New Equipment Alert: OMBRELO™ Special-Needs Stroller Now Available on MDI Transport (Size 3)
Supporting safe, comfortable travel for children and young teens with neuromuscular conditions
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is pleased to announce that a Size 3 OMBRELO™ special-needs stroller is now available for use through the MDI Transport Service. This equipment will be used exclusively in MDI vehicles, providing enhanced comfort, postural support, and safe, reliable travel for service users who require additional assistance during journeys.
Designed specifically for children and young adolescents living with neuromuscular conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, congenital muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and similar conditions, the OMBRELO™ stroller is a significant upgrade in ensuring that all passengers receive care that meets their physical and medical needs.
Why the OMBRELO™?
1. Designed for Postural Support and Comfort
The OMBRELO™ features the BodyPrint™ seating system, which allows precise backrest and seat adjustments to support individual posture, tone, and alignment needs. Its fixed 30° seat tilt promotes pelvic stability and trunk control, reducing fatigue and discomfort over long journeys. This is especially beneficial for users who may otherwise experience pain, poor posture, or reduced stamina during transport.
2. Improved Travel Experience for Children and Young Teens
The Size 3 model suits users approximately 100–150 cm tall and up to 55 kg, with flexible seating dimensions to accommodate growth and changes in physical condition. With adjustable seat depth, back height, and a comfortable headrest, the stroller offers a secure and supportive travel environment tailored to the unique needs of each user.
3. Lightweight, Foldable, and Practical for MDI Transport
Its lightweight aluminium frame and foldable design make it easy to load into MDI’s fleet of accessible vehicles, while FlipFlap™ swing-away footrests improve access for transfers and carers. This makes it a convenient option not only for daily travel, but also for appointments, respite care, family outings, and MDI events.
4. Crash-Tested and Travel-Safe
Certified under EN 7176-19, the OMBRELO™ is crash-tested for vehicle use, allowing users to remain safely seated and secured during transport. It includes integrated tie-down points and a 5-point safety harness, ensuring maximum security and peace of mind for families and caregivers.
Enhanced Benefits for MDI Transport Users
The OMBRELO™ stroller offers significant advantages for MDI service users, improving the quality, safety, and dignity of their travel experience:
· Reduced fatigue and discomfort during journeys, especially for users who tire easily in standard wheelchairs
· Improved positioning and stability, which can help prevent postural deterioration and support respiratory health during travel
· Enhanced access to community participation, healthcare appointments, social events, and family visits, thanks to increased comfort and confidence in transport
· Promotes independence by offering a dignified and age-appropriate mobility solution for young service users
· Reliable, consistent support for families and caregivers, knowing their loved one is safe and secure during travel
This new equipment reflects MDI’s continued commitment to user-centred care, making sure each journey is as comfortable, supported, and empowering as possible.
Who Is This For?
This stroller is ideal for service users who:
· Need a portable, supportive seating solution for travel in MDI vehicles
· Experience fatigue or discomfort using standard wheelchairs during transport
· Are in the early to mid-stages of neuromuscular conditions and benefit from strategic postural support
It may be particularly helpful for individuals with:
· Duchenne muscular dystrophy
· Congenital muscular dystrophy
· Spinal muscular atrophy (Types II–III)
· Brittle bone disease
· Post-surgical recovery requiring seated positioning and support
Use with MDI Transport
The OMBRELO™ Size 3 stroller is available on request for use in MDI vehicles only. All MDI drivers have been trained in its safe setup, securement, and handling.
It can be arranged for regular or occasional use, such as:
· Hospital or therapy appointments
· Respite care and social events
· Family visits
· MDI community activities and events
To Access the Stroller:
1. The service user must be assessed by a CNS, OT, or physiotherapist to confirm suitability.
2. MDI Transport will coordinate use based on individual travel needs.
3. The stroller will be adjusted, secured, and handled by trained MDI staff to ensure optimal safety and comfort.
Referrals & Further Information
Healthcare professionals, therapists, or family support teams interested in arranging use of the OMBRELO™ stroller can contact:
📞 01 623 6414
Let’s continue to work together to ensure that every journey made through MDI is as safe, supported, and comfortable as possible—because access, dignity, and wellbeing matter every step of the way.