For a decade, the GoBabyGo at IU program has been crafting specialized power wheel toys, bringing joy and mobility to children with disabilities. This year, six families from across Indiana witnessed their dreams come true as their children received custom-built vehicles designed to enhance their quality of life.

Harnessing Innovation to Redefine Playtime

The initiative not only fosters inclusivity but also strengthens community bonds through collaborative efforts between physical therapy and engineering students.

Revolutionizing Mobility for Children

In Indianapolis, a groundbreaking project is transforming the lives of young ones who face significant challenges in movement and cognition. These aren’t ordinary ride-on toys; they represent hope, independence, and an opportunity for kids like Maggie Cotterman to join in on the fun that was previously out of reach. Her father, Trevor Cotterman, expressed immense gratitude for this milestone that marks a new chapter in his daughter’s life, allowing her to participate actively in family activities despite living with cerebral palsy.Maggie’s journey is emblematic of countless others navigating similar adversities. At just over a year old, she endured a prolonged seizure that compounded her health issues. However, thanks to the dedicated team at IU Indianapolis, led by Dr. Sara Davis, such stories now culminate in triumphs rather than limitations. Dr. Davis, the visionary behind the GoBabyGo at IU program and an adjunct professor in physical therapy, emphasized the profound impact these creations have on both recipients and creators alike. Witnessing the sheer delight on a child's face when they realize they can move independently is nothing short of magical.

The Three-Phase Process Behind Every Smile

This remarkable endeavor unfolds over three distinct phases spanning approximately three months. Families are selected from a waiting list and invited to participate in the initial evaluation phase. Here, student volunteers collaborate closely with each family to understand specific needs and incorporate personal touches into the design process. This step ensures that every vehicle aligns perfectly with individual therapeutic goals while reflecting the personality of its future owner.Following evaluations comes the construction phase, where participants receive guidance from Toyota experts. During this hands-on experience, volunteers learn intricate wiring techniques and adaptation methods necessary to customize standard power wheels into tailored mobility aids. Each modification is meticulously crafted to address unique requirements, ensuring maximum usability and safety.

A Celebration of Achievement and Potential

The culmination of this labor-intensive yet rewarding process occurs during “Play Day,” the final stage where completed vehicles are unveiled to eagerly awaiting families. For the Cottermans, this moment symbolized liberation—a chance for Maggie to engage fully with her environment alongside peers without restriction. As Mr. Cotterman humorously remarked, his daughter might even be prepared for city driving!Such outcomes underscore the importance of initiatives like GoBabyGo at IU in reshaping societal perceptions about disability and capability. By providing tools that promote autonomy, programs like these empower individuals to thrive beyond perceived boundaries.

Getting Involved in Making Dreams Reality

If you believe your loved one could benefit from joining this transformative journey or wish to contribute as a volunteer, opportunities abound. Simply complete the application form to place yourself on the waiting list or contact gobabygo@iu.edu for further details regarding participation. Together, we can continue building brighter futures filled with endless possibilities for all children, regardless of circumstance.