Ten children who aren't able to walk are now zooming in motorized cars with help from a program from the University of Central Florida.
- UCF program provides toy cars for kids with disabilities
- UCF modifies toy cars into affordable mobility systems
The Go Baby Go! program gave 10 modified child-sized cars from kids who came as far away as Georgia.
UCF Go Baby Go! program began in 2015 as part of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which works to help people with limited mobility get around easier.
Physical therapy professor Jennifer Tucker teamed up with Orlando Health volunteers to make it happen.
"Children, they learn through movement," Tucker said. "That's how children learn. We know the work of children is play, and if they can't move, then you need to wait for the world to come to you. And that limits your opportunities for play."
Volunteers help take motorized toy cars and modify them into affordable mobility systems.
"A battery operated car would normally require the child to push like a gas pedal, or steer," Tucker said. "What we do is we do some rewiring and put a very simple push button on the steering wheel. So all the child needs to do is make contact with that button with their hand, their arm, sometimes their belly, and that will drive the car."
The car also features seat belts, a back rest and sides to keep the child safe while they drive around.
The kids tested out their new cars by racing them around the facility.
UCF regularly gives toy cars to children with limited mobility. To find out more information, head to the Go Baby Go! website.