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.

Understood.org named a "Health Hero" by the Global Health Council. Apr 07, 2026, 07:00 ET The Global Health Council selected Understood for its deep commitment to advancing the health agenda for neurodivergent people worldwide Understood's impact will be featured in a short film released on World Health Day NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Understood.org is pleased to announce its participation in Global Health Council's (GHC) Health Heroes video series, highlighting its work to support neurodivergent kids and adults. As part of this global storytelling initiative, Understood will be featured in a video premiering on World Health Day (April 7). GHC is the leading membership organization supporting and connecting advocates, implementers and stakeholders around global health priorities. Through the Health Heroes series, GHC spotlights organizations and approaches that are contributing to improved health and well-being worldwide. "Understood.org has been on the front lines of closing critical gaps in understanding and support for the neurodivergent community," said Sean Kudzai Shumba, film project director of the Health Heroes series for the Global Health Council. "Health Heroes is reserved for organizations that demonstrate extraordinary commitment and impact, and by combining expertise and lived experience to champion this growing population, Understood is truly advancing the global health agenda." Providing expert-backed information to support all minds As part of the Health Heroes series, Understood is featured for its work supporting the neurodivergent community - a group of approximately 2 billion people worldwide. As awareness increases and diagnostic practices improve, this community is growing. More than half (51%) of Gen Z report having any kind of learning or thinking difference - significantly more than other generations.[1] Yet health, social and education systems haven't kept pace. With support lacking, many people with ADHD, dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions are going online to find answers. But misinformation is rampant. While online conversations around ADHD have exploded, a recent study found that over half of ADHD content on TikTok is false or misleading.[2] This can have real consequences; 43% of people regret health decisions they made based on misinformation.[3] That's where Understood plays a critical role. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering neurodivergent kids and adults, Understood delivers credible, evidence-based information, practical tools, and trusted guidance that help people better understand themselves and thrive. "It's an honor to be named a Health Hero by the Global Health Council. This recognition validates our work to ensure that neurodivergent people have the credible information and support they need not just to cope, but to thrive in school, at home, and at work," said Nathan Friedman, co-president and chief marketing officer at Understood.org. "The future is neurodiverse - and when we support neurodivergent people, we create a more inclusive and healthier future for everyone." The Health Heroes film highlights Understood News - which breaks down timely headlines around education, health care and policy that impact neurodivergent people - along with Understood's free, expert-vetted products like Through My Eyes and ADHD Unstuck. It also explores stigma and how Understood is helping to address the lack of accurate and empathetic portrayals of neurodivergence in media, advertising and entertainment through strategic partnerships like the Unstereotype Alliance, a UN Women convened initiative. How to watch the film Visit the Associated Press Health Heroes Hub to watch the film and learn more about Understood's mission and impact. About Understood.org Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges, skills and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence and find support and community so they can thrive. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. Understood is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in New York. For more information, to donate or to partner, visit u.org/media and follow us @UnderstoodOrg. SOURCE Understood for All, Inc.