GoBabyGo! Nebraska!
Independent mobility changes the way young children think about play and social interaction.
- Research shows that independent mobility promotes cognitive development and social interaction in children as young as six months.
- Moving independently changes spatial awareness, exploration, autonomy and self-determination.
Because of this, Cole Galloway, PT, PhD, at the University of Delaware, founded GoBabyGo to make devices for mobility easy to use for all kids and less costly for their families. GoBabyGo-trained teams at MMI to modify ride-on toy cars for young children with motor difficulties and they are provided, at no cost, to families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before applying for a GoBabyGo! car, review our FAQs.
Children may qualify for a GoBabyGo car if they:
- Are between 9 months and 4 years old.
- Have delays in crawling and/or walking.
- Can sit with support and keep their head upright, at least part of the time.
- Can see across the room, with our without glasses.
Children are not considered if they:
- Have a power wheelchair.
- Will soon receive a power wheelchair.
Most cars are given away first-come, first-serve.
We do ask that:
- All families attend the community build so the car can be fit for your child,
- A physical or occupational therapist is actively caring for your child to assist with the car once home, and
- A physical or occupational therapist who knows your child attends the car fitting on the day of the GoBabyGo build to be sure that all safety concerns are addressed.
- GoBabyGo builds happen twice a year, in spring and fall.
- Builds are held on Saturday mornings and families/children come for fittings between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- These events rely on a large group of student volunteers. Volunteers decide the dates about three months in advance.
- Typically, eight to 10 cars are given to given to MMI clients at each event, but numbers vary.
The cost of each ride on car is approximately $500. It takes a team of three to five volunteers about three hours to modify one car for a child. Throughout our program’s lifetime, all cars have been free to families through donations from:
- Munroe-Meyer Guild
- NU Foundation
- Community groups
- Individual donors
After reviewing all the FAQs to be sure that your child meets the considerations for a car, follow the application process that is described further down the page. Contact us if you have questions.
At this time, we only use specific types of new cars and do not accept used cars. But thanks for that generous thought.
Application Process
- First, please review all FAQs above. These will help you know if your child meets the considerations for a car. Contact us before filling out an application if you have questions.
- Review and complete the following two forms which must be signed by the child's parent or legal guardian and returned to us before the application can be finalized.
- GoBabyGo Agreement
- UNMC Media Authorization form
- Email the above signed forms to gobabygo@unmc.edu or FAX them to: 402-559-9263
- Fill out this application. Ask your child’s physical or occupational therapist to help if you don’t know all the information. Once submitted, the form automatically goes to the GoBabyGo team.
- Our team will contact you with more information once we receive the application, the signed GoBabyGo Agreement, and signed UNMC Media Authorization Form linked above.
Thank you, Donors
Our donors and partners help us succeed.Nebraska’s GoBabyGo! program began in 2016. Funded by the Munroe-Meyer Guild and other donors, the program is a partnership between MMI's Department of Physical Therapy, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska at Omaha engineering departments and the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions/Physical Therapy students.
Quick Facts: GoBabyGo! NE!
The GoBabyGo! movement originated with Cole Galloway, PT, PhD at University of Delaware after he recognized that young children with movement limitations needed low-cost, accessible mobility devices. Nebraska’s GoBabyGo! program began in 2016 with the help of the Munroe-Meyer Guild and other donors and partner.