All parents want to ensure their children are safe, especially when traveling by car. For most children, conventional car seats provide the necessary protection. However, children with specific medical conditions or developmental needs may require specialized car seats to guarantee their safety and comfort during car journeys. This is where the Riley Hospital Car Seat Program becomes an invaluable resource, particularly for families in the Indianapolis area.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by children with special healthcare needs, the Riley Hospital Car Seat Program offers expert evaluations by Occupational Therapists to determine the most appropriate car seat for each child. Whether a child’s condition presents short-term or long-term transportation challenges, the program prioritizes optimum protection and proper positioning. This may involve recommending conventional car seats or adaptive car seats, depending on the child’s specific requirements.
The process begins with a physician’s 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 evaluation, can be faxed to the Riley Children’s Health Adaptive Equipment Department. This crucial step ensures that the evaluation is medically informed and tailored to the child’s health status.
For families in the Indianapolis region seeking guidance on car seat safety for children with special needs, the Riley Hospital Car Seat Program at Riley Children’s Health provides a vital service. To schedule an appointment or for any inquiries regarding the program, the scheduling team can be contacted directly. By leveraging the expertise of Riley Hospital, parents can gain peace of mind knowing they are making informed decisions about their child’s safety while traveling.
For those outside of the Indianapolis area or seeking broader information, resources like the Safe Kids Worldwide Certification website and the AAP Car Seat Product Listing offer valuable guidance on finding certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and conventional restraint options. Additionally, the National Center Brochure provides information on adaptive restraint options. However, for personalized evaluations and recommendations within Indianapolis, the Riley Hospital Car Seat Program remains a dedicated and expert resource for families of children with special needs.
