Paving the Way - More Than a Car

A Message from Rebecca

As we look ahead to this year’s delivery season, our community is bursting with anticipation and joy. In just a short time, up to 80 children will receive custom cars and adaptive devices, each one thoughtfully built to meet their unique needs. These aren’t just gifts; they are gateways to independence, and the simple, powerful freedom to explore and connect with family and friends.

Delivery Day is always extraordinary. It’s a day filled with moments that stay with us long after the event ends. But perhaps the most meaningful part comes in the days and weeks that follow, when we begin to hear how these cars become part of everyday life.

Parents often tell us what this moment truly means for their children and families. Last year, families wrote:

• “Some say it’s just ‘a car,’ but it’s so, so much more to us. The independence and inclusion this brings will open up a world beyond what we could even imagine.”
• “It’s so nice when people want our special needs kiddos to fit in and have things like everyday, ordinary kids.”
• “These are memories we will never forget.”

And then there are the simple, beautiful updates that say everything:

• “Kodi loves his new ride!”
• “Athena had such fun.”
• “Alice loves it!”
• “Jasper has used his car almost every day since getting it.”
• “Briggs has been obsessed. He rides in it every day and is learning all the buttons.”

These messages fuel our engines at a time when - after a brutally long Build season - we are nearly out of gas. They remind us that what began with a single car in our robotics workshop has become something far greater: laughter, independence and a new way to participate in the world for hundreds of kids. That thought keeps us rolling.

As we prepare for another incredible delivery season, we invite you to share in this excitement. Together, we are not just building cars — we are building possibilities and creating moments that families will cherish for a lifetime.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude and excitement,
Rebecca Kidwell

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Dreams on the Go

Counting Down to Delivery Day

With Delivery Day Kansas City just around the corner, we are excited to highlight another of our incredible kids - Faith. She is gearing up to receive her very own adaptive car this summer.

Faith was born early and with a severe brain malformation that causes vision problems, fluid buildup in her skull and developmental delays. Her mom says that:

“Faith does not take much interest in many activities; the only toys that catch her interest are in her tablet and her bubble-blower. (She will work hard for bubbles, though!) And, though she has no independent mobility, she loves movement and going for walks. She also loves to be with other people; she is a really funny, goofy kid that laughs hysterically at almost everything.

My friend told us about the car Geeks for Kids gave her child, and she thought Faith would love one too. She was right! It would be awesome if Faith could tool around with other kids in a car of her own.”

We are hard at work designing and building Faith a car. She will be able to control it with just a press of a button. (And, maybe soon we can add some bubbles!)

Faith reminds us why we do what we do. She - like every child - deserves the freedom to explore without limits. We can’t wait to see Faith and all our other sweet, deserving kids get racing during our upcoming delivery season.

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Impact Drivers

Copaken Brooks

Strong partnerships make sustained impact possible. Copaken Brooks is one of those partners; they have provided a “home’ for LEARN’s Geeks for Kids program since its second year. It has allowed our team to grow production from just 18 cars a year to nearly a 100 last year.

“At Copaken Brooks, we are proud to support Geeks for Kids because their work creates such a meaningful and immediate impact for children with mobility challenges,” says Blake Marsh, Property Manager of CBDI at Copaken Brooks. “Providing space for the design and building of adaptive vehicles allows innovative solutions to take shape, giving kids the freedom to explore, play and engage more fully with the world around them.”

Our workshop, made possible by Copaken Brooks, is more than just a physical space; it is a hub of creativity and problem-solving, and highlights the powerful and tangible role businesses can play in improving lives. Access to a dedicated space is critical for this work, ensuring that tools, materials and teams can come together seamlessly.

“This partnership reflects our belief that thoughtful investment in our community can unlock potential and create moments of joy and connection for families. We are honored to play even a small role in supporting a mission that is truly life changing,” shares Marsh.

We are deeply grateful for Copaken Brooks’s continued commitment. Their support helps turn generosity into action. The space they provide ensures that our children explore, learn and grow in mobility devices built just for them.

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Hitting the Road

Planes and Pavement

Every summer, families start dreaming about their next adventure. When your child has mobility limitations, those plans take a bit more intention, but both road trips and air travel can be part of the journey.

On the road, you have the gift of flexibility. You can stop when your child needs a break, carry all the luggage you want (or, at least, what your vehicle will carry), adjust for comfort and keep all your gear within reach.

A little preparation makes a road trip roll along more smoothly:

• Map out accessible stops ahead of time.
• Plan for frequent breaks.
• Pack thoughtfully, including backups for essential equipment.

The ability to move at your own pace can turn the drive itself into a relaxed, enjoyable part of the trip.

Flying brings a different kind of ease — covering long distances quickly and expanding your travel options. With some advance planning, it can be a smooth experience.

• Notify the airline about your child’s needs.
• Arrive early to allow time for assistance.
• Keep important items in your carry-on.
• Pack any mobility devices that must be checked carefully to reduce the risk of damage.

Understanding the support available at the airport and on the plane can make a big difference in reducing stress.

Whether you are cruising down the highway or heading through the airport, preparation is your best travel companion. With a flexible mindset and a bit of extra planning, your family can focus less on the logistics and more on what matters most … spending time together and making summer memories.

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Tech Talk

Adaptive Seating Supports Growth

Many everyday moments — bath time, sitting to play or swinging outside — can require specialized support if kids with mobility limitations are to fully participate. We are always on the lookout for new designs and innovations that can better meet our kids’ needs.

Adaptive equipment, including adaptive seating, helps make so many everyday moments possible. A few great examples include:

• The Firefly Splashy bath chair offers modular customization for different positioning needs.
• The Tumble Forms Floor Sitter supports upright engagement for play and learning.
• The adaptive Jenn Swing creates a safe, joyful way for kids to experience motion and freedom.

Each of these highlights the power of thoughtful, adaptive design. Our takeaway from these and other great support systems is simple: small design decisions can create meaningful access. Adjustable supports, secure positioning systems and sensory-friendly features can transform everyday activities into inclusive experiences.

When we design with safety and inclusion in mind, we create more than equipment — we create opportunities for every child to explore and thrive.

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