04 Apr 2026 UCA students build custom cars for children’s independence and mobility

On March 14, seven Central Arkansas children received personalized, ride-on cars from the University of Central Arkansas through the Go Baby Go Program.

Go Baby Go is an international, often student-led initiative that modifies battery-powered ride-on cars for children with limited mobility, fostering independence, social interaction and cognitive growth. 

By providing customized, accessible transportation, the program allows children to move freely, play, explore and interact with siblings and peers in ways that might not otherwise be possible—helping improve both confidence and overall quality of life.

UCA speech-language pathology (SLP), occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) students worked in teams for weeks to adapt each car to the child’s specific needs, adding supportive seating, customized controls and safety features. 

The cars were presented at the Conway High School Fieldhouse, where students, families and faculty gathered to celebrate. As each child climbed into their car and took off, the room quickly filled with smiles, laughter and a clear sense of excitement—making the impact of the project unmistakable.