Valparaiso University, in collaboration with Jacobs Ladder Pediatric Rehabilitation and Kidworks Pediatric Therapy Center in Chesterton, has been awarded a $20,000 Collaboration Challenge Grant. The grant, provided by First Things First Porter County, an initiative of the Porter County Community Foundation, will enhance the University's GoBabyGo program and toy modification initiatives, aiming to improve independence and outcomes for children facing developmental challenges.
The GoBabyGo program at Valparaiso University, which launched in 2024, focuses on assisting children with disabilities in navigating their surroundings more independently. The program brings together engineering and occupational therapy students to adapt commercially available ride-on vehicles, making them operable for children with diverse needs. This approach is distinguished by its family-centered focus, integrating families as partners in the design process. Theresa Carroll, OTD, OTR/L, noted that this collaboration ensures the modifications truly meet children's needs, increasing the likelihood of vehicle use.
Complementing GoBabyGo, the toy modification initiative began in the spring of 2026. This project addresses the difficulty children with developmental disabilities often experience with small buttons and switches on electronic toys. Students work alongside families to redesign these interactive elements, making them more accessible. The goal is to allow more children to fully engage with playtime, which is crucial for developing a sense of cause and effect.
The Collaboration Challenge Grant will enable both programs to undertake more ambitious vehicle and toy modifications, thereby improving the lives of a greater number of children in the area. A portion of the funding will also compensate therapists from Jacob’s Ladder and Kidworks for their time, particularly as they support children during vehicle testing and pickup. Both GoBabyGo and the toy modification projects are collaborative efforts between the College of Nursing and Health Professions’ Occupational Therapy program and the College of Engineering’s bioengineering and mechanical engineering programs.
This interdisciplinary collaboration provides students with both a stronger technical understanding of their fields and invaluable soft skills essential for professional environments. Occupational therapy student Brianna Wilson ’28 highlighted the "vital importance of interdisciplinary teamwork." Similarly, Carter Mullens ’26, a bioengineering major involved in the project’s initial semester, remarked that "Everyone brings different perspectives," illustrating how engineers translate occupational therapy instructions into practical solutions.
These programs are currently accessible to applicants who receive therapy services through the Indiana First Steps program. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact their providers for more information. First Things First, launched in 2021 by the Porter County Community Foundation, aims to strengthen partnerships that promote healthy beginnings, family support, and early relational health. It works to create a robust ecosystem of care and support, ensuring every baby in Porter County has a strong start.
