Cars for Disabled Children

Battery operated cars are always a popular present for kids around this time of year, but for some children, they're not just toys--the cars are changing their lives. 

Ryan Philio is going on six. "He wakes up everyday and does things he's not supposed to be able to do." says Ryan's mother, Paula Philio.

Ryan has a genetic disorder known as PCH1 that prevents the brain and muscles from developing properly. He can't speak, and he can barely move his body. 

The national non-profit program "Go Baby Go" modifies battery-operated cars for children who have disabilities. 

Professor Skye Donovon leads a chapter at Marymount University in Virginia. Showing features on the car, Donovan explains, "This is what we call an ability button. It's really touch sensitive. We can put this button anywhere to make it easier for the child to move or we can use it as therapy."

This car was custom-built for Ryan.  A Go Baby Go volunteer says, "We added a couple different modifications to support his body, support his trunk, and help support his head a little bit." 

In Ryan's case, the car helps him sit up straight to develop core muscles and use his hands, and his mom says that's not the best part, "In the evenings where everyone is playing. All the kids are out . He gets to take his car out and he gets to be like everybody else."

Ryan's life is not easy--  it's filled with physical therapy sessions and doctors appointments, but when he's behind the wheel, Philio says, "He just gets to be a little boy...a little boy."