The Maryland School for the Blind and the University of Delaware. Team up for “Go Kids Go!” Workshop
The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB) and the University of Delaware Pediatric Mobility Lab and Design Studio are partnering on a program that adapts “off the shelf” electronic ride-on cars for children with disabilities, including visual impairments.
The “Go Kids Go!” workshop, which is based on the “Go Baby Go!” project, a national program that was designed by Dr. Cole Galloway of the University of Delaware, will take place on December 19 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm on the campus of MSB. The workshop, which is designed for early intervention professionals and families of children with disabilities is open to teams comprising of 2- 5 members including service providers, therapists and family members of a child receiving services. Participants will have the opportunity to adapt one of two model cars using a mix of high tech and low tech features – such as roll bars made out of PVC pipe, switch activation and adapted seating.
Research has shown that increasing the mobility opportunities of a non-ambulatory child has a positive impact on their social skills and other development. Dr. Samuel Logan and his team from UD have done extensive research on the impact of improved mobility opportunities for young children with moderate to severe disabilities, including visual impairment.
The workshop agenda includes a presentation by Dr. Logan and his team who will present an overview of their research, the purpose of the program and safety guidelines for the adaptation of the ride-on cars. The participating teams will then have four hours to adapt their cars. At 2:30 pm, there will be a demonstration of the ride-on cars, final fittings for children and the opportunity for them to test-drive the cars.
As a statewide resource center, MSB provides outreach, educational and residential services for students to reach their fullest potential by preparing them to be as successful, independent, and well-rounded contributing members of their communities as possible. Annually MSB serves 73 percent of the 1,800 students identified in Maryland who are blind or visually impaired from birth to age 21. For more information visitwww.marylandschoolfortheblind.
For more information on the “Go Baby Go!” project as designed by the University of Delaware, visithttp://www.udel.edu/gobabygo/
Video is available at: http://www.wonderbaby.org/
For more information contact Dotty Raynor @410-319-5722 or dottyr@mdschblind.org
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This article was published on 20th December 2014, for the International Human Solidarity Day, in Global Education Magazine.
