Disability and Mobility Do-it-Yourself Co-Op

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to describe the driving experience and emotional responses of young children who experience mobility limitations during initial use of the Explorer Mini, a new pediatric powered mobility device.

METHODS: The current study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional, and mixed- method approach. Thirty-three young children between 6 and 36 months of age who experience mobility limitations participated in this study and were provided up to two, 15-minute driving sessions with the Explorer Mini. Researchers completed an observation form that included field notes (qualitative data) and answers to yes/no questions to generate percentages of observed behaviors (quantitative data) regarding young children's driving experience and emotional responses while using the Explorer Mini.

RESULTS: Thematic analysis from field notes (i.e., qualitative data) revealed two inter-related themes: 1) I can move, 2) I think I like it- don't I? Ninety four percent (i.e., quantitative data) of young children were able to move the Explorer Mini to explore their environment.

CONCLUSIONS: Young children demonstrated self-initiated mobility with a powered mobility device using the midline joystick. The results support the notion that infants 6-36 months can effectively use the Explorer Mini. The device received Food and Drug Administration 510k clearance in February 2020.