Title : Go Baby Go: Exploring the impact on children with disabilities in Chihuahua, Mexico
Abstract:
In Mexico, over 6 million people live with disabilities, constituting approximately 5% of the total population. Among children, the lack of access to assistive technologies significantly limits their participation in society, with fewer than 10% having access to essential mobility aids. Go Baby Go is a community-based program that provides modified ride-on cars to young children with disabilities. Its mission is to create affordable mobility solutions that promote independence and improve the quality of life for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. This study investigates the feasibility and impact of establishing a sustainable network of support to extend the reach and effectiveness of mobility aids in Chihuahua, Mexico, aiming to transform pediatric healthcare and accessibility in the region.
Methods: This study was conducted with 15 children (ages 2-8) with mobility or intellectual disabilities in Chihuahua, Mexico. Participants were selected based on their height (less than 1.20 meters) and the presence of physical disability. Exclusion criteria included uncontrolled epilepsy and non exisiting cephalic control. Each child underwent a comprehensive evaluation by a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician and physical therapist to determine the most appropriate assistive device. The evaluation assessed cephalic and trunk control, posture, upper and lower extremity range of motion, muscle strength, and included a parent perception questionnaire. Biomedical engineers then customized the mobility devices to meet each child’s specific needs and therapeutic goals. Following the adaptation process, the children and their caregivers participated in physical therapy sessions, which included training on device use and driving techniques.
Results: Over 60% of the children demonstrated improvements in range of motion following the intervention. Parent feedback, collected through the perception questionnaire, indicated 100% satisfaction with the mobility aids, and all families reported increased outdoor playtime for their children. While the devices and materials were primarily imported from the U.S., the average cost of $500-700 USD per device was considered affordable, despite the additional importation expenses.
Conclusion: The Go Baby Go program represents a transformative initiative that not only enhances mobility and independence for children with disabilities but also promotes a broader culture of inclusion and diversity within the community. By creating accessible, tailored solutions and fostering parental involvement, the program has the potential to significantly impact pediatric healthcare and accessibility in underserved regions like Chihuahua, Mexico.
