Last week we had the incredible privilege of receiving a ride-on car for Gage through the Go Baby Go! Program at Missouri State University. I’ve heard about the program before, which adapts vehicles for kids with mobility issues so they can sit in them and drive them independently. To my knowledge, this is the first time the program was available in Springfield though. I was excited for the opportunity to participate from the first time I heard about it, but I couldn’t have imagined how awesome it would be until we actually experienced it.
When we arrived and were waiting to be matched with our team of OT and Speech Therapy students, we were hanging out with all the other families. I would notice a mom and child who I only “knew” through Facebook connections and excitedly introduce myself and Gage. It was so nice to meet people in real life whose stories I’ve followed or whose advice I welcome via the internet. I told several MSU students and faculty that the day felt like a reunion of sorts of people I had never met in real life! There were also a few familiar faces of other kids and moms who we’d met through previous therapy sessions, etc. and seeing them there, excited like me, was so much fun!
A team of 5 eager students introduced themselves to us and took us back to see Gage’s car…a sweet SUV with shiny “chrome” wheels and his name on the hood! It is so cool! They wanted Gage to sit in it so they could get an idea what kind of adaptations would be needed to make it work for him. With Gage’s excitement level, his extension and tone were in full force. Getting him to sit down on his bottom was the first challenge, but once we wiggled his little booty down into the seat, the students could brainstorm how to make it supportive enough for him to sit independently. They were so wonderful to think up ideas and take input and suggestions from me and make them a reality. Once Gage realized he could drive the car himself by pushing a big red button on the steering wheel, he was happy to stay seated and make it GO! But he had to get out so the OT students could do more work, adding lateral supports and a taller head rest and harness.
Gage moved back to his wheelchair and was perfectly happy to soak up all the attention from the speech therapy students who helped him finish his lunch, blew bubbles and played all his favorite songs for him on You Tube. As they continued working away on Gage’s car, one by one, the other kids’ modifications were completed. Out of the corner of my eye, I’d catch a glimpse of a pink sports car zooming past the open door to the hallway, with the happiest little girl you’ve ever seen in the driver’s seat. The joy on all the kids’ faces when they took off was priceless.
Gage’s was the last car to be completed. He was totally patient throughout the process (again, because of all the attention being showered on him) and the wait was well worth it! Once we got him back into his car, I was so impressed how great the seating worked for him. Who knew what some PVC pipe and pool noodles could make possible? Gage was thrilled to take off, and nearly ran straight into a table, but one of the OT professors made a diving leap to keep him safe! That prompted a reminder about the emergency off switch on the back of the car. It also has a remote control so Gage can sit in it while I drive, but I have a feeling he won’t let that happen very often. There’s even a cable to hook up a phone or iPod so he can rock out to his favorite tunes while he’s cruising! They really thought of everything.
When we got home that afternoon, we immediately got the car out and Gage showed off for the neighbor. Of course, Caleb had to take it for a test drive as well. And when Evan got home from work later, Gage loved cruising around the cleared out garage. Sunday afternoon was the last day it was warm enough to play outside, but Gage spent a ton of time wheeling around through the crunchy leaves all over the yard! I was amazed that for the whole time he was in it, he never stopped smiling and giggling, laughing the hardest when he would get away from us and run into the fence, or barely miss the landscaping that borders the patio. I told Evan how impressed I was, because it’s one of the only things I can think of that keeps him entertained for a prolonged time without someone right there with him. I think the fact that he has a certain level of independence is what makes all the difference.
I’m so grateful that we had a chance to take part in this program and beyond thankful to the faculty and students who not only gave us an awesome new toy, but seemed to really care about Gage and making it work for him. It’s so refreshing to be around a group of people so invested in my child, with an understanding of the impact inclusion can make. There aren’t a lot of things that Gage can do just like every other kid. To have one thing that he can is such a huge blessing.