Caroline’s Carts: shopping help for families’ special needs

Walmart is joining the list of retailers taking a significant step toward making shopping more inclusive and accessible with the introduction of Caroline’s Carts in all of its Illinois stores. These carts, designed to help parents and caregivers of children and adults with special needs, provide a safer and less stressful shopping experience for the entire family.                                                

It is estimated that 1.5 million Illinoisans have a disability. Caroline’s Carts offers a secure seating option that helps keep these individuals with unique needs safe and supported while navigating the aisles. 

Ninety-seven-year-old Jessi Mac Patterson of North Carolina calls the cart a “godsend.” Patterson and her daughter enjoy weekly shopping trips to Walmart, but lately these trips have become more challenging for Patterson. Although in good health, she cannot walk long distances and cannot control the large, cumbersome electric carts. Without Caroline’s Carts, these trips would not have been possible.

Stock photo by Caroline’s Carts. 

Drew Ann Long, mother of a daughter with special needs, developed the idea of a special seat built into a shopping cart upon realizing that her daughter would soon outgrow the kiddie seat of a traditional cart. In 2008, Drew Ann and her husband founded Parent Solutions Group, LLC and partnered with Technibilt, the largest cart manufacturer in the world, to take the cart from concept to reality. As the years go by, the carts are gradually gaining traction and becoming available in major retailers.

In 2009,  Target made the carts available in all of its stores nationwide. In Illinois, the carts are available at Target stores in the Chatham neighborhood, the Near West Side, Schaumburg, Niles and Crystal Lake.  As awareness of the carts becomes more prevalent, more retailers are joining the movement. Select locations of Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Kroger, Mariano’s and Jewel-Osco currently make the carts available to patrons. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all Walmart stores in Illinois will have Caroline’s Carts available.

The special features of the carts make all the difference for increased inclusivity and accessibility for parents and caregivers. The seat, designed for individuals weighing up to 250 pounds, comes equipped with a five-point latching safety harness. Swing-up handles make for easy access to the specially contoured seat developed for people with low muscle tone. The rear-facing seat allows for easier communication and eye contact between the caregiver and passenger coupled with a footrest for comfort. Every little detail has been considered.

By improving convenience and providing support for these families, the unique features of the carts provide invaluable assistance to both parents and caregivers. The decision for a retailer to make Caroline's Carts available to its families in need is a welcome move toward greater inclusivity and accessibility. With a much-needed solution for more comfortable and stress-free shopping, designed specifically for individuals with special needs, retailers are showing a commitment to supporting all customers, regardless of their unique circumstances. This initiative sets a positive example for other retailers to follow in making their stores more welcoming and accessible. As more locations roll out these specialized carts, it’s clear that retailers are prioritizing the needs of all families, helping to ensure that everyone can shop with greater ease and peace of mind.  

For more information or to have a store manager request a cart, forms are available at technibilt.com/carolines-cart/ or by calling 1.800.351.CART(2278).