INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Skills on Wheels is a one-of-a-kind program in Indianapolis preparing children who use a wheelchair for daily life. The program partners trained Riley Children’s Hospital professionals and IU occupational or physical therapy students to teach various skills.

With five activity stations, ramps, and obstacle courses, the team helps kids between six and 17 years old learn skills. The program often focuses on rolling forward and backward, going up and down hills, or navigating crowded areas.

The program is the only one like it currently operating in the world.

7-year-old Zoey McCord came to the program for the first time in 2024.

“When we came here for the first time, she said ‘Mom, they are all just like me!’” Zoey’s mom, Leslie McCord, said.

Zoey was born with Spina Bifida. Since she was 2.5 years old, she’s moved through the world with a wheelchair.

When Zoey was first introduced to her wheelchair, there was little training given to the McCord family.

Through the family made sure Zoey had everything she needed to thrive, they were often alone. Skills on Wheels helped in creating community.

“This has been that one piece that has been missing from all of my kids lives, I call my patients my kids. This is that piece that just finally connects the equipment that I get to give them it’s like real life situations,” the program’s Clinical Director Tiffany Stead said.

Stead helped in developing the program and Dr. Tony Chase is the program’s director.

“We worked with some collaborators over in Ireland who were doing some wheelchair skills training, but not specifically pediatric focused,” Chase said.

The program isn’t just special in that focus, it also makes sure to support the entire family.

During the day, parents can visit the Caregiver Corner and siblings can enjoy the Sib Crib.

“We also have something called Sib Crib for our siblings, where they’re playing, having fun while their siblings are learning, but then they’re also doing some activities that involve understanding of disability, and advocacy,” Chase said.

The program’s approach is backed by data, too.

“We’ve published a few articles, and they’ve all really lean towards increased confidence, increased participation in home, school, and their community and decreased in fear of falling out of their chair, they’re not as scared of it,” Chase said.

The McCords agree.

“It’s just seeing her confidence and like, when she’s around only able-bodied people, she starts to feel kind of down on herself,” McCord said. “So, her being constantly around these friends just makes her feel like, ‘Oh, I have a community. I have a space.’ I would love for this program to just explode.”