For children with limited mobility, a customized ride-on Jeep can open up a world of possibilities.
At Missouri State University’s Go Baby Go fitting day on Oct. 7, several children got behind the wheel of adapted Jeeps, gaining new ways to move, play and explore on their own.
The event brought together second-year master’s and doctoral students in occupational therapy (OT), children and their families.
In the weeks before the event, students worked with families to learn about each child’s needs. They then used their skills in assistive technology, positioning, mobility and clinical reasoning to adapt battery-powered ride-on Jeeps. The modifications helped children move and explore their surroundings more independently.
“The opportunity for independent movement, exploration, play and participation is really at the heart of the program,” said Dr. Jennifer Yates, assistant professor of OT and coordinator of Go Baby Go.
Yates has led the program for six years through her Environmental Adaptation and Assistive Technology course. Go Baby Go began in 2012 at the University of Delaware and focuses on providing affordable mobility solutions for children with limited mobility.
The moment it all comes together
On fitting day, the children get to test the special Jeeps the students developed.
Six student teams each worked with a child to adapt a Jeep to meet the child’s needs. Master’s student Heather Vlietstra’s team customized a Jeep for an 11-month-old girl.
The team had to find creative ways to adapt the Jeep for such a young child. She had limb differences and could not reach the steering wheel while sitting securely in the harness. To help her operate the car, the team added seat padding and spacers to make the button on the steering wheel, which triggers the car to move, easier to reach.
The experience taught Vlietstra the importance of flexibility and problem-solving in OT.
“Your client will always surprise you, and nothing works perfectly for the first time in the real world, so you have to adapt,” Vlietstra said. “This particular skill of modification on the fly can’t be done in the classroom.”
The team also decorated the Jeep with Winnie-the-Pooh stickers to match the theme of the girl’s upcoming first birthday party.
Small adjustments, big possibilities
After weeks of planning and building, the team was thrilled to see the girl press the button and drive her Jeep for the first time. Seeing her enjoy the experience made the effort worthwhile.
“It was an incredible feeling,” Vlietstra said. “We’ve been working on these Jeeps for several weeks, and seeing the smiles on the faces of the kid and the parents is heartwarming.”
Working with a family also helped Vlietstra better understand how OT can benefit the whole family. When a child gains greater independence, he or she has more opportunities to play and connect with others.
“These adapted vehicles benefit not only the child but also the family and the whole community as they all interact in a new way,” Vlietstra said.
The vehicles offer children more than a chance to ride around. They let them explore their surroundings, play with siblings and peers, and participate in activities they might otherwise miss, fostering more independence and social interaction.
“The gift of movement is an incredible one, and I’m so glad the OT program can nurture it in these wonderful children,” Vlietstra said.
Powered by community support
Generous sponsors make this program free for families.
Among them are David and Stacey O’Reilly, who have supported the program for the past two years. David is the executive vice chair of the O’Reilly Auto Parts board. He and his wife attended the fitting day and saw firsthand the program’s impact on families.
One parent, Amber Ennis, said that her son has “already had so much fun” with his Jeep.
