Their first car, for a boy with cerebral palsy, has proven challenging on several fronts. \u201cHis legs and arms have trouble bending, and he\u2019s very tall and thin,\u201d said Kostenbauer, of Monument, Colo<\/strong>. \u201cHe can\u2019t fit in the car, so we made a seat on top of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Kostenbauer and Pineau noted that getting it right matters because the car is more than a plaything. It provides therapeutic benefits. \u201cThe main goal (of this car) would be to get him to develop the flexion to bend his knees and his elbows,\u201d said Pineau, of Little Compton<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biomedical engineering students Miranda Mitchell of Merrimack, N.H.<\/strong>, Alaa Eid of Coventry<\/strong> and Celia Dunn of Jericho, Vt<\/strong>., pitched in with Lil\u2019 Rhody Riders as part of their capstone projects. They created a push-button that acts as a gas pedal because the child with cerebral palsy has better control with his upper body. It automatically breaks when he releases the pressure.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some vehicles are controlled by a joystick so a child can work on fine motor skills; push buttons help children who lack the dexterity to turn a wheel; and lateral supports ensure safety and bolster the trunk and pelvises of children who need that, Pineau said.<\/p>\n The team also built a car for a child with spina bifida referred by Hasbro Children\u2019s Hospital in Providence. \u201cWe put the gas pedal behind his leg so he has to push back. He\u2019s a little weak with that, so we want to strengthen him,\u201d Kostenbauer said.<\/p>\n That child took his first ride<\/a> in the car last week in Kingston.<\/p>\n Two other cars were given to Meeting Street in Providence, a nonprofit organization that educates children with special needs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The students begin by assessing each child and measuring flexibility, strength, motor skills and range of motion. They also talk to parents about their goals for the child\u2019s development. \u201cIn class you have case studies, but when you have the person in front of you, it\u2019s easier,\u201d Kostenbauer said.<\/p>\n After that, construction begins. Pineau and Kostenbauer have learned to use drills and saws and problem solve as they go. \u201cWe\u2019re definitely showing some girl power, \u201cPineau said of the all-female team.<\/p>\n The children get behind the wheel for the first time during Lil\u2019 Rhody Riders\u2019 Day of Play planned for late spring. \u201cIt\u2019s very rewarding just seeing the kids being able to play,\u201d Pineau said.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news-draft\/wp-content\/uploads\/news\/sites\/16\/2021\/05\/KostenbauerPineau-1.jpg\")
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