Every single day, I am lifting my son Greyson’s wheelchair in and out of my car because we do not have a vehicle that is accessible for him. Greyson is 6 years old, he has multiple disabilities including cerebral palsy, and our life is full of appointments, outpatient therapy, traveling, and constant advocacy. People see the milestones and the beautiful moments, but they do not always see what happens behind closed doors. They do not see the physical toll, the back issues, the therapy, the scans, and the reality of trying to do everything possible for your child without the resources you actually need.

This is bigger than my family. There are so many special-needs families doing the same thing every day, piecing together transportation and carrying equipment because there is no fix-all and not nearly enough support. When a child needs a wheelchair, therapy, and adaptive equipment, transportation is not a luxury. It is basic access. Without it, families face more pain, more stress, missed opportunities, and more barriers just trying to get their child to the care and experiences they deserve.

I am asking Indiana state leaders to create a grant program for wheelchair-accessible family vehicles for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Families should be able to apply for financial help to purchase or modify a vehicle when a child’s wheelchair and mobility needs make a standard car unsafe or unrealistic. If we say we care about inclusion and access, then we have to support the real-life equipment that makes access possible.

Greyson has worked so hard in therapy and has been given amazing opportunities through Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and the people who have believed in him. Families like mine are doing everything we can. Please sign this petition and help push Indiana to give special-needs families the transportation support our children truly need.