Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Go Baby Go?
Go Baby Go is a national, research-based program that provides modified, ride-on toy cars to young children with disabilities. The toy cars give children with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other mobility disabilities a chance to play and socialize with their peers more easily. The program was launched by founder Cole Galloway at the University of Delaware in 2012, expanded to Oregon State University under the direction of Sam Logan & to Oregon Health & Science University under the direction of Bethany Sloane in 2014.
For information about obtaining a car outside Oregon and Southern Washington, visit the University of Delaware’s GoBabyGo website, http://www.udel.edu/gobabygo/. The site includes contact information for program affiliates across the United States and around the world, as well as information about how to bring a car-modifying workshop to your area.
Why are the Toy cars and other equipment needed?
Generally this type of equipment is characterized as a therapeutic tool and is not easily accessible or affordable to families. There are currently no commercially available devices for young children with mobility issues to get around on their own; power wheelchairs usually aren’t an option until the children are older. The modified toys cars provide independence at a much younger age and at a relatively low cost. The cars and parts to adapt them typically run about $200.
Modified and adapted toys are not readily available in local toy stores, but can be ordered online from a specialty shop and are more expensive in price. This leaves families with decreased access to toys their children may more easily access for play.
Further, there are a not books readily available to children that have visual and motor difficulties to promote early literacy skills. We take off the shelf board books and adapt them using materials to add sensory components, assist with page turning, and highlight specific words and objects.
Who Benefits from the equipment?
We focus on early access to assistive technology! We encourage starting as young as possible to promote mobility, literacy, and communication development. Our cars are best suited for children age six months to three years. We do have some larger cars available, check out the cars specs sheet for sizing. Our toys and books are available for children of any age, check out the book and toy list.
How Is the Equipment MOdified?
Toys, Cars, and books are obtained from Amazon, local stores, or through donations. We use off-the-shelf toy cars (6 volts) and toys and place a port into them that can a large red button can be plugged into them that make it easy for children to operate the cars or access the toy. We further use materials and tools that can be obtained from your local hardware store (PVC pipe, pool noodles, kick boards, straps and harnesses) to add postural supports to the toy cars if needed. For the Adapted books we use materials from the local dollar store to add sensory components, page flutters for easier page turning, and materials to highlight words and objects on the pages for easier visual regard.
Who builds the equipment?
Volunteers! That consist of therapists, teachers, students, families, engineers, and our community partners. The Go Baby Go Committee teaches workshops, leads build nights, and provides education sessions (for CEUs!). Go Baby Go was created on the basis of the ability to share resources. Please let us know if you need any information or if you are interested in hosting a workshop!
How Do I obtain Equipment (Car, Book, and/or Toy)?
Fill out an application
This helps us get to know your child and their needs to ensure you get matched to the right piece of equipment. We will work with you to ensure the equipment is appropriate for your child’s needs.
We ask about your child’s current therapy services and we will reach out to your child’s therapist to ensure appropriate adaptations are made and help therapists use the equipment in their sessions.
We also ask about donations due to being a non-profit and volunteer run organization. If you are unable to donate we will work to fundraise for the equipment
Once an application is received, we review the contents and make sure we aren’t missing any information. You will receive an email confirmation within 2-3 weeks requesting additional information or informing you of an upcoming build when the equipment can be adapted. Typically the timeline to receive equipment is around 8-12 weeks.
Resources such as car user manual and additional information can be found by clicking here
How can I help?
Donations to support the program are accepted. A $200 donation covers the cost of one car plus modification supplies, $40 donation covers the cost of one toy plus modification supplies, $20 donation covers the cost of one book plus modification supplies. Checks to the Doernbecher Foundation, with Go Baby Go Oregon in the memo line, can be sent to the Child Development & Rehabilitation Center at 707 SW Gaines St Portland OR 97239 . Donations are also accepted online click the Donation button at the bottom of this page.
Volunteering. We are run solely on volunteer support. Check out the volunteer page to stay up to date on local events calendar, signs ups, and, links to our social media page.
Spread the word. Check us out on our linked social media pages to stay up to date.
What if my child does not need the equipment any longer or outgrows it?
We have a recyclery program. When your child has outgrown the car or you are no longer using the equipment, please donate it back to the Go Baby Go program. The equipment is then fixed up and further modified for another child to enjoy and learn from. If your child needs a larger car or a different toy or book, there are no additional costs or paperwork to receive the equipment.
What if something breaks or additional adaptations or modifications are needed?
Contact us! We will do our best to repair or switch out for another piece of equipment.