UATF grant helps 4-year-old get some wheels

Four-year-old Emma received a grant from the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation so she could get a power wheel car to give her mobility. The Utah Center for Assistive Technology provided the adaptations to the car. 

By Rebecca Bell
Utah parent of child with special needs

The world of special needs parenting can be a magical one..... 

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip to Salt Lake City to the Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT). What an amazing and humbling experience it was. At UCAT they adapt every day items for people with disabilities. 

Emma test driving her new wheels.

UCAT's Ed Whiting chatting with Emma.

For Emma's 4th birthday, they gave her an adorable VW Beetle power wheels car. It has been adapted with a full support seat and 5 point harness. They re-wired it so that she just has to push a big button on the steering wheel rather than foot pedals. 

It was incredible to watch them work on a toy for four hours at no cost to us [UCAT provides labor for Go Baby Go cars free of charge, and the UATF grant covers the cost of the car]. I seriously had a lump in my throat through most of the visit, and when it was time for her to try it out I could hardly contain myself. 

The UCAT team working on adapting the car.

Play is so important and Emma doesn't have many things that she is able to play with independently. She is absolutely in LOVE with this little car. Thank you for making our little girl's year. You are with out a doubt, all in the right profession.  

Go Baby Go!