Providing Adaptive Ride-On Cars for Kids with Mobility Challenges

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin and Scottish Rite Valley of Milwaukee jointly announce their partnership with Children’s Wisconsin and The Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Engineering Center in support of the Go Baby Go Program. Through Go Baby Go, adaptive electronic ride-on cars are provided to children who have limited mobility and motor control. The cars allow for self-initiated mobility which aids in overall development and enhances quality of life and overall well-being, increases mobility, and increases social and peer interactions.

A check presentation was held on Sunday, January 24, 2021, to celebrate the partnership. Variety committed $10,000 for 2021 and Scottish Rite Valley of Milwaukee committed $24,000 over the next three years. This support will allow the Go Baby Go program to continue expanding and provide cars at no cost to families.

In conjunction with the check presentation, three children were presented with their Go Baby Go cars each customized to meet their individual therapeutic needs.

Jay Blankenship, Director of Development of Children’s Wisconsin said, “Wheelchairs for this young population are often not covered by insurance. The modified cars provide a safe, cost-effective, age-appropriate alternative to a power wheelchair.”

Dua Vang-Ramirez, Director of Operations of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin said, “Variety’s vision is that all children can actively participate and experience the joys of childhood. We are excited to partner with Children’s Wisconsin to provide adaptive ride-on cars and benefit from the expertise of The Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Engineering Center so children with mobility challenges have a safe and fun way to explore their world. Our hope is that these special children can gain mobility, confidence, independence and access their world.”

Michael D. Kugler, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Scottish Rite Valley of Milwaukee said, “We are delighted to again partner with our friends at Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin, and The Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Engineering Center in this truly remarkable effort called “Go Baby Go”. We recognize our responsibility to be good community citizens particularly where it benefits our most precious asset….our children. While we know the families are grateful to receive these custom–built electric vehicles at no cost to them, the real joy is watching the children having some fun at a critical time in their development. Their smiles and laughter are our greatest reward.”