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Lexus and Cerebral Palsy Basis create a baby accessible automobile

Lexus and Cerebral Palsy Foundation create a ride-on vehicle accessible to children

The collaboration with Lexus celebrates the month of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness in March with a unique ride-on car for children with cerebral palsy

Lexus and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) have teamed up to create a unique ride-on vehicle inspired by children with cerebral palsy. The collaboration combines the brand's human-centered design philosophy with CPF's mission to improve the lives of people with cerebral palsy and open up the world of opportunity.

"People with cerebral palsy rarely get the interventions and support they need when they need them," he said Rachel Byrne, CPF Executive Director. "Our mission is to change this paradigm and be a catalyst for positive change through innovative collaborations and partnerships."

One of the biggest challenges for children with cerebral palsy is participating in their environment and playing like other children.

"At Lexus, our core design philosophy has always been about people," he said Cooper Ericksen, Vice President of the Lexus Group.

“We create vehicles around the art and science of human needs. In this case, we wanted to move the envelope and find out what this could mean for a child with cerebral palsy who couldn't experience the joy of mobility like other children. "

The ride-on vehicle was revealed to its recipient, Finley Smallwood, in March – a month also known as the National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Lexus and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation jointly identified specific mobility problems for children with cerebral palsy, and especially for Finley.

As it can be difficult for Finley to sit for long periods of time, changes have been made to the seat. Add side padding around the waist for side support, as well as an adjustable headrest and five-point harness. Your bespoke ride-on car also includes an enlarged door size and reduced ground clearance to make getting in and out easier.

Many children with cerebral palsy do not have the strength to hold and turn a steering wheel for a certain period of time, and mobility problems can make it impossible to use a foot pedal.

By adding a simple joystick for the armrest, Finley can control the direction and acceleration of the vehicle without the need for foot pedals or holding a steering wheel for an extended period of time. So she can drive like any other child.

"Oh, and we painted the body of the car purple," said Ericksen. "Because that's Finley's favorite color."

"While these changes will affect the life of a special child," added Ericksen, "it is also a step to open a door to explore the tremendous possibilities of human-centered design."

The partnership is supported by Givewith. More information and information about Finley's trip can be found on this website.