A child carrier for children with special needs

We designed the Piggyback Rider for our children. Although our kids do not have special needs, we have had numerous inquiries about whether the Piggyback Rider® will work for children with special needs. Recently the Piggyback Rider was included in the AbleData database, the source for assistive technology information. Here’s the link Child carrier for children with special needs

People frequently contact us about using the Piggyback Rider with disabled children and children with special needs. Since every child is different, we encourage families to test it in the safety of their homes and report back to us. The feedback has been invaluable and has led us to investigate new designs for the child harness. We’ve even talked to potential partners, like Luckybums, who manufacture the Gait Harness, to help us think through design function solutions. The

Child Carrier for Children with Special Needs

Earlier this month, we exhibited at a local expo. Families were test riding the Piggyback Rider all weekend; and then we had an opportunity we have been waiting for. Three families with special needs children volunteered.

I am a neuroscientist, with 20 years of experience in various neurological conditions. In speaking with the families, they were all eager to try our contraption with their little one. Over the weekend, we had two children with cerebral palsy and one with one-sided paralysis from a stroke. Both of these conditions are associated with loss of muscle strength and control. I am certain that I was more nervous than the parents in getting their little ones to Ride the Bar.

Nature and instinct can supercede neurological conditions. In my studies, I am amazed at how many behaviors are instinctive. Imagine my sheer joy when I saw our little test riders immediately adapt to the Piggyback Rider. The boys with cerebral palsy latched onto the handles and their dad’s back without a second thought. Their faces and wide eyes showed immediate engagement in a new and wonderful activity. Not once did I see a look of fear or anxiety; rather I saw the look of comfort and security. Next, our little rider with partial paralysis performed equally well. As expected, he stood unevenly on the bar, but quickly adjusted his head and body to compensate. From there, it was all smiles, all comfort and all security. As an aside, the dads were similarly impressed with the comfort and weight distribution. Child carrier for children with special needs

From here, we now have the personal experience to move forward. We’re actively engaging authorities to classify the Piggyback Rider as an assistive device. We’ll keep you posted.

If you are interested in testing the Piggyback Rider with your little one, call us.