Mercer University’s 14th Annual Go Baby Go Event: Advancing Pediatric Mobility through Adaptive Toy Cars
Mercer University continues its inspiring tradition by hosting the 14th annual Go Baby Go event, a heartwarming initiative dedicated to modifying ride-on Power Wheels and Fisher-Price toy cars to support children facing mobility challenges. This community-driven program showcases the university’s commitment to assistive technology and providing mobility solutions that improve quality of life for pediatric populations.
Innovative Adaptive Toy Car Builds Empowering Children with Limited Mobility
The event, hosted by Mercer University’s Engineering Honors Program alongside the Tift College of Education, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University Center Intramural Court No. 3. For nearly a decade, Mercer has been at the forefront of socially impactful engineering projects, modifying battery-powered toy cars to accommodate the unique needs of children with limited mobility in approximately 15 families this year.
- Customization of Fisher-Price and Power Wheels ride-on vehicles to fit individual children’s physical needs
- Integration of assistive technology to maximize safety and ease of use
- Hands-on experience for undergraduate engineering and education students
- Collaboration with occupational therapists to tailor modifications
- Outreach to local families for creating inclusive mobility opportunities
Since its inception in 2016 at Mercer, the program has provided over 178 children with tailored mobility solutions, enhancing both their independence and social interaction possibilities.
Educational Synergy: How Mercer Unites Multiple Disciplines to Serve the Community
Go Baby Go is a nationally recognized program that originated at the University of Delaware in 2012, emphasizing the collaboration between families, clinicians, engineers, and educators to foster mobility and socialization for children with disabilities. Mercer University exemplifies this multidisciplinary approach by engaging not only engineering students but also those studying education, emphasizing the holistic development of each child.
- Engineering students gain firsthand experience applying electronic and mechanical principles
- Education students interact with families and observe pediatric mobility challenges directly
- Faculty mentorship from experts in engineering, occupational therapy, and child development
- Student-athlete volunteers provide logistical and familial support
- Corporate sponsorship from Hutchinson Automotive Group enhances resource availability
Through practical participation, education students bring classroom theories on child and family development into real-world impact, supporting children’s holistic growth beyond academics. This cross-disciplinary effort not only strengthens Mercer’s academic fabric but also fosters lifelong service values among students.
Transforming Lives with Assistive Technology: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Go Baby Go
Central to the Go Baby Go initiative is the integration of occupational therapy expertise to ensure that each adaptive toy car is safe, functional, and tailored specifically to the child’s individual mobility needs. Occupational therapists provide invaluable insight during the design and modification stages, focusing on:
- Ergonomic fitting of controls to match pediatric motor skills
- Ensuring accessibility and ease-of-use within the child’s daily life context
- Enhancing social participation through independent mobility
- Preventing future physical strain or injury due to improper seating or control layout
- Collaborating with families to ensure holistic child-centered care
These contributions underscore the importance of occupational therapy in pediatric mobility, illustrating how assistive technology advances can be both innovative and deeply compassionate. Families receive not only a customized vehicle but also guidance on maximizing its benefits for the child’s development and social engagement.
Supporting Family Involvement and Safety Education in Pediatric Mobility Solutions
Mercer University’s approach through the Go Baby Go event thoughtfully incorporates family involvement. Parents and caregivers participate alongside students and faculty, building relationships and gaining expert knowledge about safe usage and maintenance of these adaptive toy cars.
- Personalized fitting sessions ensure vehicles meet family and child expectations
- Safety guidance integrates current best practices akin to those discussed in car seat safety awareness
- Education on optimizing mobility to promote independence and confidence
- Follow-up resources on child development and mobility management available at nurturing infants and toddlers
- Access to multimedia educational content to reinforce learning, including videos from BabaSharo YouTube Education
This family-centered philosophy ensures sustainable and effective use of the adaptive technologies long after the event concludes, amplifying the positive impact on the children’s developmental journey.