URI students create specialized cars for children with disabilities

By Alana Cerrone

acerrone@abc6.com

@Alana_Cerrone

Jackie Orent never thought her son would be cruising around in a toy car.

That’s because 4-year-old Ben has cerebral palsy.

"It’s definitely not something we ever thought he could do…"

But now, thanks to students at URI, that will be possible.

It’s called Lil’ Rhody Riders –  a collaboration between physical therapy and biomedical engineering students for their senior project.

"We primarily discuss goals…what each parent wants to get out of this project for their child…and then we send all the information over to the engineers."

Those engineers designed safety features for the cars, like an ultrasonic distance detector.

"It can detect the distance between the car and an object like a wall…and if we’re within a certain range…we’ll be able to turn the car off."

For children like Ben, the cars will be fun…but will also motivate them to practice muscle control.

"For example a child may have difficulty using their left arm…we can think of ways to encourage them to use that left arm…we can have power come from the right but they have to steer with the left."

So far, six families are signed up to get specialized cars that meet the needs of their child.

Over the next few months students will  use 3D printers, PVC piping, and lots of re-wiring to make specific modifications, like a finger-controlled device.

"This is for someone with really really limited mobility."

And for kids who can’t use their legs to press a pedal, there’s a special head-controlled device.

"They’ll have to put their head back if they want the car to go."

Students hope to give Ben his specialized car in the next couple of months.

© WLNE-TV 2015