This B.C. mom asked local grocery stores to bring in special carts for son who has a disability. They did

When Chantal Martin takes her family to the grocery store, it can often be a challenge to keep track of her seven-year-old son, Nicholas. Nicholas has Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects both his physical and cognitive abilities, particularly his sight. Martin explains, “He’ll often walk into things that are right in front of him that you would assume he can see, but he doesn’t see them. He’s very distracted and curious and will just take off.”

As Nicholas has outgrown the child seat on traditional shopping carts, he can no longer sit in them. This poses a problem as he tends to run off, causing Martin and her family distress. She recalls instances where Nicholas has triggered alarms by wandering into emergency exits or had meltdowns in aisles, leading them to abandon their shopping trips altogether.

Fortunately, after advocating for local grocery stores to introduce specialized carts for individuals with disabilities, some stores have taken action to support families like Martin’s. One such cart that has made a significant impact is Caroline’s Cart.

Developed by Drew Ann Long in Alabaster, Alabama, Caroline’s Cart was inspired by Long’s daughter, Caroline, who has Rett Syndrome and struggles with mobility. The cart features a larger seat with a five-point safety harness, accommodating individuals up to 250 pounds. Long’s innovation has enabled families like hers to navigate grocery shopping with ease. The cart has gained popularity, with thousands sold and available in every Walmart in the United States.

For Martin, using Caroline’s Cart has been a game-changer. It allows her to shop without the constant worry of Nicholas wandering off, providing her with precious quality time with her daughter, Janaie. Janaie appreciates the convenience the cart offers, allowing her to engage with her mother without the added stress of keeping Nicholas occupied.

Martin hopes that more grocery chains, such as Loblaws, will follow suit in providing Caroline’s Carts in all their stores nationwide to support families facing similar challenges. Kamloops Real Canadian Superstore manager Mike Banh acknowledges the positive impact of the carts, with multiple customers utilizing them in his store. He emphasizes the store’s commitment to supporting the local community.

Long aims to see Walmart Canada adopt Caroline’s Carts across the country, mirroring the success of its American counterpart. Walmart Canada has confirmed that the carts are available in select stores upon request by managers, indicating a step towards greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

In conclusion, Caroline’s Cart serves as a beacon of inclusivity and convenience for families like Martin’s, offering a practical solution for individuals with disabilities to navigate the grocery shopping experience with ease. The initiative to introduce these specialized carts in stores nationwide showcases a commitment to fostering a more accessible and inclusive shopping environment for all customers.