Self-directed mobility is a fundamental human right. Typically developing children engage in mobility for a majority of their day, but children with disabilities do not have the same opportunities. Children with disabilities are at a disadvantage and have a greater risk for developmental delays in physical and cognitive skills, along...
The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of a mobile socially assistive robot (SAR) in a children’s free play environment. The researchers hypothesized that the SAR would prompt more movement among the participants. In order to test this, the researchers utilized a matched pair study in which...
While the use of powered mobility devices for young children with mobility challenges has taken off in recent years following evidence that the use of powered mobility at a young age augments other traditional mobility skill interventions, the research is still limited and focuses on physical impacts more. Recently, the...
Purpose: The purposes of this study are to determine the within subject and between subject effects of play markings, gross motor toys, and a larger play space on the physical activity of children with and without disabilities. Method: A group comparison design was implemented and a total of 12 children...
This thesis describes the implementation of ultrasonic sensors to trigger a stimulus to increase peer interaction for children with disabilities using modified ride-on-cars for mobility. Modified ride-on-car technology has improved mobility for children with disabilities by effectively replicating the social benefits of a powered mobility device, yet there are opportunities...
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) engage in lesser physical activity (PA) and more time in sedentary activities as compared to those without disabilities. A subset of people with IDD who are most vulnerable to develop habits detrimental to health is the emerging adults who are transitioning from adolescence...
Modified ride-on cars (ROCs) offer children with disabilities access to independent mobility. Aims: 1) To examine the association between caregiver attitudes towards self-directed mobility, caregiver alignment with the medical and social models of disability, and total modified ROC driving time; 2) To compare caregiver attitudes towards self-directed mobility, caregiver alignment...
Modified ride-on cars are provided to children as a means of independent mobility. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how the provision of modified ROCs to children with disabilities affects the development of problem-solving and personal-social skills. Methods: The amount of time children spent driving the modified...
Modified ride-on cars are used by young children with disabilities for self-directed mobility. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to (1) determine the association between modified ride-on car driving time, family income, and primary caregiver education level; and (2) compare modified ride-on car driving time, family income, and primary...
The purpose of this study was to understand current caregiver attitudes towards powered mobility devices for young children with disabilities. This data was obtained by collecting surveys from pediatric physical therapists who interact with many caregivers on a daily basis and often act as the bridge between families and access...