Redesigning summer: Understood.org and Radio Flyer join forces to make play accessible for every kid
June 23, 2026
Pediatricians and researchers have long known that play is essential to a child’s development. And summer is the perfect time to take that fun outside. But it’s harder for families whose kids are neurodivergent or who have disabilities. Outdoor activities can quickly feel overwhelming and inaccessible.
Making sure kids with developmental differences get to play outdoors can be exhausting. It requires a lot more planning, supervision, and adaptation from families. That may help explain why parents of kids with neurodevelopmental needs — like ADHD — face up to twice the rate of mental health challenges compared to parents of neurotypical kids. The world is more stressful to navigate because it wasn’t built with their kids in mind.
This summer, Radio Flyer and Understood.org are teaming up to change that by bringing the thrill of riding to more kids than ever before. The collaboration combines Radio Flyer’s 100-plus year legacy of innovation with Understood’s neurodiversity expertise. The goal? To make the joy of riding accessible to every single kid.
The power of universal design
This partnership is rooted in universal design. That’s the idea that when you design for kids with physical and neurodevelopmental needs, you create better experiences for all kids.
Leveraging research and insights from Understood, Radio Flyer integrated thoughtful, accessible features into three of its iconic products to better support parents of neurodivergent kids and those with disabilities. All while maintaining the fun look families love.
“Through our partnership with Understood.org, we reimagined the design for our stroller wagon, stroller trike, and Cyclone to be more inclusive and functional for families,” said Micki Grover, MSc, design researcher at Radio Flyer. “By embedding accessibility features directly into the product, we’ve created a more seamless ride experience and lowered the day-to-day mental load for parents.”
“We’re excited to team up with Radio Flyer on this impactful initiative, which reinforces our shared belief that outdoor play shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a right. Every kid deserves the chance to pedal, coast, and explore this summer,” said Jennifer Spindler, MSEd, MPhil, director of interdisciplinary research at Understood.
From left to right: Radio Flyer Cyclone, Coast Folding Stroller Trike, and Voya XT Quad Stroller Wagon.
From insights to re-inventions
Radio Flyer bridged the gap between research and product design by identifying the specific physical and neurodevelopmental barriers kids face when using their products, considering their most pressing social, emotional, and physical needs. With expert-backed guidance from Understood, they curated three product innovations:
Radio Flyer Cyclone, now built for longevity: Research shows that neurodivergent kids and those with disabilities often form strong, emotional attachments to their favorite toys and products. They rely on them for routine and comfort for a long time. With this in mind, Radio Flyer focused on enhanced durability by strengthening the Cyclone’s wheel connections. This will help ensure that a beloved toy stays in play for years.
Voya XT Quad Stroller Wagon, reimagined as a sensory safe haven: Chaotic outdoor environments can quickly trigger sensory overload. Understood’s research highlighted the need for a dedicated space where kids can retreat and self-regulate. While the Quad Stroller Wagon was originally built for large families, an adjustable seating configuration on the 2.0 version now makes it the perfect homebase for a child with sensory sensitivities.
Coast Folding Stroller Trike, adapted for stamina: For kids with physical or developmental differences, stamina can impact how long they can play. Research showed that a hard, concave seat can cause kids to tire quickly. So the trike was fitted with a firmer, structured seat and an adjustable harness. This ergonomic support helps kids pedal comfortably without exhausting themselves.
“These Radio Flyer products are designed with disability in mind, which creates a supportive, inclusive experience for all kids,” said Andrew Kahn, PsyD, licensed psychologist and associate director of expertise and strategic design at Understood. “Good design solves a problem, but great design ensures that no kid is left out of enjoying the summer."
Reclaiming the simple joys of making memories outside
Together, Radio Flyer and Understood are making sure that more kids can ride and play.
Through Radio Flyer’s Fearless Flyers program, families of kids with special needs can access the gear they need more easily and affordably. Qualified families receive a 25% discount on products. To learn more and to sign up, visit Fearless Flyers.
Ready to start shopping? Find your perfect ride at RadioFlyer.com, Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
