something about it. Thus was "Adapt My World: Homemade Adaptations for People with Disabilities" conceived.
"Our world is not accommodating of differently-abled individuals," said Plaxen. "It's up to each individual caretaker to make the child's world truly their own. This book contains common-sense modifications that have an enormous and immediate effect on improving the daily lives of these children."
"Adapt My World" is the first book to put together the myriad hints about how to adapt a "differently-abled" child's environment to his or her needs. They come from therapists, teachers, and experienced parents. The book is organized in "recipe book" format, with lists of ingredients, detailed instructions, and substitutions. There are photographs of the finished products, some of them even in use!
The adaptations described in "Adapt My World" are divided into sections on home, school, and play. Adaptations for the home include chapters on mealtime, bath, and bedroom modifications. The section on play includes chapters addressing modifications for both independent and interactive activities, some of which provide these special children with the rare opportunity to fit in with their friends. Finally, a section on academics includes accommodations developed by teachers and therapists to facilitate study and socialization. Although this book presents a variety of modifications for a number of settings, the common thread running throughout the book is that small changes can make life a lot less challenging for children with disabilities and their parents.
