Canadian Special Needs Seat Options

[mommycat]

Would anyone know which SN seats are available in Canada? Please enlighten me.

So far, I have been told that there are 3 special needs options available if you have needs beyond the mainstream retail seats (aside from seats/carbeds for tiny babies) and that one would need a prescription from a doctor for any of these products. They are:

1. Britax Traveller Plus
http://www.adaptivemall.com/brtrpl1.html
rated 20 - 105 lbs., top shoulder strap height 18.75", so only a little taller than the Frontier

2. EZ-On Vest/Harness
I am not sure which of their products are allowed in Canada. Here's their website:
http://www.ezonpro.com/index.shtml
and note that EZ-on products are distributed in Canada by Perry Rand Transportation Group Ltd.
http://www.thebusboys.com/page.aspx?page=1240&site=tbb

3. Hippo car seat for kids in Hip casts
http://www.adaptivemall.com/hippocarseat1.html
That site says they are only allowed to ship in US, and has no mention of Canada like they do for the Traveller Plus. Does that mean that the Hippo is one of those special cases where it is technically illegal but no option exists so TC will look the other way?

Please tell me if I am missing something or if I have my info wrong. Also, I would like to have a list of the infant SN seats as well, just to have for reference. Please and thank you. :)

[techie]

Quoted from my "Saskatchewan Prevention Institute" CPS Connection Spring 2009 newsletter:

There are two Hippo Spica Cast Car Seats at the Kinsmen Children Centre in Saskatoon and one at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina available for short-term loans.

[Allport]

You got them right - the Hippo and the Traveller Plus can be purchased from stores (that specialize) and you might be able to get them directly from the company.

The E-Z-On Vests (various models) and the Columbia seats require a prescription as they are custom restraints - "constructed" for the individual and do not need to be dynamically tested or bear the national safety mark. They do have to have a letter with them with the child's name and information.

Transport Canada does have a publication on-line with respect to special needs seats.