First Coast Cruisers 6th Annual Community Event Go Baby Go Coming Soon!
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First Coast Cruisers will be hosting its 6th annual community event on April 15, 2023, to modify ride-on toy cars for young children with impaired mobility. First Coast Cruisers is a chapter of the worldwide initiative, Go Baby Go. Go Baby Go serves children with disabilities by providing battery-operated adapted cars free of cost through community, research, design, and outreach programs.
This year’s event will bring exciting changes to our chapter. We will be utilizing a new venue, the Cuba Hunter Community Center, for our build space and giveaway event. We will be introducing a larger size Jeep vehicle to accommodate the growing need for power mobility in older children. Each modified car and Jeep will be adapted to allow for easier activation and steering. The vehicles will have adapted seating with 5-point harnesses added for improved safety and participation. The child’s favorite characters, colors, and interests will be showcased on their modified vehicle for a special personalized touch.
The toy vehicles will be built and modified by a team of dedicated volunteers in the morning before the giveaway. Volunteers follow step-by-step directions to rewire and structurally modify each vehicle. After completion, the cars will be inspected for safety by engineers and pediatric therapists. This is followed by a car rally event in which each child has the opportunity to drive their vehicle in front of a cheering crowd as they experience the magic of power mobility.
Research shows that children with access to power mobility are better facilitated with learning opportunities, socialization, and self-esteem. Alternatively, a lack of independent movement in children increases risk of developmental, cognitive, and psychosocial delays. These modified toy cars will promote critical early mobility in each child by allowing independent exploration and play, opportunities they may not have otherwise.
Photos from Go Baby Go 2022
If you know a child who would benefit from a fun, kid-friendly form of power mobility, we are now accepting nominations for our April 15th event. Spots are limited and based on availability.
To see if your child may qualify, answer the following questions:
- Does your child have a mobility impairment?
- Can your child hold his/her head up in sitting?
- Can your child lift one or both arms up?
- Can your child see approximately 3 ft. in front of self?
- Does your child weigh less than 65 lbs?
If you answered yes to these questions, you can nominate your child by visiting our Go Baby Go webpage.
For questions, inquiries, or to be added to our email list for volunteer opportunities, please reach out at [email protected].
