MACON – Mercer University’s Engineering Scholars Program will host its latest Go Baby Go build on Oct. 27, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., on University Center Intramural Court No. 3 to modify battery-powered toy cars for children with limited mobility.
Go Baby Go is a national, community-based research, design and outreach program begun in 2012 at the University of Delaware. Integrating assistive technology, families, clinicians and industry partners, the program helps provide children with disabilities the opportunity for movement, mobility and socialization.
The University previously held events in December 2016, March 2017, October 2017 and February 2018. Altogether, these events provided mobility solutions to nearly 60 children.
For the upcoming build, Mercer’s freshman and senior Engineering Scholars will make and modify cars to fit the specific needs of children in approximately 15 families.
The event is supported by Dr. Philip McCreanor and Dr. Robert Watson in the School of Engineering, Dr. Sybil Keesbury in the Tift College of Education and Dr. Alyssa Fiss in the College of Health Professions.
“Go Baby Go provides Mercer students with a wonderful opportunity to provide fun and movement to children with disabilities and to engage and learn from and with students from other disciplines in a collaborative setting,” said Dr. Fiss, associate professor of physical therapy and director of physical therapy research.
“These events foster connections among the lower- and upperclassmen in the Engineering Scholars Program, education students, physical therapy students and technical communication students, as well as faculty and staff in the School of Engineering, Department of Technical Communication, School of Education and Department of Physical Therapy,” said Dr. Philip McCreanor, professor of engineering and director of the Engineering Scholars. “The Go Baby Go build events have become a highlight of the Engineering Scholars Program. From an academic perspective, these events introduce and reinforce basic electronics concepts through hands-on activities and promote the service-focused nature of not only the School of Engineering but also the larger Mercer University community.”
Additionally, Mercer student-athletes volunteer at the event to provide support to fellow students and faculty as well as the children and families receiving services.
