fbpx

Freedom Solutions Australia

Logo of Freedom Solutions Australia. The text "freedom solutions" is written in lowercase letters with "freedom" on top of "solutions," both in a bright blue colour. The letter "o" in "freedom" is stylised as a wheelchair symbol, representing inclusivity. Below "solutions," the word "australia" is written in smaller, lowercase letters. The logo also features a gear symbol integrated into the "o" of "solutions," signifying innovation and technology.
Menu

1300 663 243

Request a Service
Donate
Menu

Freedom Solutions launches the Safe Ride Project: To develop innovative products to keep children safe in cars

Freedom Solutions Australia is leading the innovative Safe Ride project, which is focused on finding better ways to keep children and adults with disability safe in cars.

Safe Ride:In-Vehicle Assistive Technology Innovation was funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

Together with project partners, Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia Ltd (MACA) and Toyota Australia, the Freedoms Solutions Australia team including volunteers and staff, came together to launch this important project.

Group of seven people smiling and standing outside the Freedom Solutions Australia building, which displays signs for both 'Freedom Solutions Australia' and 'Freedom Wheels.' The individuals are dressed in business casual attire, with the building's large windows visible behind them.
L-R: Shane Rowlands (Toyota), Emma Clarkson (MACA), Mark Matthews-Frederick (FSA), Leonie McCann (FSA), Cameron Brimelow (Toyota), Helen Lindner (MACA), Scott Miller (FSA).

Initially the Safe Ride project kicked off with a launch day event on June 5th 2024. The workshop involving volunteers and carers of children living with disability was the most significant part of the launch. We are so grateful for the individuals and families who have already, and will in the future, be involved in sharing their lived experience. This ongoing co-design input helps shape the product development and ensures the work is on track to deliver innovative assistive technology options that are safe, accessible and practical.

Funding for the Safe Ride innovation project came from the Australian Government through the National Road Safety Action Grants Program. The funding was for projects that develop, implement, and promote new technologies and practices, with the aim to reduce road-related injuries and fatalities.

A focus priority of the grant round we applied for was vulnerable road users, including children with disabilities. While the overall road toll has been on average reducing each year in Australia. The rate of children under the age of 7 killed in road crashes has not reduced at the same ratio.

This project represents a significant opportunity to deliver on the rights of children and adults with disabilities to equal choice and options for safe transport. Providing peace of mind to families and caregivers.

Innovative technology plays a crucial role in providing independence and choice for families. At Freedom Solutions Australia, our core mission is to develop custom equipment that meet the unique needs of individuals living with disabilities.

The goal of Safe Ride to develop assistive technology designs that comply with Australian Safety Standards and effectively address the safety concerns of road users living with disabilities. This project is not just about creating new products; it is about delivering on the rights of children and adults with disabilities to safe and secure transportation.

We are thrilled to partner with Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia (MACA) on this project. MACA brings a complex level of engagement to the sector, driving change across legislation, industry and research in order to meet the rights of children with disability to safe transport. Helen Linder and Emma Clarkson presented a concise overview of the research work conducted by MACA at the June 5th Safe Ride launch event. The public research and associated work from MACA on the buckle cover model policy was a key element in the foundation for the work of Safe Ride.

Our Freedom Solutions Australia volunteers’ expertise, creativity, and dedication are the heart of this project. With volunteers driving the design thinking process, engaging with the lived experience input and doing the innovation work.

We are also very excited to have the support of the Toyota Australia team. Giving the Safe Ride team access to a range of expert technical support over the 20 month project duration.

The team at Freedom Solutions look forward to sharing developments on this exciting project in the months ahead.

Safe Ride National Evaluation Day: Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 29th October 2025. This event in NSW will bring together volunteers, staff, partners, media, and MPs to present our findings. We will discuss lessons learned, outcomes achieved, plans and recommendations for future projects.