SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A group of college students in our area are making sure kids with disabilities are still able to be ‘on the go’.
28/22 News has more from the University of Scranton on how this program is providing children's cars to families at no cost.
The vehicles are some pretty sweet rides for kids.
They may look like toys, but that’s not the case; these were customized and made for children with disabilities. All part of the ‘Go Baby Go’ chapter at the University of Scranton.
“Last year, a kid couldn’t use his foot, he couldn’t use his right hand very well, so he couldn’t steer at all, so we put a joystick in the car for him, and the joystick drove the car,” explained Tyler Roueche, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Scranton.
In its second year, more than 60 students helped recruit nine local children to find and create their perfect set of wheels.
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“The families come in with their children and all the team members take measurements, they learn about the child and the family, and the child’s needs and interests,” said Kaitlyn Gelman, an occupational therapy student at the University of Scranton.
Decked out in different colors, sizes, and accessories, each one is made specifically for the child. Giving them the capability to drive it themselves through the use of a hand accelerator, or with the help from someone else using a remote controller.
“I had an aunt who had cerebral palsy, so I kind of know some of that world, but it’s nice to learn more about these and how to adapt these children to have a normal life, almost,” explained Elizabeth Powers, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Scranton.
Getting ready to be unveiled to the kids and their families at its 2nd annual community event on Sunday, students are eager to show off their hard work.
“A lot of the families and the parents were crying when they came out in the cars just because they have that sense of independence that they didn’t have prior, and they get to do something in a car that’s something that any other kid could have,” said Cassie Hintze, an occupational therapy student and the Go Baby Go coordinator.
The program is funded through the Edward Leahy endowment, meaning it is free for families.
OT faculty specialist Stephanie Denaples says it's more than just gifting a car, but helping build connections in the community.
“The families get to meet other families with children with disabilities to share resources, share stories, because sometimes it can be kind of isolating to have a child with a disability when you don’t have the same play opportunities as other kids have,” said Denaples.
The University of Scranton's Go Baby Go community day is taking place on Sunday at the Byron Center from noon to 4:00 p.m.
