‘Go Baby Go’ a Meaningful, Practical Application of Students’ Skills (VIDEO)

When a new extracurricular program is introduced, there's no telling how long it may take to build name recognition and widespread participation.

The University of Scranton's chapter of Go Baby Go, however, proved to be an instant success that continues growing as its third annual event approaches on Sunday, May 3.

"Nobody gets paid for this, it's not a requirement for any classes," said Kaitlyn Gelman, an occupational therapy graduate student from Hackensack, New Jersey. "Everyone just does it because they love it. They love what they do."

And what they do is take miniature toy cars and implement modifications - such as replacing the foot pedal with a push button or switch, relocating the steering wheel or adding padded crossbars, among other measures - and then donating those cars to local children with disabilities. The process began months ago, when the University's Go Baby Go volunteers met with the children and their families to best inform the type of modifications that were needed.

"The feeling at the end is so rewarding when you see the kids drive out from behind the curtain for the first time," Gelman said.

The unveiling and first drive will happen at Sunday's event, which will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Byron Recreation Complex. It is open to the public and will feature food, games, a photo booth and more.

"Go Baby Go has been very special to me," said Kathleen Egan, an occupational therapy graduate student from Rockville Centre, New York. "I've been a part of it for all three years of its chapter here at Scranton. I just think it's such an exciting way to use the skills we learn in class for real-life application.

"A lot of times, you can sit in class and learn things. But to see them come to life - and see how mobility and independence can change a child's life, through play - is so exciting."

In total, the University's Go Baby Go chapter had 70 students from 11 majors volunteer for this year's program. Together, they worked as 10 teams to create 10 cars.

Go Baby Go is a national, community-based research, design and outreach program, which, at Scranton, is supported by the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment.

"We really believe in mobility as a human right. Kids don't just need medically assisted mobility; they need to have fun and they need to play," said Stephanie DeNaples, occupational therapy faculty specialist. "This program really exemplifies the idea of working with each family and child and supplying their unique needs."

For more information, visit the organization on Instagram and Facebook.