Drew Ann Long
From one Mother's Mission to a Movement That's Redefining Inclusion
Meet Drew Ann Long—motivational speaker, inventor of Caroline’s Cart, and the unapologetic voice for innovation, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership.
Drew Ann Long
Founder, Caroline's Cart
Founder, Caroline's Cause
Author, "Game Changer: The Remarkable Story of Caroline's Cart"
Caroline's Cart is Trusted by Thousands of Retailers, Empowering Millions of Families.
and more!
Across 15,000+ Stores and counting.
Now in all 50 U.S. states and 8 countries around the globe.
Drew is the inventor of Caroline's Cart, the first patented special needs grocery cart for older children and adults with disabilities.
"Alabama mom's special needs shopping cart makes splash"
She even got encouragement from First Lady Michelle Obama, whom she met at a fundraiser several years ago. “She said, ‘Why do moms always come up with the best ideas?'”
Very first prototype of Caroline's Cart, 2011
“Drew Ann Long, the founder of Caroline’s Cart, is the definition of determination and perseverance. While she humbly asserts that she isn’t an inventor, her journey to learn and navigate engineering, manufacturing, patent law, etc., proves otherwise. Her decade-long dedication to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can navigate a retail environment is remarkable and inspiring.”
— William White, Chief Marketing Officer,
From a back-of-the-napkin sketch to international impact.
What started small in 2011, changed everything.
MEET DREW ANN LONG
Vibrant. Visionary. Unstoppable.
Drew Ann Long turned frustration into innovation when she designed Caroline’s Cart—the first patented grocery cart for individuals with special needs. Her invention didn’t just change retail; it changed lives.
Today, Drew Ann is a sought-after speaker for conferences, corporations, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Her keynotes blend infectious energy with unfiltered truth, storytelling, and practical inspiration that leaves audiences empowered to make change where it matters most.
SPEAKING EXPERIENCE WITH
United States Access Board, National Council on Disability, Members of US Congress, Disability Conferences, Retail Events, Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Women's Groups, Colleges and Universities, Therapy Conferences, Church Communities
Certified professional Speaker
Professional Speakers Bureau International
“Drew fully absorbed the training and delivered with clarity, impact, and professionalism. She’s now a Certified Professional Speaker, and an exceptional one at that.”
— Dan Eckelman, Professional Speakers Bureau Intl.
Signature Topics
1
The Inclusion Mindset
2
Two Decades of Caregiving and Counting
3
7 Steps of An Innovator
4
The Life of the Special Needs Family
5
The Power
of the Mompreneur
NOTABLE AWARDS
2019 Entrepreneurship Award, Shelby County Chamber
2013 International da Vinci Award for Transportation & Mobility
2024 National Award for Distinguished Service Alabama disABILITY Conference
Named to "THE LIST" by the National Retail Foundation of People Shaping Retail's Future
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DREW ANN LONG
“I first heard Drew Ann when she was a guest on a radio program talking about Caroline’s Cart. She immediately captured my attention, and I knew I wanted to book her to speak for an upcoming event. I was drawn in by her energy, her passion, and of course, her incredible story. As a professional speaker and trainer myself, I recognized her ability to connect with her audience and found her authenticity refreshing. Her talk inspired laughter and tears, and most of all hope and encouragement. Drew Ann Long embodies the spirit of tenacity, faith and entrepreneurship, and encourages us not to give up on our calling.”
Carol S. Dodgen, Owner, Dodgen Security Consulting
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DREW ANN LONG
“Drew Ann Long is a trailblazer for the special needs community. As a father of a son with special needs, I fully understand the daily struggles that special needs parents encounter. Her commitment to solving the problem of accessible shopping is remarkable and has transformed the retail shopping experience for millions of families. Her years of overcoming countless obstacles and challenges have paved the way for safe, accessible shopping for all.”
Ben Hinnen, CEO, Wanzl North America
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DREW ANN LONG
“Caroline’s Cart can be a game-changer for families, and we're excited to offer this for our guests across the country. Target is always looking for new ways to make guests feel welcome in our stores and give them a more comfortable shopping experience.”
Juan Galarraga, Senior Vice President, Store Operations, Target
THE FOUNDATION
Caroline's Cause
Caroline’s Cause awards scholarships to qualifying high school seniors who has a sibling with a severe intellectual disability. These students, often quiet champions, are recognized not only for their academic achievement, but for the compassion and resilience they live every day.
Caroline's Cause celebrates the student and the sibling, because every family hero deserves to be seen.