VCU news

By Carrie Carroll

Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University’s physical and occupational therapy program on Sunday will hold its second Go Baby Go giveaway for select patients and families.

The goal of Go Baby Go is to make power mobility more accessible to the 1-to-3-year-old patient population with significant mobile impairment, to maximize their exploratory ability and independence.

The program modifies ride-on-cars, such as Fisher-Price Power Wheels, and adapts the wiring and integrates switches and safety equipment to create modified power mobility. These cars are light, more easily transported, child-friendly and place their drivers at eye-level with their peers, allowing for better socialization. The cars were purchased with grant funding from the MCV Hospitals Auxiliary.

“Power wheelchairs are bulky,” said Katy Smotrys, physical therapist at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. “Evidence has shown that children as young as 18 months benefit from early power mobility. These ride-on cars are fun, child appropriate and they get the children down with their peers so they can interact better, while still providing that mobility piece.”

WHEN:             July 23, 1–2 p.m.                       

WHERE:            Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU - Brook Road Campus, Auditorium

                         2924 Brook Rd., Richmond, Virginia, 23220

WHO:               Select patients and families                         
                        Physical and occupational therapists