Lexus and Cerebral Palsy Foundation create child's ride-on toy

Lexus and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) have joined forces to improve the lives of people with cerebral palsy. The collaboration has seen a one-of-a-kind ride-on vehicle designed for children with cerebral palsy.

People with cerebral palsy rarely get the interventions and support they need. CPF's mission is to shift this paradigm and act as a catalyst for creating positive change through innovative collaborations and partnerships.

One of the greatest challenges for children with cerebral palsy is being able to participate and play in their environment as other children do.

At Lexus, the core design philosophy has always been human-centric, creating vehicles around the art and science of human needs. Lexus has put this philosophy into action, exploring how it may be possible for a child with cerebral palsy to experience the joy of mobility like other children have.

The ride-on vehicle was developed as one such solution. The car was revealed to one patient of cerebral palsy, Finley Smallwood, in March - a month also designated as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.

Because it can be difficult for Finley to sit for long periods of time, modifications were first made to the seat of the ride-on vehicle, with added side padding for lateral support around her waist along with an adjustable headrest and a five-point harness. Her customised ride-on car also includes increased door size and reduced ground clearance to allow for ease of entry and exit.

Many children with cerebral palsy do not have the strength to be able to hold and turn a steering wheel consistently for a given period of time, and mobility challenges can make using a foot pedal impossible.

Adding something as simple as an armrest joystick allows Finley the ability to control the direction and acceleration of the vehicle without the need for foot pedals or holding a steering wheel for an extended period of time - giving her the freedom to drive just like any other child.