University of North Florida Upgrades Toys for Special Needs Kids
Since 2014, professors and students at the University of North Florida have worked hard to adapt popular toys and make them safe for children with disabilities. This year, the team is working on ride-on cars with an important addition: Bluetooth control.
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Children are referred to the UNF Adaptive Toy Project, and the application asks about each child’s unique conditions or injuries. The student teams at the school – comprised of students from both the engineering and physical therapy departments – then look at what modifications would help that child interact with the vehicle.
When speaking with local CBS affiliate Action News Jax this month, one student said that the car she was working on was for someone with an incomplete spinal cord injury. To help them stay secure in the seat, they fitted the ride with additional padding. The team added a tray as well that would let them use their arms to support themselves better.
This year, the UNF team is adding a special feature to its cars to give parents peace of mind. Each toy is fitted with a device that lets adults with a smartphone app take control of the steering and acceleration via Bluetooth. It will let them slow down the car if the child pulls too far ahead, or correct their steering to avoid a collision or going into traffic.
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If you’re interested in the UNF Adaptive Toy Project, you can visit its website to learn more about the team, how to refer a child, or how to donate to support their work. We applaud the students and faculty on keeping such a cool and inspiring plan going.
News Source: UNF Adaptive Toy Project, Action News Jax
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