ORLANDO, Fla. — A team of therapists from the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, along with a group from UCF’s Department of Physical Therapy, built specialized, ride-in toy cars for four toddlers with disabilities.
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The kids suffer from conditions like hemiplegia and spina bifida, which can severely limit their mobility.
The toy cars are designed specifically to fit each child, enabling them to independently explore their surroundings.
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“Mobility allows children to explore their environment so that they can learn new things, interact and socialize with peers on their level and discover the world around them,” said Jennifer Smith, Supervisor of Rehabilitation Services at Arnold Palmer.
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The cars also serve a therapeutic purpose, helping to improve core strength by allowing the kids to remain upright while moving.
Formed in UCF”s Physical Therapy department in 2015, the “Go Baby Go!” program is dedicated to “providing innovative mobility solutions for children in Central Florida.”
It’s part of a national organization that specializes in low-cost mobility solutions.
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“Partnering with Orlando Health helps us meet children who have mobility needs where they are,” said the director of the program, Jennifer Tucker. “We want as many families as possible to know about the low-tech and innovative mobility solutions we offer.”
The program builds the cars for children as young as nine months.
Cox Media Group
