Children “Mighty” Through Gift of New Movement Thanks to Partnership Between Local Nonprofit Developers and Professional Developers

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Edmonton, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Five children between the ages of two and five can now move independently thanks to the new EMPOWER Car Project, which provides customized, motorized vehicles to children with disabilities. Mobility devices like these enable children to move and explore independently during activities, such as family walks or trips to the shops or library, rather than relying on a parent or carer to propel them in a wheelchair.

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These vehicles are customized to suit each child’s unique mobility needs and development, giving them more independence and closing accessibility gaps at an early age. Children often only receive power delivery devices when they are older, missing a window during important periods of brain development.

“This project highlights what can be achieved when engineering technology meets the needs of our community. This commitment to improving lives is a hallmark of the engineering profession, and APEGA is proud to be a partner in this project and happy to see these children gain more freedom,” said Jay Nagendran, P.Eng., FCAE, ICD. D, FEC, FGC (Hon.), APEGA Registrar and CEO.

Professional engineers volunteering with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and physical and occupational therapists from GRIT, a Canadian early childhood learning center, have partnered to create the EMPOWER Car Project. On November 28, 2024, children received their EMPOWER vehicles at a dedication ceremony in Safety City, ready to enjoy their increasing independence and mobility.

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ENERGY moving cars take only 20 hours to build and cost about $700 to produce, a much lower cost than conventional energy devices that often range in the tens of thousands of dollars. Portable and easy to handle, these vehicles can be transported in the trunk of a car and have been tested in a variety of weather conditions—from snow to mud—to ensure children’s mobility throughout the year.

“EMPOWER vehicles are a wonderful gift for these families. At GRIT, we know how important and how reassuring it is when children can gain independence by reducing barriers to mobility. We are very grateful for APEGA’s donation and we are happy for the five children who will now have more opportunities to explore and interact with the world around them in new ways thanks to their AMAMAMANDLA cars,” said Amber Mack, CEO of GRIT.

APEGA and GRIT volunteers will continue to work together to build Stronger Cars and refine the design based on user feedback. Anyone interested in supporting the emPOWER Car Project and similar projects can do so at gritprogram.ca/donate.

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FAST FACTS AND TIME LINE:

2018: A professional engineer working with GRIT asked APEGA for help in repairing a functional mobility device called the Cooper Car.

2019: The EMPOWER Project Team was formed, joining professional engineers and GRIT therapists. Cooper’s Car Repair was completed, and a team of professional engineers realized a different type of car that would better meet the needs of children. The team decided to design a new, innovative car and began preliminary design and simulation work.

2020: The pandemic brought new challenges, but the volunteers worked hard and stuck to their goal.

2021: Prototype work is ongoing, including map testing and certification requirements. Testing of the prototype began in various locations and conditions.

2022: The licensing function began to determine the necessary certificates for the vehicle. The electrical components of four other vehicles were assembled.

2023: The electrical components of the vehicles were completed.

2024: Planning and licensing were completed, and the EMPOWER vehicles were officially delivered to the children at a dedication ceremony in Edmonton.

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Attached

• Children “Given” Gift of New Movement Thanks to Partnership Between Local Nonprofits and Developers

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