UNL students modify cars for children with limited mobility
A group of University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineering students are working on a special project, small electric cars modified for children with limited mobility.
A nonprofit called “Smile” purchased the cars.
They have had a few recipients prior to this one so they have an idea of what the kids look like when they see a car built to their own unique needs.
“That’s the reason why we named our nonprofit, Smile, because the first thing you see when the child receives the car is a great big smile,” said Rick Sebek.
One of UNL’s engineering students has been working on the cars outside of class.
“On this one we’re working on now, we’re moving the seat back a little bit and giving it more stability and then putting on a different harness to add a little extra safety,” said Jonah Devoer.
Three children ranging from 2 to 5 years old will go home with a toy car.
The children are in Madonna’s Pediatric Outpatient Therapy. Each was able to choose their favorite toy car and then modifications were made.
“These cars not only help them with there independent mobility but it’s also fun,” said Rick Sebek.
“It’s really cool to me to use what I’ve been learning and use some of the different skills that I’ve developed to help give back to the community and just see how we’re able to make a difference in someone’s lives,” said Devoer.
The nonprofit started in February of this year. When they found out that 30,000 kids a year could benefit from the cars, they knew they needed to take action.
“When you have a child with special needs, you don’t always have the money, even the 3 to 5 hundred dollars it takes to modify one of these cars.. they don’t have it and if we can make a difference in that way and change the lives of the direction of these kids.. that’s really why we’re here,” said Dawn Sebek.
Smile in collaboration with Madonna Research Institute and Rolling Hills Trading Inc. will present the cars to the kids on Friday, November 2nd.
If you would like more information on the nonprofit, Smile, click the link below.
