Ensuring every child travels safely in a vehicle is paramount, and this is especially crucial for children with special healthcare needs. While all children benefit from appropriate car seats, those with specific medical conditions or who have undergone certain procedures may require car seats tailored to their unique requirements. Whether the medical needs are temporary or long-term, the goal remains constant: to provide optimal protection during travel. In many cases, a standard car seat will adequately meet the safety and positioning needs. However, for some children, adaptive car seats become necessary to ensure their safety and comfort.
Understanding when an adaptive car seat is needed is the first step. These specialized restraints are designed to accommodate children who cannot safely or comfortably use conventional car seats due to medical conditions, physical disabilities, or post-surgical needs. The Riley Hospital Car Seat Program at Riley Children’s Health is a dedicated resource for families in the Indianapolis area seeking guidance and support in this area. This program offers expert evaluations by occupational therapists to determine if an adaptive car seat is the right solution for a child.
For families in the Indianapolis region, accessing the Riley Hospital Car Seat Program begins with a physician’s referral. If you believe your child could benefit from an adaptive car seat evaluation, the first step is to have your child’s physician complete a referral for an “Occupational Therapy evaluation – adaptive car seat”. This referral, along with recent physician visit notes explaining the need for an adaptive car seat assessment, can be faxed to the Riley Children’s Health Adaptive Equipment Department at 317-944-1141. For any questions regarding scheduling or the program itself, the Riley Children’s Health Adaptive Equipment Department scheduling team can be reached at 317-948-2022.
It’s important to remember that resources are available nationwide. For those outside of Indianapolis, or seeking broader information, several national organizations offer valuable support. To locate a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician with specialized training in Safe Travel for All Children, you can visit the Safe Kids Worldwide Certification website. Simply enter your location and check the “Safe Travel for All Children” box under Extra Training to find technicians in your area. Additionally, you can find instructors for the Safe Travel for All Children course through the Find a STAC Instructor database. For information on conventional car seat options, the AAP Car Seat Product Listing provides a comprehensive resource, and adaptive car seat options are detailed in the National Center Brochure.
Prioritizing the safe transportation of children with special needs is essential. Programs like the Riley Hospital Car Seat Program, coupled with national resources, ensure that parents and caregivers have access to the information and support necessary to make informed decisions about their child’s car seat safety. If you have any concerns about your child’s car seat and special needs, reaching out to your pediatrician or a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician is a crucial first step towards ensuring their safety on every journey.
