Go Baby Go
The Need
A 5-year-old girl has Leigh’s Disease, which affects her body’s muscular system. Without the ability to control her movements, she can’t move where she wants to go. A common challenge for kids with mobility disabilities is their inability to move independently, which limits their ability to socialize with their peers.
The Project
The goal was to develop a way for the girl to move independently and socialize with her peers. The project built on the work of “Go Baby Go!”, a national program that encourages engineers and inventors to modify toy ride-on cars for young children with disabilities that affect their mobility. The little red fire truck was modified from the template developed by Dr. Cole Galloway, a professor at the University of Delaware. The fire truck was adapted to include a modified movement switch and PVC supports that allow the girl to rest her head while keeping her secure inside the car. Parents or teachers can also pull her around using built-in tow hooks. A Velcro-based restraint system keeps her safe in her seat, and it can be modified easily as she grows.
Current Status
The prototype is complete and was successfully tested by three students at the South Shore Educational Collaborative.